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I use a Gitzo 3 section Systematic with aluminum centre column and Manfrotto 405 geared head with my Ebony SLW810. I've been using it for a few years and it has performed well on many different terrain. Quick to set up and rock solid.

Sadly I did Google - "stroke an ebony" - needless to say I've had to apply parental controls on my computer!

Great stuff - pleased to hear that you've solved the problem

Hi Sharon and welcome to the wonderful world of LF photography.

SNIP; Many people in this forum are interested in extracting the maximum sharpness and detail from their film exposure which is fine and a real art in its own right. Portraits shot with longer exposures will not necessarily exhibit this extreme sharpness but will still show smooth tonality and very...

Recently started using my 8x10 to photograph mostly full length portraits of family and friends - would like to point it towards strangers in the style of Joel Sternfield who used an 8x10 camera (see his book 'Stranger Passing'). I only produce 8x10, and in some cases 5x7 contact prints. I'll try to...

Tim, make sure you also keep the tank scrupulously clean. I always wash and dry mine after use. If after all this you still get the odd mark which you suspect is because of the fins - I think then its time they are removed. A test I did some time ago was to place a dead sheet of 8x10 film in the tan...

Tim, I no longer use the manual base either. I keep the processor flat and just tilt it gently L to R and corner to corner. I do this sequence about every 2-3 seconds throughout the development, that is tilt to the L, leave tank level for 2-3 seconds then tilt to the R and again leave tank still for...

The Weston exhibition is IMO a must see. The work he was producing during the late 1920's until his last work, 1948, is I feel his finest. Leaving aside subject matter which is subjective, the quality of his prints is about as good as it gets. The exhibition runs until 24th October 2010 - 115 prints...

Hi Frederick, I use a 410 for my cameras up to 4x5, have even used it for my 8x10 but much prefer the 405 for this larger, heavier format. I've had my 410 for a number of years and it has never let me down, retained its smooth operation on all axis until recently when one axis is starting showing si...

Tim, I use a Paterson Orbital for processing 8x10 film. I have in fact two processors, one with the fins still in place and one where I removed them and all I can say is film processed in either are identical, very evenly developed. My agitation method is identical with Rodinal and PMK pyro. I gentl...

Hi Frederick, welcome to the stimulating world of LF photography. Once you really get into it I think you will find it extremley satisfying. Just returned from a 4 day stay in beautiful Edinburgh - went to see the Edward Weston exhibition at the City Art Centre. Seeing Weston's stunning contact prin...

Hi Penny, from one Ebony user to another a warm welcome to the forum and LF photography - a most rewarding pursuit if I may say so.

Sadly I'm a long way from Cumbria (London) but if I can help in any way just PM me and I will try to help if possible.

Also the 120 Nikon ED Macro lens is a little gem. So far I've only used it on the 6x9cm format but it will cover 5"x7" at 1:1.

Hi Neil, good to see you here and I do hope you find LF fulfilling? I think once the 'bug' bites you'll never look back.