Why do I put myself in these situations?

[Shootar401]

So I've been shooting 4x5 with my Horseman and SG for a while and been pretty happy with the results. Recently I started putting the 5x7 back on my Ansco and taking out my Speed Graphic 5x7 more and more and aside from getting used to tray development I was blown away by the IQ difference from just a slightly larger film size. Now I'm getting the bug to buy a 8x10 and do some contact printing. I know as soon as I get an 8x10 I'll want a 11x14.

Think I can pick up a good 8x10 Agfa/Ansco for around $200? I have one holder lens already. I'll probably shoot some Arista 100 for now and then some Provia soon after.

[Renato Tonelli]

I think you should skip the 8x10 and go straightaway for the 11x14.

[Dan Henderson]

Sorry I have to ask, but what is IQ?

[C. D. Keth]

Think I can pick up a good 8x10 Agfa/Ansco for around $200? I have one holder lens already. I'll probably shoot some Arista 100 for now and then some Provia soon after.

I would be surprised if you could get a good one for $200. Whether you find one that needs new bellows and replace them or find a useable camera out of the box, I think you're looking at $350 bare minimum right now.

[vinny]

Sorry I have to ask, but what is IQ?

Image quality.

[Greg Y]

Shootar...'slightly larger film size'.......5x7 is almost double... 20 sq inches / 35 sq inches.
Love that 5x7!

[Sal Santamaura]

...Think I can pick up a good 8x10 Agfa/Ansco for around $200?...

I don't know, but if you find one, be sure to ask the seller for its original box.

[Shootar401]

I don't know, but if you find one, be sure to ask the seller for its original box.

I see what you did there

[jp]

If you want some better image quality, upgrade film from arista100 to acros/tmy2/delta100. Oh wait, that won't stop the hankering for a bigger camera. 8x10 contact printing is very nice, but not super flexible for resizing output as I don't have a big enlarger setup. I like 8x10 for alt process printing, and for the old lenses designed for 8x10 and WP sizes.

It is possible to get an 8x10 camera for $200 if you have a long time wait on clist and travel far. Better would be to pony up a little more $ and get it shipped to you. For $200 it might have bad bellows too.

[Roger Thoms]

To answer the question in the title of this thread, I suspect it's cause you just can't help yourself. I would get the 8x10 and when looking for lenses keep in mind that if they also cover 11x14 that would be a big plus.

Roger