Which 8x10 is better?

[Changeling1]

Thanks for the comments. I've never even seen a picture of a Wehman so I'll be checking that brand out.

 

[Campbell]

I've owned two Deardorffs, they're great cameras. I haven't kept up with their current pricing but based on what I paid for my second one which was absolutely mint, I think the winning bid of $2500 was very high. I think I paid $1800 on ebay. But that was a couple years ago, maybe the going price has increased since then. The Expedition would be very tempting though, especially if it weighs significantly less than the Deardorff's 12 lbs and especially if ended up at say $2000 to $2500. I'd have to investigate the specs of the Wisner, do some research, etc. before I could say which I'd buy but assuming the Wisner doesn't get beyond $2500 I'd probably go for it.

 

[Capocheny]

Ryan,

Yup, it's a pretty nice looking Dorff 8x10 alright! I think the seller will be very, very pleased with the price...

That's what the market bears! So, why not?

As for the Wisner... personally speaking, I'd still hang on for another Dorff (for all the reasons in my posting above) even though the price has been dropped!

FWIW, there's just a little intangible "something" about shooting with a piece of photographic history (not the be all, end all but... )

Cheers

 

[Amund]

Ryan,

FWIW, there's just a little intangible "something" about shooting with a piece of photographic history (not the be all, end all but... )

Cheers

Sure is, but my back didn`t agree, so I got the Wehman instead of something old and historic...

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

Thanks for the comments. I've never even seen a picture of a Wehman so I'll be checking that brand out.

http://www.wehmancamera.com/

 

[jimgalli]

I was second high bid on this Deardorff. To me it looked like as close as you would ever get to turning back the clock and buying a new Deardorff. Sometimes I just sigh and tell myself I'll amortize it 100 bucks a year for the next 25 years. It certainly would easily outlast me with any care at all. Indeed I was asking myself if I got it, is it too nice to use.

As to which is better: I have a Wisner 4X5 just like the 8X10 in question but smaller, and I use a Deardorff 8X10. The Deardorff is 2 or 3 times the camera the Wisner is. The fit and finish on the 'dorff's is nothing short of elegant. And what makes it better to me at least is Deardorff wasn't shooting for elegance, he was just making cameras. They remain "the standard" by which all others are measured. IMHO of course.

 

[Amund]

Another plug for the Wehman, it`s so compact, that in the main compartment of my f.64 bag I place the camera at the bottom, then a Harrison darkcloth and still have room for four filmholders. And three holders goes into the outer pocket.

 

[User Removed]

Personally, I think the Deardorff was TOO preety. I'm sure many people would agree that some would probably be afraid to really USE the camera for what it was intended for! Don't get me wrong, I love preety cameras but I want something that I can really USE!

I think when some people get beautiful cameras like that, they are afraid to get out and really work with them, and you can usually tell by their images being not as good as they could be.

This is why my vote went for the Wehman. Its a good looking camera, but does not fit into the "preety" catagory. I would not break into tears if I got a scratch or scuff on the camera. I would not be afraid to throw it into a backpack to go hiking or use it when its snowing/raining out.

Sure cameras like that Deardorff are VERY nice, but I think preety camera hold people back alot.

Ryan McIntosh
www.RyanMcIntosh.net

 

[John Kasaian]

FWIW, I think the "dorff is the most intuitive 8x10 I've used. While I don't have any experience with the Wehman or Gandolfi, I've found my "comfort zone" with the Deardorff.

The rich history these cameras have lived through is also of some merit.

Like hunting with a finely engraved shotgun, if the pheasants won't come out to play, you can at least sit on a rock and look at the pretty pictures.

When afield and the light refuses to behave, I can sit on a rock and look at all those scars on my "dorff and contemplate how they got there.

'Dorffs are also like real estate---you're bound to make a profit if you ever loose your sensibilites and sell the thing. This dosen't mean much to me (they'll have to pry my 'dorff from my cold dead fingers like Dagor 77 did to the bloke in his ebay auction) but it might mean quite a bit to my widow.

