Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: 4x5 convert to 8x10

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Posts
    3

    4x5 convert to 8x10

    Hi,

    I'm searching for 4x5 cameras, which is easy and cheap to convert to 8x10.
    I found Sinar P. Enough to have a Film holder focusing back (expensive) and a bellows.
    Do you know other manufacturers, like Cambo, Linhof, Toyo, Horseman, ..... which is easy and cheap to convert?

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,246

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    Easy? Yes.
    Cheap? No. Backs and suitable bellows are often bought as a complete camera because they are both in short supply and therefore expensive for the many that have the same idea as you (me included - as regards to Cambo).

  3. #3

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Westminster, MD
    Posts
    1,653

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    Cheap? Ha ha ha ha ha

    Sometimes it is less expensive to simply buy a used dedicated 8x10 camera.

    If money is no object, I like the Arca-Swiss system. Very flexible for conversions.
    When I grow up, I want to be a photographer.

    http://www.walterpcalahan.com/Photography/index.html

  4. #4
    joseph
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Chapel Hill NC
    Posts
    1,401

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    Pre recession, I wanted an 8x10 conversion for an Arca F-Line-
    but after being the under bidder twice, at around $1600, I decided to make my own-
    you can find my account of it here if you search for a thread called 'Arca Irish 8x10'.

    As soon as I had mine made, the recession hit, and everything started to get a little cheaper...

    An earlier Arca 8x10 will cost less, and they're all good cameras-

    As are the Sinars and Cambos and all the other personal preferences-

  5. #5
    jp's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    5,628

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    Unless you plan on getting stuck on a desert island with one camera, I think a separate camera is better idea too.

    I like 4x5 backs for 8x10 cameras for occasional 4x5 use or when I run out of loaded 8x10 film holders or for using lenses too big to put on a 4x5 camera.

    I also like the smaller, lighter, portable, and sometimes handholdable separate 4x5 camera.

    I do too many different things with photography for one camera to handle it all. I choose different camera for different days/events and stick with that camera for the duration.

    The simplicity gained from using one camera for a period (such as a rangefinder, tlr, etc..) is lost by using a multi-format-system to say you use one camera.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    Easy, yes. Very easy. Cheap, no. When you convert most cameras and Linhof in particular, you replace the back and the back standard and carrier block, the bellows, add a longer rail. You just replaced everything on the 45 camera except for the front standard out of a collection of parts. And, on some cameras you also have to change part of the front standard.

    For Linhof this is a moot point as they no longer offer 57 or 810 cameras or conversion kits. But in the past, when they did, it was more cost effective to buy both a 45 and an 810 camera rather then the conversion.

    If you want to do it as inexpensively as possible then don't buy a 45 camera buy an 810 camera and a reducing back to 45.

  7. #7
    runs a monkey grinder Steve M Hostetter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Beech Grove Indiana
    Posts
    2,293

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    you just replace the back and bellows with the 8x10 sinar P but thats to convert to 4x5

    cheapest way would be to get a expansion back or make one

  8. #8
    ic-racer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    6,737

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    As suggested above, an 8x10 with a 4x5 reducing back converts easily and inexpensively to 8x10 That is the way to go.

    For example if you did the 4x5 to 8x10 conversion with the Horseman system, the bellows, rear standard, front standard 'stalk' and possibly an extension focusing rail will be needed. In fact you will need just about everything that makes a complete 8x10 camera except the front standard.

  9. #9
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Ottawa, Canada
    Posts
    6,286

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    The Toyo G system is relatively inexpensive, and to change to 810 you need to replace only the rear standard and bellows.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: 4x5 convert to 8x10

    Quote Originally Posted by Ari View Post
    The Toyo G system is relatively inexpensive, and to change to 810 you need to replace only the rear standard and bellows.
    And maybe add more rail. That leaves you not replacing the front standard and the mounting clamp. Like the other systems you have bought most of a complete 810.

Similar Threads

  1. 4x5 or 8x10?
    By cuypers1807 in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 2-Feb-2011, 08:25
  2. dumping 8x10 and sticking with 4x5. anyone regret?
    By Daniel_Buck in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 103
    Last Post: 3-Dec-2010, 09:04
  3. differences betwen 4x5 5x7 and 8x10 when you shoot
    By luis prado in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 12-Jun-2008, 11:52
  4. 8x10 400NC vs. 4x5 160NC
    By Chad Shindel in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 7-Feb-2006, 20:50
  5. 4x5 best optics w/ Scheider HIGH END BACK sharper than 8x10?
    By Bill Glickman in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 17-May-1999, 04:31

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •