Hello from Australia :)

[Keith Corlass]

Hi all,

Studying Fine Art at rmit here in melbourne, majoring in photography. I shoot 35mm and MF hoping to take the plunge into LF soon. The sheer amount of equipment and information out there has left me a little confused, hoping the forum can help me out. Amazing resource you've created here. Props to the community.

I'd like to do contact prints, and then hopefully platinum printing, So I'm looking at getting an 8x10. I'd also like do some enlargements, but the largest enlarger I have access is 4x5, so a reducing back seems like the best option.
I shoot mainly landscape and figure, so something "back packable" is a must. I'm young and silly though so as long as one person can handle I'm not too fussed on weight and baulk.
I dont think I need excessive movements, but something capable of all would be nice.
Up and running budget of $1500 (AUS/US)

So what are some good options? Kodak master view or D2, wista, Century Universal, Tachihara 8x10, B&J, Calumet cadet, Omega, Zone VI???

[Bush]

Hi, If you dont mind I have an deardorff camera 8x10 in Sydney. Really to sell it because I have many 8x10 camera

[SMBooth]

Hi Keith,
Welcome from another Melbournite LFer.

[Jody_S]

hi Keith, give up 'contact printing' and you should be able to do everything on your list for $300-500 in 4x5.

[Lachlan 717]

Welcome, Keith.

Get fair dinkum and get an 11x14" for your contact prints!

There are quite a few LF Shooters here in the greater Melbourne area; most willing to give you a hand if you want/need it. Just feel free to ask.

All the best with your search!

[Paul Ewins]

Keith, if you want a look at a B&J and a Calumet C1 (aka green monster) I can help out there. No KMVs, Canhams, Tachis or Deardorffs here I'm afraid.

[Keith Corlass]

@Bush, interested for for sure, Could you PM me with details? Thanks :)

@Lachlan Haha but where does it end? Why not 16x20 or 20x24. Thank you, I'll be sure to ask :) Is there anywhere local good for used LF camera's? Or just stick to ebay?

@Paul, hi man defiantly interested, could you PM with details? Cheers :)

[Michael Wynd]

Welcome Keith. I did the first year of the RMIT course in 1989 but had to pull out due to divorce. I learnt heaps from the instructors and had a great time. I use a Tachi 8x10 and love it. Paul's a good guy and knows his stuff so you can't go wrong dealing with him.
Mike