URGENT ADVICE! Korona 8x10 vs Calumet C-1

[ThePenguin]

I'm about to purchase one of these to cameras as my first 8x10 from members of this forum (I hope no-one gets offended by this post) But I need some advice.

I will shoot mostly in my studio on longer focal lenghts, but it would be nice to take the camera out with me once in a while.

Let me break it down for you:

The two cameras offered to me are:


Calumet C-1 (the green monster)

- Very good movements overall

- Bellows extend to about 30inch

- Bellows have been repaired (seller doesn't know how the will behave if they are very extended)

- 4x5 reducing back

- Two lenses:
508mm Caltar in an Ilex shutter
12" Caltar in an Ilex shutter

4 filmholders included

The camera weighs in at about 6kg


VS.


Korona View 8x10

Seems to be in very good condition.

The bellows looks new

Good movements

4x5 reducing back (broken, missing the metal back spring)

Lens: Caltar-S multicoated 360mm in a Copal 3 shutter

4 filmholders

Some Velvia film included (outdated)

Weighs in at about 4,5kg



PLEASE HELP, I'm about to go crazy on this choice.

I need to make up my mind TONIGHT


Thank you!

[cyrus]

C-1 sounds like a much better deal but it is heavier. A metal camera, much sturdier, with a working back and lenses.

[Brian Ellis]

You say you're buying mostly for studio work. For that it seems like a no-brainer - Calumet C1. You can take it out in the field once in a while - very once in a while. : - )

[cyrus]

The only real complaint I have about C1 is the weird back rail arrangement which gets in the way.

[ThePenguin]

Hmm, leaning towards the C-1...

The C-1 seems to be a better choice,

BUT!

The Korona is a wonderful piece of work! And still very useful

[David de Gruyl]

The only real complaint I have about C1 is the weird back rail arrangement which gets in the way.

It does. So does the weight if you are carrying it. And you need a beefier tripod head.

I really enjoy using it, though.

If you do end up with the C1, make sure you put the film holders in in the correct direction. The back is NOT symmetrical even though it looks like it could be.

[Bill Kumpf]

David,

Please explain what is the correct direction. I just purchased a C1 and just starting to shoot with it.

If you do end up with the C1, make sure you put the film holders in in the correct direction. The back is NOT symmetrical even though it looks like it could be.

Thanks

[David de Gruyl]

Oh, it seats properly if you put the filmholder in one way and doesn't if you put it in the other. If you are doing it wrong, you will have light leaks.

As for which direction is which, make sure the ledge on your filmholder is firmly engaged before you pull the darkslide and you won't be doing it wrong. Because the back can be taken off and rotated, I can't tell you whether it loads from the right (or the top) or left (or bottom).

[ThePenguin]

Is there no advantage in Korona-offer except that it looks good? Better lens?

[Matt Miller]

The Korona deal has better bellows and a newer shutter. That's the way I'd go.