Originally Posted by
Bernice Loui
WP and contact prints ok, now where and what kind of images are your goals?
If you've never done sheet film before, know there is a STEEP learning curve and the learning curve is made steeper and more $ due to film size. IMO, many reasons to start with a smaller sheet film format size, then move up once the basics skills and needs are well understood and well practiced.
As for camera, it goes back again to what the image goals are. What lenses are required to produce the images in mind. If the exposure times are long, using the lens cap with a stop watch works good, no shutter needed.
No folder-field camera of the same film format size will be more sturdy than a GOOD monorail camera. Monorail cameras have less of a weight-bulk restriction allowing them to be built a LOT more stout than a field folder which is often specifically designed to be light weight, easily portable and folds up for transport. In the case of Sinar, it is modular like Lego, film formats can be interchanged easily. Specific to the Sinar P, the front standard is rated to support about 8 pounds of lens in front. Rear standard can be used to support small video cameras and such or the 8x10 P rear standard can be modified to larger than 8x10 by adapting film back and bellows. All this comes at the cost of size, weight, reduced portability and related.
There is no camera that is meets both requirements with perfection, it is ALL a set of trade offs. This is why figuring out what the image goals are is SO important making the camera choice being of far less importance as it is (said many, many times here) really a light tight box that is flexi in the middle with both ends adjustable and ideally stable.
What about tripod, light meter, film holders, dark cloth, ground glass magnifier, transport case and all other items related to making any sheet film images?
IMO, the Svedovsky 8x10 at $4100 USD is over priced as there are SO many excellent used view cameras on the market for far less $.
Save your $ for film, chemistry, print making goods and related image making items as this is where the real cost of doing LF is and where light can be coaxed into producing expressive images.
Bernice
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