The Most Lightweight/Compact Setup for 8x10 Large Format Photography?

[marcookie]

Hi folks,

I made a video to describe my LF setup, probably one of the most lightweight/compact combinations possible. I think it can be interesting to those looking to go ""light"" (note the double quotes) or building their first setup.

[rdeloe]

Thanks Marco. I'm on the hunt for a better way to pack my kit, so I enjoyed seeing your approach. I was looking at dedicated photo backpacks, but I think your modular approach using regular backpacks is the way to go.

[pepeguitarra]

What is the weight of the backpack fully loaded with the tripod?

[marcookie]

Thanks Marco. I'm on the hunt for a better way to pack my kit, so I enjoyed seeing your approach. I was looking at dedicated photo backpacks, but I think your modular approach using regular backpacks is the way to go.

If you haven't seen it, there is also this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpCQqFGNjiQ

and then Ben Horne channel has a few videos about his setup.

Good luck with your hunt and happy photographs!

[marcookie]

What is the weight of the backpack fully loaded with the tripod?

I will try to weight it tonight on my scale!

[rdeloe]

Thanks Marco. It turns out I found some inspiration yesterday and started from scratch with the Gura Gear Uinita 30L I already have. A 30L bag is about the right size for what I need so I thought it was worth one my try.

I found a way to get all of the following in safely and conveniently (so very happy):
- Toyo D45M 4x5 rail camera with short and long extension rails and compendium hood
- 2 Toyo to Linhof adapter boards (flat and recessed)
- Pentax spotmeter, loupe
- 4 lens (90mm, 125mm, 210mm and 300mm) on Linhof boards
- 6 holders
- Darkcloth
- Various bits and pieces

I'm using a Feisol carbon fibre tripod. My Manfrotto 410 head is so heavy and bulky that for long walks it's just not good. I also have an Acratech GP-SS and have found that if I turn it into the upside down mode, using a double-ended adapter stud (1/4" to 3/8") I can mount the Toyo rail clamp directly to the Acratech with no intermediate parts (e.g., an Arca clamp and plate). This makes a very sturdy setup. It's not as precise as the 410 geared head, but vastly more transportable and entirely usable.

This arrangement is no good for long hikes because even with waist belt the bag isn't a very comfortable carry, and there's almost no room for water, food and change of clothes. But it definitely gets the job done for shorter hikes.

Cheers, Rob

If you haven't seen it, there is also this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpCQqFGNjiQ

and then Ben Horne channel has a few videos about his setup.

Good luck with your hunt and happy photographs!

[Daddyo]

I've started using the Ritter 8x10 in the past couple of months; it has been a revelation! Immediately saves something like 10 pounds from comparable setups...

Very easy to carry and to handle in the field, simply a superb use of materials!

Much tougher dealing with the film holders. That said, I tend to make "mini-excursions" from the car with camera in a Gator shoulder bag (designed for an audio mixer - very light and manageable - also holds dark cloth), tripod (in a bag with shoulder strap), lens kit (medium sized camera bag) with lens, meter, loupe, and other "Ancillary Adams" (as I like to say practically any chance I get...), and a film holder or two at a time.

So this is a decently manageable load from parking to photo site. Set up and tear down are fast. After shooting, it's back to the car to drop off and replenish.

Not a good setup, however, for hiking per se. Working on a setup with a older large Tenba backpack for that...

It's that for hikes, or go with the Tachihara 4x5, which fits easily with everything but tripod into a single shoulder bag.

So still a work in progress, but it's getting there...

Not bad for a guy with four fused lumbar vertebrae!

[karl french]

8x10 Deardorff in a Tamrac X-Pack (21cm Schneider Angulon fits in outer pocket.)
Cooke Convertible Series XVa 311mm f6.8 in a small padded bag attached to film holder case that holds 6 8x10 holders (Toyo)
Gitzo G1325 tripod with 1570m head.

Full featured camera. 4 focal lengths and 12 shots.

[Jim Jones]

My Kodak 8x10 2-D with sliding tripod block, bed extension, 5 film holders, and Kodak Crown No. 4 tripod, but no lens, in a light fiberboard case weighs 35 pounds. Too much for an old man!

[marcookie]

I will try to weight it tonight on my scale!

It's about 25 lbs, or 11.5 kg.