LF School: Sturdy older wooden 5x7 cameras.

[Alan Gales]

I have seen Toyo 8x10 monorails around that price or a little more. They are said to be rock solid.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I made a decision about this just lately and figured I should share: I'm heading into 8x10 territory in about six months if the financial planning works out. I'm using 4x5 for the project I'm doing. Not just for the cheaper film, but also because I've learned that while I like 5x7 as a format, I end up cropping off the top to something akin to 4x5 anyway. My brain sees better in that almost-square or square format. I can do the same thing with my 35mm images, so it isn't anything new.

I'm going to work on a budget of $1000-ish for camera, holders, and probably an older wooden tripod. The 300mm Bausch & Lomb and the 14" and 18" focal lengths of the rapid rectilinear I just bought *should* work on it, so lenses won't be needed at first.

So...er...that's about it. Just thought I'd let everyone know. I'm starting my project after Christmas and it'll likely take a few months since I don't have as much time to shoot anymore and some of the stuff has to wait until spring...and until I have a place to shoot them.

 

[EASmithV]

I highly recommend the Fujinon-W 300mm f/5.6. It's tack sharp and renders beautifully on 8x10.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I highly recommend the Fujinon-W 300mm f/5.6. It's tack sharp and renders beautifully on 8x10.

That's too new for me. I prefer the rendering of older lenses. I'll save high contrast for 35mm and medium format.

I'll be keeping my eye out for more rapid rectilinear types. Uncoated, probably. I'm weird that way.

 

[rjs003]

I have both the 5x7 and 8x10 Anscos and they perform flawlessly. They do have a problem with weight, but my days of hiking into the back country are over. If I can't drive to the location, then I don't need to go.

 

[removed account4]

That's too new for me. I prefer the rendering of older lenses. I'll save high contrast for 35mm and medium format.

I'll be keeping my eye out for more rapid rectilinear types. Uncoated, probably. I'm weird that way.

hey steph

i am not sure if you plan on shooting paper or film.
i lean towards paper for my 8x10 and bigger cause my kids
ate all the money i would have spent on film ... and i don't mind
long exposures ortho type grey rendering &c.
you mention older lenses ... you might consider one of reinhold's wollaston lenses !
he makes them big and small and from all reports they are a thing of beauty. ( he is a apug member ! )
the lenses come with waterhouse stops so you can stop down and get a sharp image if you want
or you can shoot wide open and get fun soft exposures. he also makes an adapter for a packard shutter
if you need an instantaneous exposure and he is developing a drop / guillotine shutter as well.

http://re-inventedphotoequip.com/Site/Home.html

not expensive but ... gold

good luck !
john

 

[Vaughn]

If you happen across an Ansco 8x10, let me know. I might have a 5x7 Ansco reducing back for it -- a slider. It does a 5x7, or you can take two 3.25x5's on a sheet of 5x7.

 

[takermaker]

I am suggesting an alternative to regular tripods. I solved that problem because my hobby is making mammoth wooden cameras, bellows and filmholders that exceed 50 lbs by using a 4pod. That is a 24x32 1 inch thick marine plywood cut board with 2 heavy duty telescopeing tripod legs on the front and 2 at the back. I call it a 4 pod and it will support my weight also

 

[Mark Crabtree]

I am suggesting an alternative to regular tripods. I solved that problem because my hobby is making mammoth wooden cameras, bellows and filmholders that exceed 50 lbs by using a 4pod. That is a 24x32 1 inch thick marine plywood cut board with 2 heavy duty telescopeing tripod legs on the front and 2 at the back. I call it a 4 pod and it will support my weight also

Pictures? It would be fun to see the cameras too.

 

[athanasius80]

Another vote against the Korona, beautiful camera, but every 5x7 Korona I had was sorta wobbly, and my 8x10 Korona was positively flappy until I reglued part of the front standard and all the rails. Most people's accounts seem to prefer Eastman 2Ds and the Ansco/Agfa-Ansco stuff. Good luck Steph! 8x10 is awesome.

 

[Susie Frith]

Hi Steph,

Re. the Gundlach you were watching on ebay..

I have had these in 5x4, 5x7, 5x12 and 8x20. Of all the cameras I have owned over the years, they are all without doubt the flimsiest.

Usually the bent brass slides for the focussing just run in grooves in the wooden rails (an early one was brass lined) which together with bellows made of rhino skin make them "interesting" to work with. I think they were well designed and made for doing a specific job in the first few decades of the 20th century, but considering their age now, would not recommend them for everyday use: just as something nice for a change.

The Agfa and Ansco's on the other hand have always been solid, as well as the Kodaks. The latter were made here in the UK under licence by Kodak England. The only 10x8 I now have is the All Metal Kodak Commercial View which is magnesium alloy, but still has rhino bellows!

Also I have a tailboard camera in whole plate. Something like this would be fine for portraits. There is rising and cross front, and a bit of tilt on the back, but it is light and folds up pretty small - the tailboard protects the GG. Also, having a fixed front standard it can take quite a heavy lens. I use it for wetplate. It is pretty rigid and strong despite being about 110 years old.

Susie

 

[horacekenneth]

I have an Ansco Field 5x7, sounds like you've ruled the 5x7 format out but it's a nice camera (what do I know, though). It is my first LF camera (besides a can w/ a hole in it) but the front standard seems a little wobbly.