Calumet 8X10 with Dagor 10 3/4 in. f6.8

[campy51]

I ran across a deal today for a Calumet 8X10 with Dagor in a Copal 3 shutter along with 4 film holders for $450. Would buying it just to try 8X10 be a mistake and would I get my money back if it's not for me?

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I think you'd definitely get your money back if you don't like the camera. Which Calumet 8x10 is this? The Green Monster/Black Beast C-1, or one of the later monorail cameras? The C-1 is more portable, but still not effortless to use in the field- it's not really a field camera even though it folds up into a somewhat compact package.

 

[jim10219]

It depends. 8x10 will cost a lot of money in film and processing. Plus, if you're not used to large format, it'll take some time to learn. Also, does it come with film holders? If not, those are expensive. Also, what kind of condition is it in? If the bellows are leaky or the lens is hazy and the shutter sticky, it could be expensive to repair or replace the broken parts. Also, where do you live? 8x10 gear tends to be very expensive, so that's not a bad price for an 8x10 camera, lens, and shutter. However, if, like me, you live in a place where there isn't a huge photography market, it could be hard to sell. That might mean you'd have to sell it online, which means auction fees and shipping on something that big and delicate would eat a good chunk of your profit. Even if you had the new buyer pay for shipping, they will likely calculate it into their overall cost, thereby decreasing it's value to them.

Having said all of that, if all of that gear is in good shape, and you don't do into debt buying film, film holders, tripods (cause you'll need a very sturdy one), and all of the other bits of gear that will nickel and dime you, it's probably one of the better deals you're going to come across. I'll put it this way, if they were in good shape, I'd buy it, confident that I could probably get out of it what I put into it, if nothing else.

 

[campy51]

It depends. 8x10 will cost a lot of money in film and processing. Plus, if you're not used to large format, it'll take some time to learn. Also, does it come with film holders? If not, those are expensive. Also, what kind of condition is it in? If the bellows are leaky or the lens is hazy and the shutter sticky, it could be expensive to repair or replace the broken parts. Also, where do you live? 8x10 gear tends to be very expensive, so that's not a bad price for an 8x10 camera, lens, and shutter. However, if, like me, you live in a place where there isn't a huge photography market, it could be hard to sell. That might mean you'd have to sell it online, which means auction fees and shipping on something that big and delicate would eat a good chunk of your profit. Even if you had the new buyer pay for shipping, they will likely calculate it into their overall cost, thereby decreasing it's value to them.

Having said all of that, if all of that gear is in good shape, and you don't do into debt buying film, film holders, tripods (cause you'll need a very sturdy one), and all of the other bits of gear that will nickel and dime you, it's probably one of the better deals you're going to come across. I'll put it this way, if they were in good shape, I'd buy it, confident that I could probably get out of it what I put into it, if nothing else.

I am in the Boston area and it comes with 4 holders. The glass looked great but I didn't test the shutter because I was only had a mild interest but then I started thinking about it more and thought it might be fun. I don't think my tripod will hold it but thought if I put in on some sort of cart I could at least do a quick informal portrait and see how it would come out. I just checked the price of the film. OUCH $130 for 25 sheets HP5. They claimed the lens alone is worth the $450, but I am not sure on that.

 

[campy51]

I think you'd definitely get your money back if you don't like the camera. Which Calumet 8x10 is this? The Green Monster/Black Beast C-1, or one of the later monorail cameras? The C-1 is more portable, but still not effortless to use in the field- it's not really a field camera even though it folds up into a somewhat compact package.

I think it might be the C1 and it's black.

 

[Sgore]

"They claimed the lens alone is worth the $450, but I am not sure on that." .......If the shutter is working then that would be a fairly good price for that lens. The whole set up sounds like a good deal. You could always shoot paper negatives, it's a lot cheaper than film.

 

[btaylor]

From what I have seen a nice C1 goes for $450- 650 for the camera body alone. You wouldn't have any trouble reselling it if you didn't like it.
I have one. It's a very practical 8x10 in my opinion, kind of a cross between a studio camera and a field camera-- works reasonably well in both environments. If you decide to buy it be sure all the pieces are there: in particular the sliding base. I have seen a few for sale lately that lack the base which is important for balancing the camera/lens on your tripod. Check the bellows. Check for broken knobs. Then buy it and make some awesome contact prints!

 

[awty]

Bargain!
I paid much more than that for mine and paid another $100 to shop to Australia.
They a big, but very solid. Do require a very sturdy tripod. I used 2x tripods at first. As others have stated make sure it has all the bits.

 

[choiliefan]

Seems like a very fair price presuming it's in good shape.
The Dagor is a phenomenal lens and having four holders included adds even more to the overall value.

 

[campy51]

Anyone have a guess at the minimum distance from subject for 3 people will be with this setup for say a head and shoulder portrait or still life? I am trying to figure out if I can get by without buying a tripod.

 

[choiliefan]

Take my word for it, a tripod will present itself from a most unlikely place, soon after you buy the camera outfit.

