8x10 Deardorff Camera

This is a still introduction to my Dorff 8x10 camera. OK, I know stills are lame on you-tube, but I'm still getting my feet wet trying to learn this movie software and how to use a digital camera. I don't know why the pics don't translate up to 720--they were recorded tack sharp in HD. Must have to do with the Sherif software . . . The next in this series will show movements this Dorff has to offer in live time--hopefully sharper. Meanwhile, things to know if you are interested in a V8 camera: it weights 13 lbs.--so on the heavy side, however, the camera sits exceptionally well on a tripod and is incredibly sturdy. Dorffs were made in other sizes: there is a "Baby" which is a 4x5 size. These are fairly rare, but if you are in seach of an ultimate 4x5, the Baby might be worth the effort and $. (One thing, though, it does not have interchangable bellows). Dorffs also came in 5x7, a few in 10x12, and you do see some still in 11x14. This 8x10 V8 was called the "Field Version," -- that's as opposed to the studio camera version that never left a portrait studio. You will want to stay within a few miles of your car with the V8. Virtually all of the cameras are made out of a very close grained Mohogany wood--well above the standard Mohogs you see in lessor cameras of the day--Kodak F2, etc. In subsequent videos I will talk about front swings and use of a packard shutter, and how to make one for this camera . . . Oh, before people ask, the smaller lens in the pics was a Kodak 13" Ektanon--a wonderful and contrasty lens. The larger lens was a 19 3/4 Kodak Ektanon from 1949--single coated and likewise a supurb lens. Both lens easily cover 8x10 in all movements. Large format rules!!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• 8x10 camera
• Deardorff
• Large Format
• 8x10 Deardorff
• large format camera

[sixtiesforever1966]

I Love the Large format camera. Haven't used one in many years. Like to buy one but being on a disability income I am limited. Thank You. Sir David

[callmeBe]

@sixtiesforever1966 Alas, Sir David, there is nothing, or has there ever been anything--cheap about photography; film, paper, chemicals, cameras, lenses, tripods, etc. Oh sure, you can still purchase a decent 250 mm. lens once in a while on e-bay for $60.00, but unfortunately you still need everything else to make things happen--which is where it all adds up. Many regards, and the 60's were, for some of us, a great, great era!

[sixtiesforever1966]

@callmeBe Sir I know that photography is not cheap, I am a Professional Fashion Photographer and have many cameras 35 mm. & 2 1/4 and all my equipment but now being disabled from a auto accident with a drunk driver it has put a STOP to not only my work as a photographer but my photography as a hobby. Yes the cost of film, paper, and chemicals for the dark room cost and that is the problem.

Hope to get back to work soon, and good luck with that Deardorff Sir David

[callmeBe]

@sixtiesforever1966 Well, I am incredibly sorry to hear this!  I hope, Sir, you are able to return to work soon and a gracious thanks for your comments.

[sixtiesforever1966]

AUDIO, AUDIO, AUDIO, AUDIO,

[callmeBe]

@sixtiesforever1966

Sorry, this was one of my first presentations, and at this point I can't redo it without completely retaking the photos, retaping, etc. And, I think my time is better spent with the more technical aspects of photography--my presentations on amidol, pyrogallic acid, etc. Thanks for you comment though, I certainly agree! B.

[yn565ex]

Good advice i like it.

[callmeBe]

@mrkpphoto As far as the older Dorfs are concerned, there is a kit you can purchase (sells on e-Bay for about $250.00 I want to say--is unused) that you  adapt those front swings into. I have carried 8x10 Dorffs throughout Alaska, and while they are packable, the're not that much a field camera--they are 13 lbs of dead weight! Probably about as much a "field" as your monorail is--yours will certainly be lighter, but more bulky. Anyway, your Linhof is a great camera--stick with it! Have fun!

[mrkpphoto]

I was thinking of a field camera like a Deardorf but went for the monorail 8x10 Linhof Bi. Its not as compact as the foldable field but has more movements.Some Dears dont have the same front movements as this one shown does. I find it a neccessary component for some shots but not always needed for landscapes but definitly for architecture.

[callmeBe]

Oh, I should also mention that all the cameras I owned I also refurbished, and some re-designed with the help of either Alan Brubaker or Richard Ritter (both well known in the camera making business). Right now I'm working with two two 8x10 redesigns--the most interesting is a Seroco (made for Sears and Roebuck at the turn of the century--these are wonderful cameras!!), where I am replacing the front standard to allow for tilt (every 8x10 should have front tilt!!!).