Eastman Commercial 8x10 Model B-question

[dimento]

The above camera seems like a reasonably lightweight possibility for an 8X10,

does anyone have one and can give me some feedback?

I think I read somewhere that the basic model has a short rail and is not so good for say head/shoulders portraits?

Lensboards, are they standard, easy to find?

any other tips appreciated. I'm thinking of buying one

D

[dimento]

dammit, the one I was looking at has sold, still be interested to hear thoughts

[Regular Rod]

I used to have a whole plate sized Model B. It was easy and quick to set up. The lens could stay mounted when the camera was folded. Mine had an extended rail that was a minute or two to add on for portraiture. Mostly I used it for interiors/ landscape/medieval architecture with a Wray lens. I was a fool to sell it during a downsizing house move!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7248891620_7ed568bc97_c.jpg

RR

[dimento]

Nice work,thanks for the info, what was the bellows extension like w/o the ext rail

and while I'm at it, any opinions on the Kodak 2D? thanks

[Peter De Smidt]

I have a 2D 8x10. It's light weight and quick to set up. It's kinda sturdy :). It wouldn't be my first choice on a gusty day. It doesn't have front tilt, if you value that. It's a nice camera for location portraiture and general landscape work.

[dimento]

@Peter, thanks for the info, always good to hear from an owner

[Michael S]

I own and love my Kodak 2D camera. It is a quick set up and it is the quintessential field view camera for 8x10, being light weight for its size.

[Regular Rod]

Nice work,thanks for the info, what was the bellows extension like w/o the ext rail...

AFAICR about 30 inches.

RR

[Fredrick]

I have one.


... It's heavy, clumsy and impossible to fit in a backpack. I have to use a 130L Reconpack to carry it. I have the model with the extention rail and the front tilt. It works, it makes photos - but it is heavy and somewhat cumbersome to set up.

[Regular Rod]

I have one.


... It's heavy, clumsy and impossible to fit in a backpack. I have to use a 130L Reconpack to carry it. I have the model with the extention rail and the front tilt. It works, it makes photos - but it is heavy and somewhat cumbersome to set up.

Are you sure it's a model B? Mine fitted into a small rucksack.

RR

[DrTang]

used to have one years ago...still might have the tripod for it somewhere

never liked the design - in wood or magnesium... I found it kind of 'rickety' compaired to a Deardorf or Agfa I got later.

[ederphoto]

First of all it is an 8x10 so expect it to be in the 12 lbs range , just like a Kodak 2D , Deardorff , Korona , Senecas .I've had them all .This is a much better camera than the wooden ones .I had one eastman commercial that took a beating and it was as sturdy as a new one ,unlike the wooden cameras .Ansel Adams had and used one for a long time .If it was good for him it should be good for us .These cameras have extension rails for them but if you buy a camera with one missing ... it can a pain finding one .Find one with the extension and you can shoot close ups and anything that pleases you .They are great cameras , go for it , you won't regret .Remember ... Stuuuuuurdy !!!

[dimento]

Thanks for all the replies.

@ederphoto thanks, the one I was mulling over had no extension rail, so it's prob best there is a guy called Matt Marash who goes around shooting on one at Trade Shows etc.

cheers, D