8x10 folding camera for vintage lenses

[bob carnie]

Question for you large format vintage lens geek/knobs.

Which 8x10 folding camera would you suggest to use so I can have a group of Vintage Lenses adapted to fit on the front lens board.

I really don't care about looks , weight or ebony polish , just a good working camera that could hold these lenses.

Price is a concern as well.

[Steve Hamley]

An older Agfa Commercial or Universal with the 7-1/2" lens boards is always appealing if you're talking about large vintage lenses and Packard shutters. The Commercial had more draw than the Universal but seems to be scarcer.

If the lens size isn't an issue, the Kodak 2D or Eastman #2 are both excellent choices.

All of these cameras should be obtainable in good usable condition for $350-500 USD.

If the lenses you're think about are heavy, make sure the camera has the sliding tripod block to center the weight over the tripod.

Cheers, Steve

[BarryS]

It's hard to beat the 8x10 Kodak 2D. Nice 6" lens board and no tilt to drop down with a heavy lens. Not too expensive, especially for one with some mileage. A Packard shutter can sneak in behind the front standard.

[Scott --]

"Knobs"?

[bob carnie]

Oh did I say that.. my fingers are faster than I think ..

sorry to offend you Scott

"Knobs"?

[Fotoguy20d]

I'd second the 2-D.

Dan

[bob carnie]

Thanks to all

Steve what is a sliding tripod block? I am new to big boy cameras , largest I used was Noblex and smaller so I have never heard of such a thing.

An older Agfa Commercial or Universal with the 7-1/2" lens boards is always appealing if you're talking about large vintage lenses and Packard shutters. The Commercial had more draw than the Universal but seems to be scarcer.

If the lens size isn't an issue, the Kodak 2D or Eastman #2 are both excellent choices.

All of these cameras should be obtainable in good usable condition for $350-500 USD.

If the lenses you're think about are heavy, make sure the camera has the sliding tripod block to center the weight over the tripod.

Cheers, Steve

[Richard Wasserman]

What about a Calumet C-1? Should be strong enough to hold just about any big old lens you might want to put on it.

[Steve Hamley]

Bob,

It's a block of wood that attaches to the tripod head and has (usually) metal brackets that slide in grooves just like the standards do, and it has a locking knob. So when you mount the camera and lens, you can slide the camera back and forth in the tripod block or bracket until the weight is centered over the tripod head, then lock the camera in place.

I didn't see a good picture of one on eBay, but if I can get my digital camera to work I'll post a picture of one when I get home.

Cheers, Steve

[David de Gruyl]

What about a Calumet C-1? Should be strong enough to hold just about any big old lens you might want to put on it.

and cheap. and heavy.

I am actually happy with mine, except for weight.