William D. Bartels
21-Apr-2000, 19:16
Hello, I need a little advise from any 8x10 shooters out there. I have the oppotunity to purchase an older Cambo camera. I am not sure of the mo del designation but this camera converts from 8x10, 5x7 and 4x5, has a load of a ccessories for the 4x5, bag bellows, reflex viewer,compendium lens hood,Graflock back with Boss screen, recessed boards,ect. It includes a 30" and 16" rails and is very light weight I am mainly interested in the 8x10 as I have been making z iatype contact prints from 5x7 negs. and would like to shoot 8x10 also. I shoot mostly lanscapes but also do studio work, still lifes and potraits. I am told le ns boards for the 8x10 portion are no longer available but it includes (6) 8x10 boards. I already puchased a 300mm Fuginon A lens from this owner and will get a 240 fuginon A with the deal. I currently shoot with a Linhof 5x7 Tech III. It i s a very nice camera but lacks front lens tilt an weighs 10 lbs. My question is should I sell the Linhof and go for the Cambo I beieve he wants around $1500.00 for the outfit including the 240mm Fuginon. I do think I would like the flexabil ity of this camera but I have seen straight Cambo/Calumet 8x10 cameras that sold for around $700.00. Any advise greatly appreciated. I know camera choice is a p ersonal thing but I seem to be gravitating to larger formats and contact printin g after having shot 4x5 for a year or so and 5x7 for only about 6 months. I also like the added movements gained with a monorail camera. Thanks Bill Bartels