I'm trying to decide on a 8x10 camera while being on a tight budget. One of the options I have is a black Calumet C1 for $400. Does anybody have any experience using this beast in the field? I understand is a bit heavy (14 or 18lbs). Any opinions?

-- Sorin Varzaru (svarzaru@bigfoot.com), January 09, 2001

Answers

This is a strong, heavy, stable camera. Probably more suited for studio than field work, (or field work close to the car) but only because of the weight. It is no longer in production, But Calumet is still in business (www.calumetphoto.com for info). I do not know to what level they support this product.

If the camera is in good condition this is a reasonable price. You could easily do much worse than this camera.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), January 09, 2001.

It's a very strong, stable beast that weighs about eight tons.

To me it's fine for working out of the car but no way I'd want to lug it and its accompanying Majestic gear-head tripod very far. In my experience, though, it's _far_ better than most other relatively-inexpensive 8x10 cameras.

Of new camera, I've seen the Tachihara double-extension 8x10 available new for about $1400; that'd be fine for normal and wide lenses but I suspect it's somewhat lacking in stability.

Calumet still has lensboards and parts for the C-1; ask for Jose in the parts department.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), January 09, 2001.

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/calumet/calumetc8x1 0.html

-- sheldon hambrick (sheldon_hambrick@hotmail.com), January 09, 2001.