Hello. I honestly cannot remember if I was a member on this forum in years past or not. I've owned a handful of 4x5 cameras over the years, but never anything larger. I scooped up what I thought was a pretty good deal a couple of weeks ago and got myself an 8x10. My primary motivation was the large negative in relation to carbon prints. I likely will not embark on carbon printing in the near future, but I have some (long passed) experience with it, and I would like to try some again. That being said i could use some advice re the B&J camera. It is the battleship grey color with red bellows, made of wood. As such, this is known as the commercial view right?

When setting up the camera there is a "base," or bed that is pretty short and 1 rail that I will call permanent due to the piano hinge, and then an extension rail that can be added to the front or the rear. When said camera is closed, I do not understand the retention method for the front "permanent" rail. It seems like one is supposed to apply full rise to the front standard which would allow a clip to be engaged however, with the bellows compressed, it feels like full rise would damage things.?
Either my bellows is old and stiff, or the retention hook is bent I'm not sure if one or both things are happening?

If one were to backpack this camera, what about removal of the "permanent" front standard and packing the separate extension rail to use via rear extension? I realize I would sacrifice quite a lot of bellows draw this way, but would I be losing anything else? I would need to check bellows length against infinity focus of my intended lens at a minimum I would think.

The "kit" I acquired was; camera with 1 extension rail, a homemade 8x10-4x5 reduction graflok back, a true B&J 8x10-5x7 reduction back, a Calumet Caltar S-II 240mm f5.6 in copal 3, a pair of questionable wood 8x10 holders and 1 lisco regal plastic holder, some expired film. The gentleman I bought it from was selling a lot of varied gear as he is moving out of the country. Under $500 for the lot. I forget if I am writing the lens designation correctly? Caltar II-S or S-II? anyway. I am thinking of stripping down the grey paint and refinishing the camera since I do not have any immediate 8x10 plans. I also do not have any 8X10 processing equipment.

It seems like the opinions on this particular camera are not the greatest but for my initial investment, I am pretty happy. I think I left a couple of 8x10 items "on the table" with the seller I may contact him and see about any pieces that are remaining.

Any thoughts or advice regarding the B&J 8x10 are welcome. I did do a search and scrolled through the threads I could find.

-MG