Don't Cry For Me, Argentina... 4x5 vs. 8x10

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 11, 2014

Okay... a progressing health issue is preventing me from walking farther than a few yards from my vehicle. A few years ago I began piecing together a lightweight 4x5 kit... plus an unlimited 8x10 kit... for differing purposes. Then, I could carry a lightweight 4x5 kit for some distance but not anymore. The 8x10 bulk and weight are less of a concern now.

Should I sell the 4x5 kit to fund the 8x10 kit since I can't walk anymore anyway? If I do then I can afford better lenses for the 8x10... and I've always wanted to go beyond 4x5 anyway. Now that I've written this post, I think I may have answered my own question. Still... I'd like some input.

snapguy · Nov 11, 2014

sounds like

It sounds like you got what I got. At any rate ask yourself this -- how far will you boot yourself down the road if you don't ever get a swell 8x10 outfit? If that is what you really want, go for it. Your camera doesn't care how many steps you are away from your car as long as it is pointed in another direction.

Richard Man · Nov 11, 2014

Even if you are only walk a few yards/feet, it's still going to be easier to haul the 4x5. A camera with 3 lens is still going to be 12 to 20 lbs, plus tripod.

I know this is the opposite what you are thinking, but I recommend: use the lightweight 4x5 and stay close by your car to preserve your health further.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 11, 2014

didjiman said:
Even if you are only walk a few yards/feet, it's still going to be easier to haul the 4x5. A camera with 3 lens is still going to be 12 to 20 lbs, plus tripod.

I know this is the opposite what you are thinking, but I recommend: use the lightweight 4x5 and stay close by your car to preserve your health further.

It's not "strength"... it's "communication" between brain and body... though my left arm is weakening now.

DREW WILEY · Nov 11, 2014

Ergonomics are a strange thing. For some reason my 8x10 is actually easier to lift and fit onto the tripod than my 4x5's. I'm still fit enough to carry any of them days on end, but even my truly light 4x5 field camera is more likely to get my arthritis or bursitis acting up.... maybe just because being smaller and more affordable to shoot, I do shoot it more, when it's what I carry. And sometimes even a more stable heavier tripod seems to be less work overall than a lightwt one, simply because it has more authority and needs repositioning less. It would be nice if you had the opportunity to handle what you might have in mind in advance, before dropping money.

Richard Man · Nov 11, 2014

Old-N-Feeble said:
It's not "strength"... it's "communication" between brain and body... though my left arm is weakening now.

Sounds like the choice is clear then

Two23 · Nov 11, 2014

I think your priority should be to fulfill your dream. Happiness is so very fleeting, for all of us.

Alan Gales · Nov 12, 2014

I'm sorry to hear about your health issue.

I've had a back fusion so I don't get far from my Jeep. I carry (pull) my 8x10 Wehman in a wheeled cordura tool bag. If I were to use a 4x5 I would use the same tool bag so it doesn't make much difference. I do carry a Ries J100 tripod with double tilt head and if I were to carry a 4x5 instead I could use a lighter tripod but I sure wouldn't want to. I like the Ries.

Roger Cole · Nov 12, 2014

Are you happy with 8x10 contact prints, or have a way to enlarge them? If so then you've likely answered your question.

I keep thinking I'd like to go 8x10 some day but, paradoxically, it would limit me to smaller prints since I have no way to optically enlarge them and really don't want to go hybrid.

illumiquest · Nov 12, 2014

I'm 32 so I don't have any valuable advice but just wanted to say a big kudos to you for still getting out there and shooting. Would love to check out your work if you have a site.

Richard Warom · Nov 12, 2014

I found my 4x5 gear getting to heavy to lug around so I bought a folding fishing gear trolly with the bigger rubber wheels now getting around is easy and the rubber wheels get it over most terrain. when i get tired it makes a good seat, just a thought!

Dennis S · Nov 12, 2014

Hauling gear

Found a great way to haul my 4x5 around in. Get exercise as well. Great for me I can stop for a breather anytime. Pedal as fast or slow as I want. Maybe an electric motor sometime soon

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 12, 2014

Walking farther than a few yards just isn't possible. Whatever photo setup I keep will be hauled on a cart with four large diameter wheels. The cart will also help me ambulate. Of course, use of a cart will limit the terrain I can access. I really want to shoot 8x10 but my biggest concern is my weakening left arm. If it doesn't get any worse then it won't be an issue. If the arm issue does worsen then I suppose this would probably affect use of a 4x5 camera almost as much though.

That three-wheeled bike is nice. I hadn't thought of one with an electric motor. That might be just the ticket but I'd need a trailer to haul it on.

Sorry for thinking out loud. Thanks for all the excellent advice.

Alan Gales · Nov 12, 2014

This is the tool bag I use. I has larger wheels than most tool bags. Check out the photos. http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-55452RTB-Tradesman-Organizer/dp/B00BZXA35I

I also have a cheap soft side cooler that I can carry on top of the tool bag for more film holders and/or lenses.

