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. :D:D:D

[Shootar401]

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

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

[Shootar401]

I live in an apartment so there is not a bunch of room for an enlarger. My girlfriend doesn't mind if I have one, its just a space issue really. But yeah Contact printing with 8x10 and some alt processes would be killer. I shoot the Arista because its cheap and I can go trough a box of 50 in 2 weeks and not feel it in the wallet, and I kind of like the traditional look.

[jp]

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?100107-F-S-Century-7

[Cletus]

I've been doing contact printing, in silver and pt/pd since I moved up to 8x10 and I'm hooked. I barely shoot 4x5 anymore, although I know I eventually will get back to it. I also thought I'd immediately want to move into even larger formats once I started shooting 8x10, but that hasn't really been the case. Not that I would turn down an 11x14 or 8x20 camera if someone wanted to give me one, I just think you might find that 8x10 is enough of a challenge (compared to 4x5) to keep you busy and happy for a pretty good while. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[E. von Hoegh]

Don't worry about what you spend on an 8x10 and associated gear (within reason, that is). Worry instead about what you can sell it on for if you decide to get rid of it. Buy a camera that is desireable, at a fair price, and you'll always be able to get your money back. Don't forget you'll need some lenses and a heavier tripod, too.

Then there's feeding the thing...(laughing smiley)

[Shootar401]

Well I have 2 Speed Graphics, one in 4x5 and another in 5x7. a Horseman 4x5, and 2 Ansco 5x7 universal view cameras, one with a 4x5 back and one with both a 4x5 and 5x7 back. So I seriously think I'm going to sell the Horseman, and the Ansco with the 4x5 back. Maybe the 5x7 speed and just keep the 4x5 Speed and 4x5/5x7 Ansco.. That should generate enough funds to get an 8x10, lens (or two) and 2 holders and starter film.

I love the heft and durability of the AGFA/Ansco universal cameras. Yes I know they are heavy but I spent 8 years in the Army, 3 years of those lugging a M240B machine gun over the mountains of Afghanistan so weight doesn't bother me.

[Doremus Scudder]

Sorry I have to ask, but what is IQ?

Larger film is inherently smarter than smaller film...?

No, I think it's digispeak for "image quality."

Best,

Doremus

[Pawlowski6132]

How big a print are you noticing this IQ in.

[John Kasaian]

Go for it!

[Roger Thoms]

Larger film is inherently smarter than smaller film...?

No, I think it's digispeak for "image quality."

Best,

Doremus

Yes, it just like having a bigger brain.

Roger

[Jody_S]

I'm a firm believer that one should pursue one's dreams provided they are within reach. If you can afford to shoot 8x10, go for it. At the risk of sounding like a teenager, You Only Live Once.

Personally, I'm reconsidering, due to the cost of film. I enjoy shooting X-Ray film, but I'm getting better images from proper 4x5 film than from 8x10 X-Ray. I have 300shts of color transparency 8x10 on-hand, but I can't afford the processing. Plus, I have an enlarger that handles 4x5. So why break my back hauling around the larger camera?