Originally Posted by
Jody_S
Seems a little overpriced? Depends what you think that lens is worth, I suppose, but I don't think the camera itself would fetch more than about $600.
I use that model in 8x10, standard holders don't fit but I made an adapter (U-shaped spacer).
The front standard is too wobbly for a lens that size, and as you've noticed they have a tiny lens board that is not big enough for most of the large lenses anyway. The rise on the front standard is supposed to be held by a very flimsy brass piece that catches on some teeth in the rear of the standard, none of these hold without some help. I modified mine with a slide and a set knob on the other side of the standard to lock it in place. Mine isn't a museum piece so I didn't feel bad about making some mods. You could perhaps save the original mechanism by adding a 2nd spring in the rear to stiffen it. I saved my bellows by taking them apart and re-lining them, not a great job but it works.
On the plus side, this is an incredibly compact and light field camera, and you can sort of get the movements you need by fiddling a little. They are surprisingly durable for such a small camera, though I recommend bringing a couple of small clamps and some wood glue on trips. Having enough of the original holders is a big plus.
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