Seeking info on 8x10 cameras

[richardman]

I am considering it

[djdister]

Hi, it depends what you are intending to use it for. Think carefully, because you are gonna end up carrying it or leaving it only at the home/studio etc! Unlike 4x5, you are going to need more room and strong assistant or back to be mobile. I have a Rajah - Indian version of Deardorff! A copy but a very good one indeed for a fraction of the original. But they are not easy to find! Good luck!

The OP said he intends to use it for studio portraits, so if that is the case, weight won't be much of an issue.

[mdarnton]

I don't know why people prefer plastic holders--maybe it's just something about the romance of plastic. :-) The specs are the same if you buy ones that aren't prehistoric, and you can get GREAT deals. They weigh less than plastic, and they wear better. I've got all wood, and every one is near brand new. Most of them cost me around $20-25 each. Try that with plastic.

[Old-N-Feeble]

And plastic attracts dust far more than wood...

[joselsgil]

Am I right in believing that the wooden 8x10 holders are not usually all to the same spec? Different T-distances on Kodak 2D's, Ansco's, and the like?

Some 8X10 holders are made for plate holders, but can be fitted to hold film. However, they are thicker than the standard film holder.

[goamules]

I like wood too. But wood becomes unglued, can warp, and generates dust from deterioration. Try that with plastic!

[Old-N-Feeble]

I like wood too. But wood becomes unglued, can warp, and generates dust from deterioration. Try that with plastic!

Plastic can become unglued and warped too. The one thing plastic has going for it is (maybe) less warpage due to humidity but this is mitigated via good design and construction.

[jp]

We've got humidity here for the warmer months. So plastic makes good sense for me. When wooden holders are humid, the darkslides get too tight.

The linked one for sale would be good. B&J has good options; monorail or rembrandt. C1 is good. I don't know if the 8x10's are this way, but Sinar 4x5's are dirt cheap. OLD kodak/century cameras are pretty affordable too and made for the studio, but won't have tripod screws; made for stands with tables.

[goamules]

Oh yeah, add the too tight darkslide problem. And since I wetplate with a lot of my cameras, and silver nitrate stains wood, plastic is better there too.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Be careful on the Kodak 2D's. I had one where the bellows were tight enough that with any significant rise, the top of the bellows would cast a shadow on the negative.

My Century 1 has a tab to lift the bellows. I am beginning to suspect a previous owner made a modification. No?