8x10 Arca Swiss Model B, I'm happy

[Michael Nagl]

So, after ten years in digital hell, I'm back where I belong. Got me an 8x10 Arca Swiss Model B and it's so gorgeous! A monorail camera with more movements than I'm ever going to need, yaw free, made in the land of precision watches in a time when things weren't made to be barely good enough, but as good as possible. And it's super light - a little under 4,5 kilograms (nine pounds and fifteen ounces for those with the weird system). 1 000 Euros, I don't think they come much cheaper these days, but hey hey hey.
The weak point of the camera - there are light seals in many places (that was different with my old Linhof that was all metal - but then again, it was twice as heavy), and, as was to be expected, they've all turned to muck in the course of the years and need replacement. (No pictures of the camera before everything is ready!)
The bellows is rather short, 45cm (17" f.t.w.t.w.s.), and I'll have to build a top hat lens board for the 360mm lens I want to get. For now, I'll be going with the 240mm G-Claron I've found in a drawer (!), the 10 boxes of 160VC and NC I found at the bottom of the freezer (!!), hoping that those holders I've bought are light-tight --
Wish me luck, please!

[Peter De Smidt]

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the camera.

[Michael Nagl]

Thank you, Peter!

[Bernice Loui]

Curious, possible to elaborate or expand on Digital Hell?


Bernice

So, after ten years in digital hell, I'm back where I belong. Got me an 8x10 Arca Swiss Model B )

[Michael Nagl]

Well Bernice, "hell" might have been a slight exaggeration, but to work with a camera that I do actually understand, and to have perspective control at my fingertips and never more to have to worry About blown highlights etc sure does feel like Heaven!

[Bernice Loui]

The rise and popularity of Digital imaged Photography appears to be connected to the current crop of screen addicted audience. Seems the majority of folks today receive visual information via a electronic screen of some sort. This facilitates image creation via 'puter and screen comfortable and familiar.

A few years ago, decided to have a gander at how good can monochromatic digital could be. To try and get some idea of what monochromatic digital based images were like, visits to the best digital imaging hardware dealer in the area, art museums with digital prints, art galleries and just about any place where what is considered the very best in monochrome digital based images could be viewed. After a significant duration of viewing these digital based images, came away with just not thy cup of tea. Printed digital images just come across to me as cold and electronic and in ways artificial. I'm sure there are others here that will disagree or agree.

The local LF group had a print show, among those prints were carbon, platinum and traditional silver gelatin. Some of these images were simply stunning. The visual effect from these all analog based images were quite different than those created by electronic means.

Other factors has to do with the process of film photography, the simplicity of a view camera yet a view camera has remarkable control over the images if can put on film. Once the film is exposed, there is the chemical based processing, optical printing and print finishing. All of which is quite tactile involving the handling of very real physical items. This is quite a different experience than creating images using electronic means.

Suspect for those who truly enjoy this process, there is little else like it.



Bernice

Well Bernice, "hell" might have been a slight exaggeration, but to work with a camera that I do actually understand, and to have perspective control at my fingertips and never more to have to worry About blown highlights etc sure does feel like Heaven!

[Peter De Smidt]

I've always wanted an Arca camera. I was lucky enough to use an F-line for a few months. They are great all-around cameras!

[dsphotog]

If you need to replace yours, BH photo sells" light seal foam" in various thicknesses.

[Michael Nagl]

Great AllRoundCAmera indeed, also that is where the name comes from, I believe.
Foam: Thanks, but I found a supplier in Germany, and as soon as I have the stuff I'm set to gooooooo (it's exciting!)

[Bernard_L]

made in the land of precision watches

Close, but not in Switzerland, as the name was meant to trick you into believing.