Using a 4x5 reduction back on 8x10 Any thoughts about pros and cons?

[ZoneVI]

I am looking into using a 4x5 reduction back on an 8x10. I am wondering if those of you with experience doing this might share the pro's and con's if any that you might have encountered.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Ian Grant]

The pro's are you can use Fuji Instant/Polaroid/Impossible project films to do tests, use macro lenses at enormous extensions, use much longer lenses for the same reason

The Cons are not very portable compared to a dedicated5x4 camera, wide angle lenses may be difficult or impossible to use. I have a 5x4 reducing back that came with one of my Agfa Ansco 10x8's and I've never used it and have no plans to at the moment. It would possibly be useful for lens testing.

Ian

 

[dng88]

Use it all the time for polaroid testing.

 

[Robert Hall]

Pro:
Massive movement behind the lens. Especially with a bag bellows.

Con:
most 8x10 lenses are tele to a 45, you might see your scene flatten out in the image more than you want.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

As previously mentioned, availability of 4x5 emulsions is the plus, size and bulk are the minus.

 

[DanielStone]

having the ability to have 2 cameras in 1 body is the major +++ for me.

I'm in the process of making a 5x7 reduction back to go on my 8x10 camera, so it'll be 3 cameras in one .

also keeps the # of different cameras down, and extra gear from piling up.

-Dan

 

[pgomena]

I have a whole-plate camera with a 4x5 reducing back and recently purchased a used 5x7 back I will convert to another reducing back. I find the reducing back handy because I only have 6 whole-plate holders and they are hard to find, so if I am in a position where I can use my lenses to isolate a detail at a distance, it works very well. I'm making the 5x7 converter for the same reason. Yes, 3 cameras in 1 and enough holders for all. I'm a happy camper!

Peter Gomena

 

[ZoneVI]

Thanks for all your answers. I Just bought a Cambo 8 x 10 Legend at a very reasonable cost. It arrived today. It came with a 4x5 reduction back, brand new extra bellows, a lens board, and 8 film holders for 8 x 10 film. Its a heavy beast, but if it works out it will let me get rid of a 4x5 Cambo NX I own. I am hoping this works out.

I already have a Zone VI 4x5 for the field and I am restoring a Century No. 2 8x10 and it is very light.

Jason

 

[cowanw]

Thanks for all your answers. I Just bought a Cambo 8 x 10 Legend at a very reasonable cost. It arrived today. It came with a 4x5 reduction back, brand new extra bellows, a lens board, and 8 film holders for 8 x 10 film. Its a heavy beast, but if it works out it will let me get rid of a 4x5 Cambo NX I own. I am hoping this works out.

I already have a Zone VI 4x5 for the field and I am restoring a Century No. 2 8x10 and it is very light.

Jason

I would suggest you try the shortest lens you will use before getting rid of the 4x5. The 8x10 will likely be longer in the bellows at its shortest.

 

[ZoneVI]

Bill, I will certainly do that. I appreciate the advice as I am new and inexperienced in the large format area.


Thanks,
Jason