What would be a good basic 8x10 setup?

[aste]

Can anyone recommend to me a good basic 8x10 setup? I'm not sure what all I'd need, but I'd like to keep the initial costs down. So, I'm just looking for that which is essential. Sort of the 8x10 equivalent to an FM-2 with a 50mm lens and and a roll of film. Obviously, LF is more involved than that, but hopefully you get the idea.

[coriana6jp]

If you are looking at a new camera, look Tachihara 8x10 they are fairly cheap and have enough movements to get you startetd without breaking the bank. I have a Wehman its also a great camera.

Good Luck.

Gary

[2F/2F]

A B&J Grover or Calumet Green Giant/Monster are cameras that are pretty basic, not that expensive, but at least get you shooting 8x10 with a lot of capability. Not a lot of luxury, but plenty of movement. I prefer the Calumet, but the Grovers can be dirt cheap at times.

If you have any kind of budget, and already have experience shooting sheet film (so you at least kind of know what you are in for), I'd get a SINAR. They are arguably the best, and with what they are selling for now (well under $1,000), there is little better value in an 8x10 camera. They won't be a good choice if you intend on hiking or backpacking with the camera, however. If you hold out and get a good deal, even if you decide 8x10 is not for you, you won't lose much, if any, money if you resell.

[raizans]

8x10 monorails are quite affordable, as long as they aren't arca swiss and sinar. toyo, cambo, horseman, de vere, mpp, plaubel...lots of them are out there. accessories for the first three are the easiest to get.

[Andrew K]

I'm a fan of the Kodak D series ..old but very servicable...have a 5x7 Ansco I love, so I'm guessing the 8X10 will be good as well..........

Then again you could always go 8X10 pinhole.....

[John Kasaian]

It all depends on how mobile you want to be. If you're going to stay in a studio that's one thing---hitting the road or carrying the beast afield is another matter.
Metal Calumets are inexpensive but difficult to locomote with. An Agfa Ansco is a good comprimise while a Deardorff or Century Universal is probably the easiest of the old school 8x10s to carry afield. A Gowland Pocket is probably the lightest but most probably the most effected by wind. If you already have a light meter, I could pull some numbers out of the air,---you might get by with:
$500 for a camera
$200 for a tripod that will support an 8x10
$400 for a good lens
$60 for a few wooden film holders
These would be prices for used gear, of course. Add
$100 for 50 sheets of Arista.edu Ultra film
$10 for an Agfa type loupe
$15 for a good long throw (in case your lens is in a double action shutter) cable release, plus maybe
$45 for some Lee filters & gel snap holder
$12 for a set of 11x14 trays for developing film and prints
$? whatever it takes to buy the material for your bride to sew you a focusing cloth and buy a big thick piece of heavy glass for contact printing.
Shop around and you might find lower priced stuff----thats always fun!

[aste]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I will be mobile with it. So, weight is an issue, although not a big one, since I'm expecting some weight from it anyway...and I'm guessing a monorail is out.

Anyway, it looks like it might not be too terribly expensive.

The pinhole isn't a bad idea to start. At least I could get my feet wet and get the hang of developing sheet film in trays in the dark. That will be quite a difference from what I've gotten used to with roll film and tanks.

[Pinholemaster]

A solid 8x10 field camera, a good 300 mm lens, and a top quality tripod. Best that you take the time to learn the gear before you buy.

[John Kasaian]

You might see if your local community college has a photography course that would introduce you to large format in order to "get a handle" on things. If not, pinhole photography is always worthwhile. If not, the best bang for your buck:
Agfa/Ansco, Kodak, Korona or Burk& James woodies are usually found reasonably priced. You can adopt a survey's tripod for 1/4-20 for less than $100. A single coated or uncoated 9-1/2"--15" lens from any of the usual suspects (Kodak, Wollensak, Ilex, Schneider) should be more than adequate. Add some film holders and you're good to go!

[John Koehrer]

There are a couple over in the classifieds now.