 

[campy51]

Went back to take a better look at the camera and found the shutter dial nearly impossible to rotate but yet the shutter fired normally and the glass is pristine.. The bellows looked to be in good shape. What's a cleaning roughly cost on a Copal 3?

 

[shutterfinger]

Shutter CLA runs $125 -$150.
Place the shutter on 1 second, looking at the shutter blades trip the shutter as the second hand of a watch or clock passes a second mark, the shutter should open then close just as the second hand reaches the next second mark. Set the speed to 1/2 second and repeat, shutter should open then close just as the second hand reaches the mid point between the start and next second mark. Tolerance is the width of the second hand either side of the next second mark or the mid point between marks. Turning the speed ring to the next faster speed the shutter should operate faster. Proceed until the fastest speed is reached then go back to the next slower speed, slower speeds should operate slower. Speeds above 125 will be hard to detect. This should give you a good idea if the shutter is usable. Speeds off 1/2 stop or less the shutter is usable, speeds off more than 1/2 stop the shutter needs servicing. 1/3 stop is speed tolerance.

The speed dial is held in place by a center ring with a set screw. Removing the set screw and loosening the retainer ring one notch will likely loosen the speed ring sufficiently.

 

[btaylor]

Figure a shutter CLA into just about any large format lens you might get-- so it is still a fantastic deal. I do not think there is any way around a sturdy tripod for support, bite the bullet on that one.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Stop waffling, buy the camera. Seriously this is a good deal especially if the holders are in good shape. 8x10 holder are going for anywhere $60 to $100 depending on age and condition. 8x10 is a lot of fun to shoot and if you don’t like it you can sell the gear and make some money on it no problem.

Roger

 

[campy51]

I am waiting for them to get back to me on the shutter. I am hoping I can get it even cheaper. I really wasn't looking to put out for a tripod and shutter cleaning for what may very well turn out to be just an itch to try 8X10. I could easily be in the $800 range when all is said and done, then the film.

 

[BrianShaw]

You don't sound very committed... just sayin'

It might be a message that you are unconsciously sending to yourself. Listen to your gut!

If it were me... I'd soul-search on what I'd truly be needing a negative that big for... and decide based on that AND my bank account balance.

 

[Alan Gales]

I am waiting for them to get back to me on the shutter. I am hoping I can get it even cheaper. I really wasn't looking to put out for a tripod and shutter cleaning for what may very well turn out to be just an itch to try 8X10. I could easily be in the $800 range when all is said and done, then the film.

Looks like a great deal but there is nothing wrong with talking them down a bit. I've seen Majestic tripods sell on the cheap. They are big and heavy but will hold up a pickup truck.

 

[campy51]

I am picking it up tomorrow at lower price because of the stiff shutter ring. I read somewhere that the ring may just be gummed up and easily cleaned. Here is a picture of the actual lens and shutter. Does anyone know how to remove the ring for cleaning? It looks like there might be two screws.

 

[BrianShaw]

Repair information and guidance is available on the internet. It is often discussed on forums. Google around and you’ll find it. But the shutter sounds like it needs a complete overhaul. Pay now for a pro repair and reap the rewards of years with reliable service.

 

[Alan Gales]

Repair information and guidance is available on the internet. It is often discussed on forums. Google around and you’ll find it. But the shutter sounds like it needs a complete overhaul. Pay now for a pro repair and reap the rewards of years with reliable service.

+1

 

[campy51]

I haven't found much. Do you have a link?

 

[Roger Thoms]

I am picking it up tomorrow at lower price because of the stiff shutter ring. I read somewhere that the ring may just be gummed up and easily cleaned. Here is a picture of the actual lens and shutter. Does anyone know how to remove the ring for cleaning? It looks like there might be two screws.
View attachment 206311

Dagor looks nice and the Copal 3 looks pretty clean, I'd definitely get it professionally CLA'd, but that’s just me. Just about every LF shutter that I use regularly has been CLA'd. For the price of film and my limited time for photographing I like to have nice running shutters that I can rely on. It also protects my investment in the shutter, properly maintained these shutter will last a long time.

Roger

 

[shutterfinger]

Once you have possession of the camera remove the front lens cell from the shutter, left hand threads, and post a picture of the shutter ensuring the center of the shutter and face plate are sharp.
There are several different ways face plates are retained to the shutter. The speed ring sits under the face plate. All shutters use the center threaded collar to attach the face plate but its not standardized. The speed ring and face plate have to go in precise positions. Levers and pins go into slots in the speed ring and are likely spring loaded so they will go beyond their slots when the ring is removed. I don't recommend opening it if you are not familiar with shutter servicing.

 

[BrianShaw]

I don’t want to be an enabler... but I don’t want to be rude either. Please don’t.

http://www.oldtimercameras.com/ephotozine/stock/Model.asp?Model=21237&ModelPage=true

https://www.camera-manual.com/model/copal-shutters-camera-manual-21237