Looking for my first 8x10 field camera, what are my best options in 2021?

[bernardlanguillier]

I have recently started 8x10 years after I stopped using my Ebony 45SU (that I still own).

Crazy as I am I have decided to go straight for a Chamonix 8x10 Alpinist Convertible for the field… and for a Gibellini GP810 for the studio. An approach I would absolutely not recommend to anyone. :-) But I don’t spend money on cars so… I also know that 8x10 is the right thing for me know having gone full circle with Digital cameras.

The Gibellini has just arrived so I cannot say much about it yet beside the fact that it’s a very well designed and plain splendid camera. The level of support by Alessandro is also remarkable.

For the Chamonix that arrived 5-6 weeks ago things have been good. So far most of the issues I’ve had are with film loading in the holders, but I already have a few top quality images.

For the photography itself the Chamonix is just perfect. Light, easy to use. An extremely mature design that just works the way it should.

Cheers,
Bernard

[badler]

I recently received my Svedovsky 8x10. It took about 5 months from commission to delivery. Small problem with the back and spring, but pretty easy to fix. Works well all the movements except back swing, rise and fall. The front has all the movements. Solid and nice smooth focus. Much easier than my Kodak 2D. About the same weight.

[Luis-F-S]

One can never own too many Deardorffs.

+1 I think I'm up to 6 or 7, 4x5, 5x7 8x10 & 11x14. But they won't buy an american classic used for hundreds of thousands of images in the 50's-70's. They'd rather buy the cheapest camera made because others who may not know any more than they do will recommend it!! L