Recommended 8x10 holders

[knjkrock]

I am a hobbyist with a new to me Deardorff. I am more concerned about quality, ease of use, best rather than value. While weight may be a valid concern, I don't see much back packing with this. How many do most have? Wood vs plastic? Any other considerations?

Regards

Ken

[vinny]

Any that are in good shape.
I have 27 plastic holders for 8x10, about 40 for 4x5, and 10 for 4x10. All plastic.

[mdarnton]

I have maybe 18 8x10 wood holders, bought a couple at a time, strictly based on price, and am happy with them. I did have to buy a roll of book backing tape and replace some of the hinges, but I made a rule I wouldn't pay over $25 per holder, so I'm still very ahead. I think it's a mistake to believe that wood holders warp. Mine aren't, and if they were, I could well afford to throw one out. If you're worried about wood warping, don't buy any wood camera!

I bought the 8x10 holders based on Vinny's tank holding six hangers. For 5x7 and 4x5, I just bought everything, wood or plastic, that I saw for a while that was under my price limit (that was $4 for 4x5--I don't remember what for 5x7) until I had more than I will ever need--maybe 60 for 4x5, 40 for 5x7. Remember: what you shoot you will still have to develop. Vinny's big tank holds 6-8x10, 12-5x7, 24-4x5, and in my opinion (Vinny's) tank and hangers is the way to go, using only Kodak hangers (they knew better than anyone how to make a hanger that wouldn't mark the film!)

It is very easy to see in photos if a holder is worn. Look at the corners for ones where the leading corners aren't battered. Most of the smaller ones I have bought, I just held until I saw ones that were nearly brand new. A surprising number for sale appear to be unused, even in 8x10, so wait for those.

I don't think wood weighs more than plastic, but it does take a bit more space. I worry about plastic and static cling, myself, which is one reason I didn't seek them out.

[John Kasaian]

For wood holders I prefer the black ones marked "Graflex made for Eastman Kodak" In good condition, they are very usable.
For plastic holders, I prefer Lisco Regal.
However any used holders can give you problems---so check them out for leaks first with photo paper, and also for warping.
Nothing wrong with Ansco and Fidelity if they are in good working condition.
Have fun!

[tgtaylor]

TOYO-VIEW -- z-best bar none.

Thomas

[John Kasaian]

Some additional thoughts:
A little wax (Pledge, beeswax candle stubs, or Butcher's Wax is what I use) rubbed on the edges of the dark slides will help them smoothly slide into place.
I've invested in a small shop vac with micro attachments dedicate to cameras and film holders---great for beating those dust devils.
Book binder's tape, or even gaffer's tape can be used to re-tape the hinges.Use an Exacto knife to make precision cuts.
With wooden holders, you can find replacement "ells" at the hardware store and cut to length. A few swipes with a file takes care of the sharp edges.
You may be able to repair some damage to plastic holders with two part epoxy---add black pigment to match.
Don't throw away bad film holders---banish them to a "cannibal" box . Dark slides, hinge flaps, etc... can be used to repair other holders which develop a need for donor parts.

[Jim Noel]

As I have been able to fnd wooden holders with metal plates on the end where dark slides are inserted I have been able to get rid of all plastic holders.I have never had a light leak or warping with the wooden ones, but warping of the lip where slides are inserted in the plastic ones has ruined more than a few images.

[Alan Gales]

Any that are in good shape.
I have 27 plastic holders for 8x10, about 40 for 4x5, and 10 for 4x10. All plastic.

I agree with Vinny. I've got 10 8x10 holders and 10 4x5 holders, all plastic. I bought them little by little and slowly upgraded the more worn holders I had to ones that look close to new as I found deals on Ebay. I do favor the Toyos. I've got 5 of them for 4x5 but none for 8x10. Any brand will work though. Look for ones in great shape at affordable prices.

[Luis-F-S]

Look for ones in great shape at affordable prices.

+1

[John Kasaian]

Most of mine came from Clayton Classic Camera which advertised in Shutterbug. They'd send a stack from a closed out studio and I'd test them and send back any leakers for a replacement. IIRC $45 would buy three plastics, $35 would get three woods. Brooklyn Camera had the same kind of deal.