Favorite 8x10 Field Camera and why?

[Joseph Kayne]

I am considering buying a used 8 x 10 field camera... Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks. Joe.

[Thom Bennett]

Kodak Master 8x10 (popularly known as the KMV; Kodak Master View) The metal Deardorff. Clamshell design, enough movements for most field work, quick rough focusing via the front slide assembly (which is why I sold my Deardorff and got the KMV), fine focus from the rear, easily handles short lenses, fine adjustment for front rise/fall.



Mine with a 159mm Wollensak.

Hope this helps.

[Mark Sawyer]

Another vote for the KMV. In addition to Thom's points, it's fairly light, very robust, and less wobbly than a lot of other field cameras. And it's a beautiful combination with Kodak's Commercial and Wide Field Ektar lenses.

[Jim Becia]

Joe,

My two cents. I hope I am not being too presumptuous thinking my shooting style and subject matter can be similar to yours - landscape, intimate subject matter, etc. I currently use an Ebony RW8x10. It is simple and stable. My only regret is that I did not buy the triple draw extension version. I can use a 600 at infinity and just a bit closer. The back extension/focus would be very handy sometimes, but I make due. Plus the price was a bit beyond my reach. I recently purchased a Chamonix 5x8 and am trying to gauge how it compares in terms of ease of use. I have only used it for about a week, and there are some things I clearly like about it and some things that I need to explore further. It's stability surpasses anything I have used so far, although granted it is a 5x8, not an 8x10. But the camera has nice potential and those that have used the Chamonix line generally have very high praise for them. Prior to the Ebony, I used a two Canham 8x10s and a Tachihara. I obviously prefer the Ebony. If you ever make it up towards Madison, let me know and you can see if the Ebony or Chamonix is something you might consider. Jim

[Joseph Kayne]

Thanks Jim....will do...

[angusparker]

Ritter 8x10 - very portable field camera

[John Kasaian]

Deardorff V8.
Yeah there are more modern cameras but the 'dorff is the one I prefer.
I also like the Century Universal.

[tgtaylor]

Toyo MII. Here's why: http://toyoview.com/Products/810MII/810MII.html

Thomas

[ghostcount]

I am considering buying a used 8 x 10 field camera... Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks. Joe.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?105580-List-of-8x10-Field-Cameras

[Jim Becia]

Thanks Jim....will do...

Joe,

One thing I failed to mention and that is important to me is the fact I can pull the Ebony out of my pack and have set and squared in about 15 seconds. That was one of my reasons for switching to it.