Best Modern 8x10's?

[tim atherton]

I'm starting to do some long range planning and looking at a new 8x10 to replace my Deardorff - mainly 'cause it weighs so much.

Of the modern options, what do people think of the pros and cons of:

Ebony 8x10's; Phillips 8x10's; Canham 8x10's ?

Bearing in mind I like the wide range of movements on the Dorff.

And I'm thinking other modern 8x10's - Wisner, Lotus, Gandolfi, Hoffman - who am I forgetting? - are veering to the heavy side again (maybe the Ebony too?). Oh, of course I'm talking only about field cameras BTW.

thanks

Tim A

[Bob Salomon]

Wista 810 Cherry

[paul owen]

Tim, Without a doubt the Ebony SW8x10. This must be the best 8x10 available, and what's more its the proven non-folding design. Superb! Just wish I had one!!!! Regards Paul

[Jorge Gasteazoro]

Gandolfi Variant 8x10, If you order this camera get it with the Sinar front standard, the Linhof front standard restricts the movement because of bellows block. The camera is only 8.8 pounds, easy to set up and take down and very well made! One thing I like it that although this is a wooden camera ( the frames) the front standard has a metal frame and the film back is made of metal, which should prevent warping as the camera ages, even with this the camera is very light and a joy to use.

[Ellis Vener]

Canham, or Phillips.

You definitely should try to put your hands on what ever you narrow your list to and work with them for at least half an hour or so. I think you'll find that like individual Steinway or Bosendorfff pianos, each individual camera will have it's own personality

[Struan Gray]

Bosendorfff? Is that the extra-loud one?

I lust after a Phillips. Or a Hobo.

[Gudmundur Ingolfsson]

The Phillips Compact II is the 8x10" for the field. The Toyo M the, Ebony S,the Sinar Norma or the Sinar f are all just as ridged but look at the weight. The Chanham is also light but somwhat too overdesigned and complicated to fold. The Phillips Compact is father light, simple to operate and absolutly ridged. But then again if you have got two assistants or better three get the Sinar P.

[George Losse]

Tim,

Another thing to consider is the whole package that the manufacturers offer. I made the choice for a Wisner, even though its weight is a little more. I don't go backpacking and my Jeep get the camera within a comfortable walking distance for 95% of my shooting.

I went with the Wisner because I could get an 8x20 back for my 8x10 camera. Giving me the option of two backs on one focusing bed. This plus the 4x5 and 5x7 reducing backs gives me four different film formats with one camera.

[Sal Santamaura]

You'll find my comments in archives here and elsewhere, but, to summarize: Phillips Compact II. I couldn't be happier with it.

[Nicholas F. Jones]

If price is a major factor, anyone wanting to get into an 8x10 field might consider the Tachihara double or triple extension. Our 3X has served us well. It is well constructed and rigid, and has sufficient movements for uncomplicated outdoor landscape, exterior architecture, portraits, etc. Yes, it's relatively heavy--just over 12 lbs--but we would not attempt to pack an 8x10 any distance in any event. 4x5 and 5x7 reducing backs are available (we use the 5x7). I couldn't agree more that you should try out the cameras on your short list prior to buying; in fact, it was as a result of comparison of competitors in our price range in a showroom that we arrived at our final decision. Good light. Nick.