Buying my first 8x10

[Alan9940]

I have a Schneider 360mm/6.8 Symmar-S...absolutely BEAUTIFUL lens, but heavy. The front element is the size of a small dinner plate! However, since you'll be working primarily from a car, weight isn't an issue for you. You can contact print on any standard enlarging paper--preferably with an enlarger as the light source, but not necessary--but my absolute favorites for contact printing are Lodima and Adox Lupex. The Lupex reveals quite a bit more contrast than Lodima, but has a quite nice warm tone overall that I like a lot. And, since fotoimpex is closer to you than Michael A. Smith, it should be easier to obtain.

 

[ndwgolf]

So I ended up buying the "Kowa Graphic 360mm F9 lens" and I will stick with just one lens for the next month or to until I can replenish some funds. The 8x10 Chamonix should be waiting for me at home when I get home in a weeks time............Pictures to follow

Neil

 

[locutus]

Ilford MGIV and FB Classic are perfectly fine as contact printing papers, especially MGIV RC is super duper easy to work with. Give it a try as a starting point.

 

[ndwgolf]

especially MGIV RC is super duper easy to work with. Give it a try as a starting point.

Cheers mate, thats what I have coming from B&H
Neil

 

[Cary Lee]

I was fortunate enough to buy 2 kodak 2D 8x10 at a very economical price. I dedicated one for studio work with barrel lenses and flash sync while the other will be used outdoors with modern lenses. Even though they are very simple to use..I find them to be every bit as good for my needs without breaking the piggy back.

 

[Sjixxxy]

Cable release.

Even better, cable releases. Like OP stated, I drive around with my 8x10 set up and seatbelted into my back seat. Slamming the car door on a $2 eBay cable release and a nice $35 cable release kills them both just the same. A big stack of cheap spare releases saves the wallet and the day.