What 8X10 folder under $2000?

dphphoto · Feb 18, 2007

Hi all. I'm looking to replace my 1930's era Deardorff. It's gotten a little too rickety over the years. Even though I've retentioned the back springs, I have to run photo tape along the front edge of the holder after I insert it to prevent light leaks. And the bellows don't look so good, either.
I'm looking for suggestions. I know a lot of people will say Wehman. I'd like to know more about it from anyone who has one. Also, I'd like to know more about Shen-Hao, and I'm also thinking about Osaka (can't beat the price).
Any thoughts? Thanks, Dean

User Removed · Feb 18, 2007

A few months back, I was in your shoes looking at all the different 8x10 models available in that price range. After viewing nearly all the cameras in person, I settled on a Phillips Compact II 8x10, which is sadly no longer available for purchase. However, if I could not have purchased the Phillips, I found that the Shen Hao 8x10 that is a rip-off copy of the Phillips was a decent camera, and would have probably purchased that.

After looking at the Wehman, two different Canhams, Ebony, and several more...I perferred the design and craftsmanship of the of Phillips. Since the Shen Hao is nearly the same design as the Phillips, I would suggest you go for that camera.

Here is a link-
http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=925

A great price on that camera as well. The Osaka 8x10 (with 33" bellows) is actually more expensive than the Shen Hao. You would not want an 8x10 camera with only 21" of bellows. That is not nearly enough.

MikeK · Feb 18, 2007

Couple of years back I went on a quest for a sub-$2,000 8x10 and ended up with the Tachihara 8x10 triple bed. In my opinion a great camera for the price, up to 34" extension and a "good looker" Bought it from Jim at Mid West for about $1,500

Has a couple of limitations but I am more than happy with mine.

I posted a review and some pictures of her at Dead Link Removed

Mike

dphphoto · Feb 18, 2007

Hi MikeK: aren't the Tachihara and the Osaka the same, but for the metal? Your's looks great in the pics. Dean

MikeK · Feb 18, 2007

dphphoto said:
Hi MikeK: aren't the Tachihara and the Osaka the same, but for the metal? Your's looks great in the pics. Dean

Checked the Osaka on the Bromwell site and yes apart from the silvered metal parts they do look the same. The give away is the fairly unique front swing mechanism.

Mike

raucousimages · Feb 18, 2007

I love my Toyo 810M but it is heavy. You might want to look at a Canham also.

kjsphoto · Feb 18, 2007

If you want a camera for under $2K and one that is brand new http://www.wehmancamera.com/

It is one of the best 8x10 cameras and solid as a rock.

I love the camera and used to use a deardroff as well;

Here is my personal report of the one I have.kjsphotography.com/journals

wilsonneal · Feb 18, 2007

I really love my 50's Kodak Master View. I see them on eBay for $700-$1000 fairly regularly. It's rigid. The bellows extends as long as most. They're fairly light at about 11 lbs. The movements quickly became second nature.

For me the two drawbacks are the odd lensboards (Michael and Paula offer an excellent replacement, but these are fairly dear at about $100 each), and the color, which is indescribable and not very attractive.

jgjbowen · Feb 18, 2007

I would suggest a Zone VI. Not the Ultra-light version. Available on the 'Bay for about $1300 when they come up. The bail back is a very nice feature and they have long bellows extension of something like 33 inches.

Steve Hamley · Feb 18, 2007

Have Richard Ritter refurb your Deardorff. Likely much, much less than $2000. Otherwise, the Wehman or a solid used Deardorff (then sell the old one) would seem a good choice.

Steve

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 18, 2007

jgjbowen said:
I would suggest a Zone VI. Not the Ultra-light version. Available on the 'Bay for about $1300 when they come up. The bail back is a very nice feature and they have long bellows extension of something like 33 inches.

What don't you like about the Zone VI Ultralight? I've got one and I love it. I picked mine up used on feePay for about $1600. My only beef is that it doesn't take a bigger lensboard.

