(UK) - Scratching that 8x10 itch ... ?

[pdeeh]

A discussion in another thread ((there was a url link here which no longer exists)) prompted me think seriously again about a "proper" camera.

I've been messing about with home-made (foamcore) LF cameras for a while now, and fun though they are, they are also clumsy and impractical as field cameras (in, for instance, actual fields).

With better materials, facilities, tools and (more than anything) skills, I could no doubt fabricate something more practical, but the reality is it won't happen.

I have a little spare cash at the moment, and bearing in mind that I already have a few holders, a couple of barrel lenses that can be pressed into service, and other odds and ends that come in useful for LF (darkcloth, decent size rucsac, spot meter, opera hat, tripod, etc) I've been wondering whether it is possible to get hold of a folding 8x10 field camera for a "smallish" amount - the low hundreds in GBP I mean - in the UK.

I'm not expecting to stumble over a Deardorff or Gandolfi for a couple of hundred quid, of course, but I am hoping it might be possible to find a working (and workable) older folding 8x10 field camera with some movements, and bellows that aren't beyond repair with a bit of duct tape and fabric paint.

These sorts of beasts do seem to appear on forums such as APUG and LFPF as well as eBay, but almost exclusively from US sellers.

Although superficially attractive, a £400/$600 8x10 from the US can quickly turn into a £625/$950ish camera once shipping, import duty, VAT and whatnot are taken into account.

So, short of watching eBay UK constantly, or placing a WTB here and/or at LFPF (yes, I realise that's the obvious solution), or regularly making expensive 200 mile round trips to the few UK camera fairs ... where else can I look within the UK (or even EU) at this sort of price level?

 

[tessar]

I don't know where you're located in the UK, but it might be worthwhile to give Real Camera in Manchester a call. On a trip to Britain I visited the store and found they had an amazing amount of stock:
http://www.realcamera.co.uk/

 

[David Brown]

I've been wondering whether it is possible to get hold of a folding 8x10 field camera
... but I am hoping it might be possible to find a working (and workable) older folding 8x10 field camera
... where else can I look within the UK ...

In the UK, try looking for a 10x8 ...

 

[pdeeh]

Y'know, I use 8x10 and 10x8 interchangeably ... but I knew someone would come along and crack that one

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Backwards Brits... don't they know 8 comes before 10??

 

[paul_c5x4]

I've been wondering whether it is possible to get hold of a folding 8x10 field camera for a "smallish" amount - the low hundreds in GBP I mean - in the UK.

I think you might struggle to find a field camera in the low hundreds - Just had a look at some of the recent ebay sold listings, and whilst one Sinar 10x8 kit went for £120, wooden folders appear to be fetching £650 and up.

There is a Watson 10x8 fitted with a 5x4 back, but I wouldn't touch it at £350 - Maybe under £100 perhaps... It is missing the original back, and to use modern film holders, it would still need modifications.

A dealer local to me told me he is expecting some LF gear in within the next week or three - He seems to think some of it is 10x8 or larger. Depending on what turns up, I'll PM you if there is anything suitable (assuming I don't grab it first).

 

[pdeeh]

Thanks, that's kind of you.

Perhaps I should emigrate to the US ?

 

[paul_c5x4]

The cost of health care should put you right off that idea. They also carry guns, and depending on where you go, speak with a bit of an accent.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

The cost of health care should put you right off that idea. They also carry guns, and depending on where you go, speak with a bit of an accent.

Wa' cha'll talkin' bout, ya'll bitches?? YEE-HAW!!!

 

[Alan Gales]

The cost of health care should put you right off that idea. They also carry guns, and depending on where you go, speak with a bit of an accent.

Yeah, but American women just love a British accent! You could get you a bunch of girlfriends.

Of course like Mick Jagger says, "American girls want everything in the world that you could possibly imagine!". That means bring plenty of cash.

 

[stiganas]

You need patience. This Agfa Ansco:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

was for sale almost one month, now it is mine (I don't plan to sell it). I also found a Nikkor-W 300mm from japan with a tiny scratch and half the price.

So, yes, it is possible.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

The cost of health care should put you right off that idea. They also carry guns, and depending on where you go, speak with a bit of an accent.

and shoot Brits since 1776.

 

[RobC]

There are auction houses (not the online type) who hold regular auctions of photographic kit. I think there's a good one in Newbury, Berkshire. I expect you'll find them all over the UK in major towns.

http://www.specialauctionservices.com/cameras_and_photographic_equipment_auctions.php

 

[dsefcik]

I have been scratching my 8x10 itch with a (there was a url link here which no longer exists) and fuji hr-t xray film...pretty cheap and so far pretty fun. I do plan to try and buy a real 8x10 field camera at some point but this was a cheap way to get started.

 

[barzune]

and shoot Brits since 1776.

But, were Brits, until 1776!

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

But, were Brits, until 1776!

Ha ha... yes and were were traitors to the king.

 

[John Koehrer]

Yeah, but American women just love a British accent! You could get you a bunch of girlfriends.

With the accent, maybe you could get them to support you in the style to which you would like to become accustomed.

 

[pdeeh]

Thanks for all the helpful replies in the thread (and for the last-tangent-at-APUG ones too ), and thanks also to those members who PM'd me with such useful information ...

... watch this space ... :devil:

 

[paul_c5x4]

Some good news, and some bad news.

The camera gear turned up at the dealers today. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a 10x12 along with some lenses and a few bits of tat. Someone has already claimed first dibs on the camera, and I'm after one of the lenses.

 

[pdeeh]

thanks