Calumet C1 - This camera actually scares me...

[Kino]

At that point, why not 5x7 -- lots more options -- and even less weight, more film, etc.

I have a nice 5x7 Gunlach Korona, but it has a funky, small lens board that is not very large and can't accommodate newer lenses. I will probably be stuck with the Kodak 207mm and 121mm wide lenses.

I also have a Whole Plate of the same vintage/brand, but was hoping to not have to cut-down the film with all the additional danger of scratching/fogging the film during the process. Luckily, it's lens board is of sufficient size to take more modern lenses; I just have to make/buy more now.

The downside is neither has the ability to do front tilts or swings and very limited back movements.

Yes, those are the cameras that I spoke of that will probably ride in the F64 backpack now. I was just hoping to get the 8x10 into the field, which has all possible movements.

Of course, I could attempt to sell them all and get one good 8x10 field camera...

Yes, First World problem, I know. Wahh, wahh, wahh!

[xkaes]

Yes, First World problem, I know. Wahh, wahh, wahh!

We all have (or had) that problem at one time or another -- and some of us more than once -- Stuck in the middle.

[Michael Kadillak]

We all have (or had) that problem at one time or another -- and some of us more than once -- Stuck in the middle.

I have a like new black C1 and it is like any piece of large format equipment. It fits into a niche that I continue to find useful. This camera has a couple of unique features that I always appreciate. First the original ground glass is the brightest I have ever used. Not sure it it was acid etched or what, but it is marvelous to use. Secondly, I really like the metal dark cloth support member which makes it easy to work under and the bale back is also nice. Thirdly, I like the stability of the camera when shooting with 24" and 30" lenses. Lastly, the ability to loosen up the side clamps and slide the camera forward or backwards from a static tripod for precision framing macro photography is simply fantastic. It does not go long distances from the truck, but it is a well designed photographic tool for which going to the gym (a requirement for 8x10 and larger LF in ones 60's) is essential. Cheers!

[Greg]

Yes, definitely a bit of a beast. It replaced my wooden 8x10 Burke & James Commercial view in the late 1970s. Initially I thought it was a mistake buying it, but after using it for several months I came to like it over my wooden 8x10 Burke & James Commercial view. I seem to recall that Brett Weston used it for shooting 8x10s???

[David Lindquist]

Yes, Brett Weston used the C-1. So did Cole Weston.

I had one. Like an earlier poster, I got too old for its weight. I do miss looking at the big ground glass...

David