To 8x10 or not to 8x10?

[timing]

Having spent most of the last year shooting with the 5x4's and enjoying it, I'm starting to wonder what 10x8 would be like. I very much like the idea of contact printing where at the moment I'm scanning the negatives.

However, it's clear that there are a range of factors that I need to take into consideration before I look at buying any gear. So far the practical ones seem to be:

1. Getting hold of the film as I'll be moving to Istanbul this week.
2. Changing my film development practice which is currently Paterson drum for 120, Combi tanks for 4x5 and I guess now, tray processing for 10x8.
3. Weight considerations of the equipment.
4. Learning to Contact print (although I can also scan with the Epson 700).
5. Another Dark cloth to gt hold of
6. Another tripod and head required?

Of course there will be other non-practical considerations in terms of the results I'll get from seeing the world through a larger Ground glass.

Additionally I should state that I have a project in mind once I get settled in Istanbul and that is to capture the mosques of the architect Sinan (Architect to the Sultan, Suleyman the Magnificent) although not from a straight architectural perspective.

Anybody else taken this move and have any other thoughts / considerations?

Now,if I did make the move I was thinking of a Deardorrf to complement my 4x5 Special but any other views?

[Peter B]

I think IanG will be your best bet for info on using big cameras in Turkey, and I'm sure he'll drop by soon. The other option for processing the film would be the Paterson Orbital tank, as that will take a sheet of 8x10 film and you can work in the light after you've loaded it in the dark.

[PAUL O]

10x8 is a bugger
Everything weighs so much more than 5x4 ... camera, lenses, film holders, tripod etc!
I tried it and decided (well my back decided!) that it wasn't worth the effort. I use 5x7 which is a great format and my outfit weighs not much more than the 5x4 set-up used to!
Pros - most 5x4 lenses will cover 5x7 format; film holders not much heavier than 5x4 - but almost twice the film area!; you can probably use same darkcloth/tripod/bag as that used for 5x4; negs scan wonderfully on Epson V700; the slightly extended format is more pleasing to my eye! Many can use the Canham 6x17 roll film back (or sheet film can be cropped).
Cons - film is restricted to black and white - although 5x7 Fuji Velvia can be purchased from Japan; contact prints are a bit on the small side although many swear by them.
I develop mine in a Patersson Orbital Processor - 2 sheets at a time in 200ml of chemistry.

[dave_whatever]

Could you cut 10x8 sheets of velvia into 5x7s in the dark?

[PAUL O]

Yes, sorry forgot to mention that! However, the sheet of 10x8 film requires 2 cuts to allow 2 sheets of 5x7 to be achieved. There are references to this DIY approach and the method to use on the LF Forum; you will need access to a darkroom for this as a changing tent won't be big enough to accommodate all the gear needed.

[Bip]

Even though 10x8 is bulkier than 5x4, if you have considered where to shoot from etc then the setting up is not too different, if its a field camera then nowhere near as cumbersome as a view camera.
Extra weight can be countered by a trolley with chunky wheels!
Assume you can buy the film via web or mailed from reputable dealers.
Contact printing in the darkroom... assuming its b&w need a nice piece of high quality glass to put on top of the neg.

It's not as easy as working with 5x4 looking on the ground glass and focusing particularly in low light.
Need f6.8 or faster lens to get plenty of light for focusing.
It's quite amazing looking at the image on the ground glass! The images will blow you away.

I use a 10x8 Horseman LX outdoors and only because I DON'T HAVE A field camera. the quick release tripod mount is a must.

Bip

[keeds]

Be careful... 5x4 will not be big enough once you've used 8x10. Using an 8x10 ground glass is sweet. The logistics are more difficult but manageable.
It's easier to scan 5x4 than 8x10.
Contact printing is easy and you can use Lodima for this and it is a fantastic paper.
Film development is not difficult. You can find 8x10 print tubes and do rotary development.

Any specific questions just ask.

[Bip]

Hi Keeds

Where do you buy Lodima paper? and 8x10 print tubes?

thanks
Bip

[Kintokoba]

A most interesting thread indeed as I've just taken the plunge and bought myself a Deardorff

The hardest thing i'm facing now is finding used darkslides, they are a bit pricey new, nearly £130 from Robert White

I located the Lodima paper at http://www.michaelandpaula.com/mp/newpaper.html.

[Peter B]

The hardest thing i'm facing now is finding used darkslides, they are a bit pricey new, nearly £130 from Robert White

There's one lot of 3 at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fidelity-ELITE-10 ... 20aed17413

and a single one at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-FIDELITY- ... 563889e9ae

They've just newly started and have a week to go.

Edit: have also PM'd you!

[Kintokoba]

Thanks Peter, I've got the 3 auction in my sights Cant find the PM from you though...

[Peter B]

It seems to be sulking in my Outbox for some unknown reason!

I'll give it a while longer and see if it goes, or I'll try sending another one.

[David Evans]

Thanks Peter, I've got the 3 auction in my sights Cant find the PM from you though...

Is your In Box full (i.e 50 messages)? I had this problem last week, then realised there was a message saying messages waiting. Had to delete some older messages to get the new one's into my In Box.

[Peter B]

Thanks for the tip David, but it went of its own accord shortly after I posted the message above, and I've had a reply so I know it definitely worked!

[Bip]

I bought 10x8 Fidelity darkslide last year from Teamwork for £30 as new... they r around that price generally...