Calumet C1 - This camera actually scares me...

[Kino]

I think I finally overstepped my abilities. I bought a "Black Beast" a week ago and it arrived today.

It's the first camera that actually made me a bit apprehensive when I unwrapped it and wrestled it onto a tripod.

Other than being dirty from storage and a few tiny pinholes in the bellows, it's in remarkably good condition. I'll need to buy a lens, lens board (Deardorf compatible I believe) and a couple of holders to make it functional.

I pinched a large blood blister on one finger using a Calumet 4x5; this one could take off a leg if I am not careful.

Really beginning to wonder if I could ever take it out into the field beyond a few feet from the car, but I am willing to try (on a very calm day).

Any tips from dedicated users of this monstrosity will be appreciated.

I feel it's presence in the case next to me as I type this; hope it has good intentions toward me...

[Tin Can]

It is a Studio camera

I sold 4 of them 10 years ago

BUT still use the very good backs on my huge copy camera

[Duolab123]

Very industrial beasties. Quite quintessential American metal. I believe like the Calumet 4x5 this was originally an Eastman Master camera.

[j.e.simmons]

In my 50s, trekked one all across Florida swamps and prairies. I used a modified baby stroller as a cart. Brett Weston carried one all around the desert. Its a great camera. It requires a substantial tripod.

That said, when I hit 64, I traded for a lighter Wehman and the lighter tripod it can use.

[AJ Edmondson]

I back-packed a C-1 for thirty years along with one of the old Gitzo aluminum tripods. I am not "large" (5'8", 140 lbs) but I always managed the camera, tripod, Pentax spot-meter (analog), 4 film holders and 10" Wide-field Ektar or 210mm f6.8 Angulon. Up and down the Appalachian Trail and Chatooga River as well as North and South Carolina and Tennessee. I finally sold the C-1 about ten years ago when I hit 71 - only because I moved to south-central Georgia and there didn't seem to be much to photograph - no white-water, scant waterfalls. Just not my chosen subjects. I "auditioned" a Wista 810D but was not as happy - the Calumet C1 was always my Camera of choice after my first exposure to it while producing a GS catalog at Redstone Arsenal. I hope your experience mirrors mine!
Joel

[Kino]

Hats off to those who hiked with this camera into the Wilderness!

Starting late at 63, I doubt I will be doing much of that but we will see.

Maybe if I don't get too far off the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway...

[j.e.simmons]

Do some strength training - weights, bands, etc.

[AJ Edmondson]

Best training - load up the camera and equipment into a back-pack and set off on a short excursion with a specific (and, yes, attainable) goal. For years the only camera I owned was the C1 and still today it would be my camera of choice. If you plan carefully and remember that it is not a race you will be fine and won't amputate any digits. Seriously, I envy you and if I were fortunate enough to be back in my chosen haunts, this would be my weapon of choice. Lot of great memories from Europe, California, Texas, Alabama - maybe I was a glutton for punishment after all. Good light Kino!
Joel

[Mark Sampson]

I used the magnesium (green) version on the job in the '80s and '90s, although that was industrial and studio work.
Don't be intimidated by the C-1 (a Calumet design btw). It's a fine machine.
I'll say that the key to using any 8x10 in the field is having a comfortable outfit for it... backpack, baby jogger, cart, whatever works. And the right tripod for both you and the camera.
Also recall the well-known (if often misquoted) saying from Brett Weston- "if it's more than fifty yards from the car, it's not photogenic."
Best of luck!

[Ben Calwell]

I had a black version years ago when I was younger and stronger. It was definitely a load to carry around. The weight of it, for me, inspired naps, not photos.

[John Layton]

Had the green (monster) version ages ago...used it almost exclusively with a 210 f/9 Computar. Acquisition was inspired by Cole Weston...who'd walked me around his, and related how - whenever he and his camera got caught out by a big wave...he'd simply hose the green beast off and let it dry out a bit.

Ultimately did not warm up to 8x10, and ended up using it mostly for jobs where clients demanded 8x10 chromes. I did like the C-1 for its sturdiness and utility. But to carry it around now - as I'm about to hit 70? Heck...my 11x14 (which I still do carry around) is lighter!

[Tin Can]

C1 made in Chicago

Karsh a very famous location shooter, shot the elect

He used a custom white C1

I have a Book of 100 print Karah Prints

4 are hanging in my museum

[Robert Opheim]

I have a C-1 "Black Beast" I carry in maybe 1/2 mile from my car after going out scouting to find the first image. I'm not hiking with it - I have other formats for that - that are much lighter than the 8x10 format. The Calumet is very very stable, and has a 34 inch long bellows. Sinar and Arca Swiss system cameras are great systems and can be made longer - but, they are more expensive and are heavy and bulky as well. There are lighter 8x10 cameras but many of them have shorter bellows draw - limiting the flexibility of image making (longer lenses and close-up images). The aluminum C-1 Calumet weights 18 pounds - the rest of my typical 8x10 gear is probably 30 - 40 pounds - when I go out. As an example I have a 355mm G Claron lens that works great on the Calumet - where I have recently used the full bellows draw of 34 inches. I have worked with lenses from 165mm to 450mm on this camera. I am currently 68. I would like a lighter camera but what I see is a lot more expensive. It all depends what you are making images of, the length of lenses used, and the end result that you want to achieve. The point is you need to make images, If you can't use the Calumet C-1 get a different camera. The Calumet C-1 is an industrial tank - but so are all 8x10 cameras (just lighter).

[Rick A]

I bought a used jogging stroller to drag my 8x10 Nagaoka and gear around, best $50 bucks I ever spent for camera gear.

[xkaes]

Think of all the money you'll save from not needing your gym membership anymore. Save it all up, and in no time at all, you'll be able to afford a more appropriate field camera.

[Kino]

I just got in a F64 backpack (largest size) and will see how that works; just hope I don't tip over backwards!

Was investigating backpacking/hiking carts but they are both very expensive and banned in National Forrest/US Park Servie areas. Maybe I'll see about a jogging stroller for private land and use the backpack for the Government areas.

[Kino]

My gym is my yard and mower. Can't quit that! :(

[AuditorOne]

I sold mine when I turned 70. Have not missed it.

[Kino]

Nope. The F64 Large Backpack doesn't come close to accommodating the camera.

I have other cameras it will work with, so it wasn't a wasted purchase but it is a disappointment.

Looks like a form-blown suitcase or resell the camera.

Whole plate is starting to look like a much better option.

[xkaes]

Whole plate is starting to look like a much better option.

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

[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