Ritter 8x10

[Mahler_one]

I wonder if anyone owns, or has used, a Ritter 8x10 camera and would be willing to share their experience with us. I am toying with the idea of down- sizing my 8x10 kit to one that is lighter and more easily carried then the Deardorff. Thanks for any help-much appreciated.

Ed

 

[David Brown]

http://mikecastles.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/ritter-7x118x10-re-visited/

http://mikecastles.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/new-ritter-7x118x10-camera/

 

[jeffzeitlin]

You may wish to look at the Wehman as well. I own one and it is fantastic.

 

[ic-racer]

Daniel Buck had one and posted about it on his blog and the LF forum. I was looking at one also, but went with a heavier camera.

 

[photomc]

As David pointed out (Thanks David) I do have a Ritter 8x10, or should I say I have a Ritter 7x11 with a 8x10 back. It replaced a Kodax No.2 7x11 (that also has a 8x10 back) and a Korona 8x10. After working with both of the great older cameras the Ritter has been a joy to work with. Richard put a lot of time and thought into the design of the camera and it shows.

If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will share as much as I can. Good luck in your quest for a replacement camera.

 

[bdial]

I haven't worked with one, but have had the chance to examine them up close, and also know a few people who use them. If I were to buy a new 8x10, that woud be the one.

 

[Peter Schrager]

Ritter

I was Richard several weeks ago at an outing in Peters Valley and to my way of thinking if I had the money I would buy one asap...he was carrying the 8x10 with one hand; on the ries tripod; with a lens...it is a great camera
Best, Peter

 

[Mahler_one]

I so much appreciate everyone taking the time to comment. Additional information would be very much appreciated from anyone else who has also actually had a chance to use the camera week in and week out in the field...one of the real difficulties in buying a LF camera is that most of the time one simply does not have the opportunity to actually USE the camera that one is considering before purchasing such. If one does have the chance to see a LF camera before buying, then one hardly has the time to open and close it over and over again, set it up, put on the lens boards, and carry out all of the steps that one needs to do in order to expose a sheet of film. Hence, first hand comments are so welcomed-and even needed!

 

[jgjbowen]

Ed,

My 8x10 Ritter is from the inital batch. I purchased it after owning/using a Ritter 7x17 for a year or two. The camera is an absolute joy to work with. I also own both a Zone VI 8x10 and a Wisner 8x10. Both collect dust because the Ritter sees all the action. I would echo Mike Castles comments. My 8x10 lens kit includes a 240 fuji, 305 G Claron, 355 G Claron, 450 Nikon M and a 600 Fuji C. I list the lenses to let you know that I have NOT put a 27lb beast on the front standard, then racked it out to 33 inches for some close-up work The camera would likely handle that load, but I haven't put mine to that torture test.

About the only difference working with the Ritter vs the heavier cameras is that, once set up and focused you MUST lock the Ritter down. With my Zone VI and/or Wisner, I could focus and just slightly tighten the camera down. Due to the light weight of the Ritter, the camera would exhibit wind induced vibrations if not properly locked down. Once locked down, the camera operated as expected. A slight change in my work habits, but a small price to pay for shaving off all that weight.

Ed,
Contact Richard to see if he has a camera owner in your area. I have let Richard know that if anyone in the Richmond, VA area wanted to test drive a camera, I would be happy to let them demo mine. Perhaps a kind soul in your area can help you out. And don't forget, if you would like to customize your camera (as Mike C. did) Richard is the guy to work with. I already had 4x5 and 5x7 reducing backs for my Zone VI and requested that Richard build my back so I could use the same reducing backs. Saved me a few hundred $, by not having to have new reducing backs made. On the front standard, I already had my lenses mounted on Zone VI boards, so Richard built my camera to take the Zone VI boards vs the standard configuration, which I believe, takes Sinar boards. Again saving me $$ and time since I could keep my lenses mounted on boards that cold be used with either the Ritter or Zone VI cameras.

Good luck in your quest,

 

[Mahler_one]

Thanks for the great note John. I will take your advice about custom features and asking about a "local representative"...:}...My lens kit is very similar with the exception of the long 600mm John.

By the way, do you ever REALLY use all of the movements? I have often felt that such movements are "wasted" on those of us who are not doing "commercial product shots" or "sophisticated" architectural studies.

 

[coriana6jp]

I can't speak for the 8x10 (I own a Wehman), but I do have a Ritter 12x20. The camera is a joy to use, has more movements that I could ever use under most circumstances. I do agree with John the camera has to be locked down once focused or you risk some vibration. I would not hesitate to buy one, I am considering trading my Wehman in for RR 8x10 at some point.

Good Luck with your choice.

Gary