Do I need to worry about really heavy lenses causing damage?

[Daniel Unkefer]

My 8x10 Sinar Norma can handle about anything with the proper setup. I have never used a "P" I know they have advantages, but the Norma is much stronger than the "F" but not as much to lug around as the "P"

8x10 Norma 480 Apo Ronar by Nokton48, on Flickr

The 480mm Rodenstock Apo Ronar is a boat anchor type of lens, the Norma handles it with great solidity and ease. I used this rig at the time for 4x B&W portraiture and it was and still is a delight to use (once it is properly deployed) I've also thrown it over my shoulder and hiked for what seemed like forever (I put a pillow under my shoulder). When I got to where I was going, I sure was glad this was with me

The Norma is "The Erector Set of Photography" and can be configured however you desire and need. What you build it into becomes a matter of experience with the basic camera and what you need to get it to work faster and easier for you. So you can concentrate on the image, not mechanics.


The automated cables and automated Norma lens, in this particular rig, enable the Norma with practice to operate nearly as "quick" as a reflex camera. If you are excessively slow with large format you wil lose certain types of photographs. For example, I frequently photographed Architecture in fleeting "beautiful" light which did not last long sometimes.

Here's the same thing but in 5x7

5x7 Norma 165mm F8 Norma SA by Nokton48, on Flickr

[Hugo Zhang]

Rayt,

Ebony is a wrong camera for heavy lenses. I have tried and it was designed that way. I use a lens support with Chamonix camera for my lenses up to 20 lbs. Have to use a second tripod if the lens is too heavy.

[Two23]

Rayt,

Ebony is a wrong camera for heavy lenses. I have tried and it was designed that way. I use a lens support with Chamonix camera for my lenses up to 20 lbs. Have to use a second tripod if the lens is too heavy.

Is that lens support available somewhere?


Kent in SD

[Hugo Zhang]

Is that lens support available somewhere?


Kent in SD

Kent,

We don't have them for 45 cameras. 57 and up.

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/ac...es/lenssupport

[drewf64]

Hello gypsydog:
What 8x10 cameras do you use when you are mounting abig, heavy lenses?
Thanks.
Drew

QUOTE=gypsydog;1557210]Bernice is correct! if the lens is something you intend on using, invest in a second camera more suited to the weight.
I use a number of very heavy lenses (I like fast glass) along with more conservative glass and keep several 8x10 cameras appropriate for the given lenses.
You will be glad you did in the long run.[/QUOTE]

[Two23]

Hello gypsydog:
What 8x10 cameras do you use when you are mounting abig, heavy lenses?
Thanks.
Drew

I bought a Kodak 2D specifically because it's pretty strong. My plan is to mostly shoot wet plate with 8x10 with period correct lenses. If I was primarily going to shoot film I would get a Chamonix. That lens support thing looks pretty slick though.


Kent in SD

[Tin Can]

How heavy?

My heaviest, biggest, longest FL is 890mm Jena Tessar.

Bought for Deardorff SC11 which can easily carry it and shoot 2-1 macro

10 lbs 6 oz

[drewf64]

I bought a Kodak 2D specifically because it's pretty strong. My plan is to mostly shoot wet plate with 8x10 with period correct lenses. If I was primarily going to shoot film I would get a Chamonix. That lens support thing looks pretty slick though.


Kent in SD

Thank you for your reply, Kent ... greatly appreciated!
I have a 5x7 2D which i really like. It is pretty beefy, too.
I am NOT excited about putting a big, heavy period portrait lens on my Deardorff 8x10 for wet plate ... so looking for a solid 8x10 or maybe even a box camera.
Drew

[Tin Can]

Maybe a Calumet C1, they are all metal, rear focus, very strong and can be balanced fore and aft with the sliding rail.

BUT it needs a Majestic 6X7 head for best support.

Thank you for your reply, Kent ... greatly appreciated!
I have a 5x7 2D which i really like. It is pretty beefy, too.
I am NOT excited about putting a big, heavy period portrait lens on my Deardorff 8x10 for wet plate ... so looking for a solid 8x10 or maybe even a box camera.
Drew

[Hugo Zhang]

Honestly, an 8" Pentac on a Betax shutter is not that heavy, I have used one on 5x7 Canham. Your Ebony (no swings or shifts, right?) should be easily able to carry it. If you are worried, use a piece of wood or other support between the bed and the bottom of the standard to hold it in place.

Not what you asked, but there is no way an 8" Pentac is going to cover 8x10, except at macro distances. The 8" Pentac is a 4x5 lens, and vignettes on 5x7. If you can find one (good luck!) a 12" Pentac might cover 8x10, but that lens won't even fit on your Ebony.

Jason,

Have you ever seen a 12" Pentac?