 

[Capocheny]

Amund,

WHAT? You mean it isn't a LIGHT camera??

That's why I have a baby Dorff 5x7. It's "almost" as nice as the one that just sold!.

Jim,

You surely can amortize it a bit faster than over 25 years, can't you? Or, you'll just have to sell a few more pieces of glass!

Ryan,

I have to disagree with you. I think they're too pretty NOT to use! Besides, if it does get a scratch... it's a LOT easier to deal with than the Wehman. You'd just take it apart and refinish it. A LOT of people have done this with these cameras. As well, if you're not capable or interested in doing the job... for $700 a pro will do it for you! IMHO, that's pretty darn reasonable!

Lastly, I know lots of shooters who have shot some AMAZING images and their cameras are in really GREAT shape.

John,

As I use the Dorff 5x7 more and more...I'd have to agree about the "ease of use and intuitiveness of these cameras... (just like a Mac! Just kidding!!!

Anyway, I should have taken your advice back about a year ago and bought the 8x10 straight away! But, the right one just didn't come along.... until now!

Cheers

 

[jimgalli]

I should have taken your advice back about a year ago and bought the 8x10 straight away! But, the right one just didn't come along.... until now!

Cheers

So, are you the guy that outbid me??

 

[Capocheny]

So, are you the guy that outbid me??

Hi Jim,

I wish it were!

No, I won another Dorff 8x10 back a short while ago that is in very, very similar condition. The big difference is that I didn't pay half as much for it.

It's a funny time for Dorffs these days. Some go for very high prices like the one above... and others, like mine, go for a very reasonable price.

So, No... I wasn't the guy who outbid you. But, yes... I'll most likely be a candidate for 8x10 lenses from you!

Cheers

 

[Troy Ammons]

Phillips
Wehman
Kodak Masterview

 

[John Kasaian]

Congratulations! Happy 'Dorffing!

 

[jimgalli]

Well, I guess I can buy it afer-all. I just got one of those phony second chance offers! Wish there was a way to really punish those thieves.

 

[JBrunner]

Whats the best 8x10? Well, the Kodak 2D of course! Why would I say that? Well, because it is the 8x10 that I own. When I get a different 8x10, that of course, will be the best.

 

[User Removed]

Well, I guess I can buy it afer-all. I just got one of those phony second chance offers! Wish there was a way to really punish those thieves.

Jim,

Report it to Ebay fraud dept.

People are so stupid to still be doing that, even after a few guys were put in jail for doing the exact same thing! I guess people are still falling for that trick tho. :-/

 

[jimgalli]

Jim,

Report it to Ebay fraud dept.

People are so stupid to still be doing that, even after a few guys were put in jail for doing the exact same thing! I guess people are still falling for that trick tho. :-/

I always immediately send that stuff to 'spoof@ebay.com' but must admit that feels like a black hole also.

 

[Steve Hamley]

Jim,

Don't fall for that second chance stuff. Wait for the "Well, you missed that one but I have one new in the box with manufacturer's warranty and accessories" offer from China or Indonesia.

Steve

 

[Campbell]

I spent a lot of time investigating the Wehman and came very close to buying one but ended up with my second Deardorff instead. I'm not big on pretty cameras, my principal camera is a Linhof Technika which certainly isn't pretty, but I just couldn't get past that big metal shovel- looking thing on the Wehman.

 

[johnwnyc]

I'd think that the metal-shovel thing on the Wehman would make a good sail in the wind. Do people have worse-than-average problems with stability with the Wehman?

 

[Dave Wooten]

Actually the Wehman is one of the more stable, exhibiting less flex at full extension than most. The design is very well thought out...form follows function...

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

I'd think that the metal-shovel thing on the Wehman would make a good sail in the wind. Do people have worse-than-average problems with stability with the Wehman?

I've been using my Wehman in windy conditions for about 2 years. Its stability is excellent. The Wehman is a good example of a very well thought out system design. The "Metal-Shovel Thing" is easily removable. I do a lot of wide angle work, so I often shoot with it removed. When I put a long focal length lens on, I put the "Metal-Shovel Thing" back on as well.