John Koehrer · Nov 12, 2014

A two or three wheeled cart would be easier than four wheels. Jogging stroller would allow you to push it & still have some support.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 12, 2014

Roger Cole said:
Are you happy with 8x10 contact prints, or have a way to enlarge them? If so then you've likely answered your question.

I keep thinking I'd like to go 8x10 some day but, paradoxically, it would limit me to smaller prints since I have no way to optically enlarge them and really don't want to go hybrid.

I'll find a way. I can convert a garage into a part time darkroom and modify an old 8x10 camera to make an enlarger.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 12, 2014

illumiquest said:
I'm 32 so I don't have any valuable advice but just wanted to say a big kudos to you for still getting out there and shooting. Would love to check out your work if you have a site.

Thank you but I urge you not to take your youthful health for granted. I was 36 when my symptoms started.

k_jupiter · Nov 12, 2014

Don't get rid of the 4x5. That left arm might require you to restrict lifting to lighter loads in the future. I would key in on your 8x10 until you can't. As far as limited to smaller prints... I'll take a contact printed 8x10 over a 16x20 enlargement from 4x5 any day.

We all face this dilemma in some way. I am 58. My hobbies are LF photography, woodworking, and quiltmaking. None of those is going to be accessible for the rest of my life, god willing the creek don't rise. So I need to do all my artwork while I still can. While I have not started to count down the days left, it is on my mind. What do I want to leave behind and who will appreciate it? On the bad days, that thought becomes oppressive. Most days I run with the "Enjoy every day as if it were your last." Big truck theory of life.

Take care Mr. Feeble, we be thinking about you.

tim in san jose

Ashfaque · Nov 12, 2014

Sorry to hear about health issue, OnB. I once had to struggle for few years with severe pain on my feet. Thank God it was diagnosed and now I'm doing very well (32 now!).

Is there any motorised thing with or without those 360 degree tilting tripod head that you can use? Perhaps, if possible, you can go to any specialist shop to test if using these with your 8x10 helps you. May be you can keep one of those foldable wheelchairs in your car. Then, once you've found a spot for a shot, you can put all your LF gears onto it and drag the wheel chair to the point. I guess you'll need to retro fit it with some 'large-airy wheels' (- something like mountain bike's type tires-) to make it 'all-terrain friendly'. Then again the total weight can be an issue. I've never used any 4x5 camera or anything larger. Nor can I fully appreciate your situation. So excuse my novice idea. I wish you well.

Bests,
Ashfaque

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 12, 2014

Thanks, folks. I think I need to set something straight. I don't feel sorry for myself. What good would that do?

I just want to know what others are doing to keep shooting regardless of their mobility issues. So far, all the suggestions have been very helpful.

I asked about selling the 4x5 because I need to raise some funds and this will also allow purchase of some 8x10 lenses I've always wanted and/or replacement of a couple I sold recently.

To be honest, I don't know that I really need both formats. After some sober thought, I can't see the logic in it. I guess when I started piecing these two systems together I was just being greedy.

Alan Gales · Nov 12, 2014

You would look way cooler on one of these than a 3 wheeled bicycle.

://pioneerflightmuseum.org/vehicles/indian.html

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 12, 2014

Alan Gales said:
You would look way cooler on one of these than a 3 wheeled bicycle.

://pioneerflightmuseum.org/vehicles/indian.html

Oh heck yeah... but it would cost far more than both the complete 4x5 and 8x10 systems combined... maybe more then my current home.

MartinP · Nov 13, 2014

I knew someone who played golf and liked fishing. When the golf was too much he converted an electric golf-cart to take his fishing stuff from the car to the right spot. A golf-bag cart is like a typical golf-cart (two wheels, carries just a golf-bag) but with a motor and battery -- it wasn't one of the mini-car buggie things. The carts are steerable and controllable with one hand. The same power system could also be placed into a four wheel cart I'd guess.

winterclock · Nov 14, 2014

If 8x10 is what you want to do, sell the 4x5 and get to it, times a wastin'! Seriously, none of us are getting younger, do the 8x10 while you still can. As far as missing the 4x5 you can always get another later if it even becomes an issue. Anything you buy for the 8x10 can always be sold for almost the same return of cash, the pleasure and memories you get from it now will not be replaceable. And don't forget; Saint Ansell mounted some of his cameras on top of his car.

StoneNYC · Nov 14, 2014

This whole post confuses me, you sold me your 8x10 lenses A few months ago. I don't know what better lenses you think you're going to get, but you had them already for 8x10 and sold them.

You sold them because you told me you wouldn't be able to carry the 8 x 10

now you say that you can carry the 8 x 10 but only a few yards

I think you need to stop collecting and start getting out and actually shooting, while there still time to shoot, you spend more time collecting and selling lenses and equipment and still haven't gotten out to shoot!

Just get out there!

It's fine if you're doing it as a business and buying and selling lenses, that's no big deal, but if you're going to try and figure something out about shooting and which format etc. forget about it, stop trying to figure it out and just take to get you have and get out and shoot, you're not going to get any better images with any other lenses that you don't already have.

That's my advice.

Don't Cry For Me, Argentina... 4x5 vs. 8x10

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