I'm going to be in the market for an 8x10 field camera early next year. I know whatever 8x10 field camera I set my sights on is going to cost me an arm and a leg but just wondering what the options are? Will be looking for a used camera of some description. I suspect anything like a Chamonix is going to be out of the question. Are there any hidden gems that no one knows about which go for a snip?
Thanks!
No. There certainly are cameras that cost a lot less than an arm and a leg but not any "hidden gems that no one knows about which go for a snip" (I'm assuming "a snip" means little money). If you're trying to stay in the under-$1,000 range your best bet is probably one of the older cameras like a Kodak 2D or Korona or something like that (as opposed to say an 8x10 Deardorff, Canham, Chamonix, Shen Hao, Tachihara, etc.). The movements will be limited but if you're doing landscape work (my guess since you're asking about field cameras) you may not need a lot of movements. If you could go up to maybe $1,500+ a Tachihara or Shen Hao might be doable.
If you're willing to put up with the weight, bulk, and general inconvenience of a monorail in the field there are quite a few of those that go for a snip.
You'll get better, more useful, responses if you provide more information about your price range and type of photography you do.
Brian Ellis
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be
a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
Cheers Brian. I probably should have said I already have an 8x10 (a Cambo monorail) although the weight of the bugger has meant it has rarely seen light of day - I've been using it around the house pretty regularly lately, though. Ideally I'd like a lightweight-ish camera as my feet are my daily form of transport and it would be great to have an 8x10 that is at least semi-portable. I tend to shoot most urban locations - old buildings, trees in local parks, etc. and no, I don't tend to use a lot of movements. I'll go see what Tachihara and Shen Hao have in the 8x10 range and see if my cash will stretch that far.Originally Posted by Brian Ellis
Thanks!
I enjoy my KB Canham, but there are so many excellent 8x10 field cameras out there.
Get into LF for as little as you can and shoot away. You will soon decide that you either want out—or want more. Ok, then you will know more about what you want in a camera and what models will get you there. m There is no one best camera for anyone and our needs and wants will change as we evolve as LF photographers.
Go to e-bay and get a Kodak 2-D, Century Korona or Burk and James in the best shape you can find for as little as you can pay. Get a new Canham, Chamonex or Deardorff etc later.
Drew Bedo
www.quietlightphoto.com
http://www.artsyhome.com/author/drew-bedo
There are only three types of mounting flanges; too big, too small and wrong thread!
I paid $1,500.00 for my used Wehman. I have seen others sell for that price but they don't come up for sale often. Wehman's are lightweight field cameras that fold up into a protective clam shell. Google Wehman Cameras for the Wehman website if you are interested. Unfortunately the Wehman is no longer being made but Bruce still services them.
That Wehman is one cool field cam
+1 on the 2D
When I started out with 8x10 that was the camera I used and I enjoyed it, but eventually I upgraded to a Deardorff. I just wanted to use more movements but if you don't need any of them an older field camera will suit you fine!
Richard Ritter's 8x10 weighs 6 pounds sans lens, and is a joy to use.
Bruce Barlow
author of "Finely Focused" and "Exercises in Photographic Composition"
www.brucewbarlow.com
Got a view camera from RR last year, and still believe it is possible to work with.
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