John Kasaian · Feb 19, 2007

After you buy your new 8x10, I might be able to get your retired Deardorff a spot in the "Old 'Dorffs Home" of which I am the CEO. Rest assured that your elderly 'dorff will be kept in a sanitary, termite-free and cheerful envirement with helpful orderlies to attend to every request your 'dorff might make. No need to worry about your 'dorff being bored or inactive, frequent guided outings are scheduled for the residents and regular classes are offered in challenging fields of study such as badminton, Spanish, and scrap booking. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and direct withdrawal from your bank account, but this month I'm running a special---all 8x10 and larger 'dorff's will be accepted free of charge! I'll even pay for one way transportation to the Old 'Dorff's Home

MikeK · Feb 19, 2007

John Kasaian said:
After you buy your new 8x10, I might be able to get your retired Deardorff a spot in the "Old 'Dorffs Home" of which I am the CEO. Rest assured that your elderly 'dorff will be kept in a sanitary, termite-free and cheerful envirement with helpful orderlies to attend to every request your 'dorff might make. No need to worry about your 'dorff being bored or inactive, frequent guided outings are scheduled for the residents and regular classes are offered in challenging fields of study such as badminton, Spanish, and scrap booking. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and direct withdrawal from your bank account, but this month I'm running a special---all 8x10 and larger 'dorff's will be accepted free of charge! I'll even pay for one way transportation to the Old 'Dorff's Home

That's interesting as I heard your special started on the first day of April.

Mike

jgjbowen · Feb 19, 2007

Zone VI Ultralight

TheFlyingCamera said:
What don't you like about the Zone VI Ultralight? I've got one and I love it. I picked mine up used on feePay for about $1600. My only beef is that it doesn't take a bigger lensboard.

I've got nothing against the Ultralight. I've just never used one and didn't want to recommend something I've never used. Glad you like yours.

There is a non-Ultralight Zone VI 8x10 listed on the 'Bay, I have nothing to do with that auction. It states it was made by Ron Wiesner, but that is incorrrect. Ron only made a few 4x5's for Zone VI.

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 19, 2007

Yeah, the Z VI Ultralight is a very nice, very well-made camera. I think what confuses some people is that the basic design of the Zone VI is very similar to the Wisner design, as opposed to the Canham design, and Ron Wisner was once an employee of Fred Picker's way way way back when Zone VI was an independent operation.

dphphoto · Feb 19, 2007

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. There's a Zone VI on eBay right now, item 150093620586 (I don't know how to make a link), and MPEX still has one last time I checked.
Badger Graphic has a Shen-Hao HZX810-IIAT in their used section, but I don't know anything about those. Dean

StreetShooter · Feb 19, 2007

Dean,

If you enjoyed using the Dorff... why not just have it repaired as Steve suggested? Richard Ritter will make that baby of yours SING!

Or, buy another one... they're going for pretty reasonable dollars these days!

Cheers

coriana6jp · Feb 19, 2007

I'll throw out another vote for the Wehman, its not the prettiest camera in the world, but its lighter and its built like a tank. Its got tons of movements, and the rear asymmetrical swing is great.

I'd had a Shen Hao 4x5 for a while and sold it. It worked well, but t wasnt the most solid camera around, and recently I have read to two reports of them coming unglued. (Self destruct mode??)

Hope it helps.

Gary

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 19, 2007

Gary- I have what must be a fairly old Shen-Hao by now, and have had no glue problems with mine in any way. Dean- I would strongly recommend giving the HZX 810 a try. Badger I'm sure will let you take it out on approval. I really liked my 4x5, and had not my Zone VI come along, I'd be shooting with one myself.

dphphoto · Feb 20, 2007

The best part of all this is realizing how many good choices there are in my price range.
Right now I'm leaning towards the Shen-Hao. May make a decision within the next month or so.
I really wanted to buy a newer Deardorff, but I'd be looking at a 20 year old camera at best. (Of course, when I bought mine, it was almost 50 years old and didn't start giving me trouble until this past year, so what am I saying?)
In the meantime, I'm open to more suggestions. Dean

dphphoto · Feb 20, 2007

John Kasaian said:
After you buy your new 8x10, I might be able to get your retired Deardorff a spot in the "Old 'Dorffs Home" of which I am the CEO. Rest assured that your elderly 'dorff will be kept in a sanitary, termite-free and cheerful envirement with helpful orderlies to attend to every request your 'dorff might make. No need to worry about your 'dorff being bored or inactive, frequent guided outings are scheduled for the residents and regular classes are offered in challenging fields of study such as badminton, Spanish, and scrap booking. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and direct withdrawal from your bank account, but this month I'm running a special---all 8x10 and larger 'dorff's will be accepted free of charge! I'll even pay for one way transportation to the Old 'Dorff's Home

Any brochures?

John Kasaian · Feb 20, 2007

dphphoto said:
Any brochures?

I'll have to work on that!

What 8X10 folder under $2000?

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