Shen Hao 8x10 Questions/Advice (wtb..)

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I am quite interested in purchasing an 8x10 camera. I'm enlarging 4x5 and 645 negatives to 8x10 for cyanotypes and it is a pain. The Shen Hao cameras look very nice, especially for the price. I've emailed the factory about the price for the 8x10 (not sure of the model) but have yet to receive a reply. Has anyone any experience ordering from the factory? I've looked for the 8x10 model at Badger, Robert White, View Camera Store, etc. and have come up empty handed. Pricing? Quality? Opinions? I don't mind used/beaten but Ebay seems fickle at times for 8x10.

Thank you for advice, suggestions, etc.
-phil

 

[Nick Zentena]

I bought a 5x7 from the factory but did ask about the 8x10. IIRC the 8x10 is just under $1900 plus shipping.

The process is you figure out what you want to order. Send the order in. They'll send you the bank info and you go to your bank and send a bank draft. Some time later you'll get an email telling you the camera has shipped and a fedex tracking number. I think I received my camera in less then three weeks from the date I went to the bank and sent the money.

If you go to the Shen Hao users group you'll find a thread on ordering from the factory.

http://www.phpbbforfree.com/index.php?mforum=shug

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

$1900+ s&h? gosh darn.. I mine as well buy a beaten Deardorff!
They look like such nice cameras though, and i've never owned a brand new camera before..

Thank you for your reply Mr. Zentena!

 

[Jim Noel]

You might look into a neew TAchihara 8X10 at about $1300. Available usually from B&H and Adorama.

 

[kswatapug]

I have a friend here in Boise with an 8x10 Kodak D2 with a couple of Wollensack lenses (14-1/2"-f.4 and 12"-f.4.5 w/shutter), an 8x10 to 5x7 reducing back (needs gg), 3 film holders and a Davis and Sanford floating head tripod. It is not as pretty as the Shen Hao and there isn't much in the way of movements on those cameras, but it is in great shape with all parts--case and extension rail--and the bellows are light tight.

For a look see, it is the camera used to model the BLACKJACKET(TM) 8x10 at www.quietworks.com and if you'd like more photos showing the camera in detail, I have 'em. He was looking to go home with a grand for the entire kit, which seems to be par to high (for everything) on the Ebay scale from what I've seen.

 

[Nick Zentena]

$1900 seems about right. Give or take a few bucks. The double extension Tachihara is cheaper.

With the 5x7 the saving isn't so much on the camera but all the accessories. I would likely have paid much more for the other items with other brands.

I picked up an 8x10 monorail for little more then $200. When I take the time to find a shorter rail it might even be useable outdoors.

 

[eclarke]

Deardorff

Why not a new Deardorff??. Jack deardorff is making them11..EC

$1900+ s&h? gosh darn.. I mine as well buy a beaten Deardorff!
They look like such nice cameras though, and i've never owned a brand new camera before..

Thank you for your reply Mr. Zentena!

 

[Peter De Smidt]

Regarding a Kodak D2, they don't come with front tilt, not that that is impossible to work around. {Tilt back to required amount. Using the tripod head, tilt the whole camera forward until the back is plumb. The front standard will now be tilted appropriately. Use front rise to get the framing that you want. Note, this won't work with macro subjects.} In any case, Richard Ritter, formerly of Zone VI, can make an adapter board that adds front tilt. I think that it's around $175. Kodak D2 cameras are well made and light. I have one and like it a lot, but then it was free.

Peter
www.desmidt.net

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I was hoping the 8x10 would be around or under $900, i'm on a really tight budget.
I mine as well either find a new job or look for an old user.

I'd love a new Deardorff though, eclarke. I had no idea they were still being made!

 

[lallan]

Hello,

I recently (1/27) got a reply from Shen-Hao (zhangfmli@vip.sina.com):
"The XZX810-IIAT canera is cost $1780.The camera case is cost $38.
You can buy it directly from us.
You can via transfer to my account.
Sorry! I not know tell you location who has.
Please see web sat www.shen-hao.com or see www.badgergraphic.com"

Bader Graphic does not sell the 8x10. I was put in touch with someone who just received an 8x10 and they told me that it cost another $192 to ship (Fed Ex). He was using zhenzuoli@msn.com as his contact. So, at $2010 that puts you in the range of a GOOD used Deardorff. Deardorffs I have seen, I haven't seen the Shen-Hao yet and I haven't gotten any feedback from Ken who just got the camera. Maybe wait until Sept when Jack Deardorff claims he will start making the new Deardorffs ($3600).

...lyle