8x10 Photography || Opinion

[@willysheepskin]

Totally agree with all your points, I'd say a big downside in my eyes as well is the process of getting good scans done, with 4x5 you can get a glorious imacon scan for a fairly reasonable price, but with 8x10 if you're wanting high end scans its the drum scan route and that would be another huge expense!

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

Its true that high end scans are a problem, but there are also high end flatbeds that you can get cheaply. As long as you are comfortable with SCSI interface. And you only need high end scans for prints, there are no other purpose for them. So for internet use etc. even crappy epsons or simple light table repros are enough. And when you know what you want to print, you can simply pay for the drum scanning.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

If you are going to do scans you should stay with 4x5 but I do contact printing which is why I moved up to 8x10. You can't get a better print than a contact print

[@allbrakesnogas2712]

I just got a фкд 18х24 for 100$ here in Russia and a epson v850 for 70$ from a document translation company that’s brand new. I’m lucky I found deals. But they can be found. Look toward the Russian market if you wanna save some amazing lenses like the industar 37 or 51. You can put a kit together for less than 500$

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

At this point in time I feel that using a digital camera to scan is the better option. I believe that there are ways to do this economically with a bit of creativity.

[@crystalous]

Get an Epson v850 it is not expensive and the bigger the negative the better the resolution.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

There are 2 really good reason to shoot 8x10"; for prints and 8x10" impossible polaroid for the 8x10" look. As that costs less than color negative and comes developed. That's something people should consider. It seems expensive, but it includes the developing. I shoot big & fast lenses on 8x10" polaroids in studio and tiny lenses on the field for the prints.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Very true, will include that for the why 8x10 is great. Thanks!

[@lumenetumbra4223]

The view on the ground glass is what pays off all the sacrifices!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

True!

[@GreggObst]

And contact printing.

[@GOLDDYNACO]

I borrowed an 8x10 system last year. What an extensive process and production. Everything became huge and heavy. Never got further than a few steps from the car with all the heavy stuff. Bought instead 5x7 for myself. Only slightly larger equipment than 4x5, but double film area. Just a bit more expensive then 4X5 and film only available in black and white (more or less), but that's all I need. Anyone who dream of 8x10 should know that 5x7 can be the compromise we many(all) of us can live with.

[@lewisg06]

One more comment. I used the new Intrepid 8x10 Mark I, with is very light. I put it on a Berlebach wooden tripod with is also light but sturdy. The lens is heavy but overall not as heavy as other set ups.

[@RogerHyam]

I have 8x10 but I shoot 4x5 mainly and almost totally agree with what you say. If you aren't totally comfortable doing it on 4x5 don't even think about 8x10. You have to be mad or Ben Horne or both to do colour 8x10. I can make my own 8x10 glass plates for a couple of euro - it just takes a week. So it can be very affordable if you don't count your time 😃

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Ben Horne or go home! Each time I see him I realize how crazy but cool he is.

[@carslayer]

The ONLY reason I want to put together an 8x10 kit is for 8x10 polaroid. Unlike 4x5 Polaroid its still being made. And whats crazy.... each 8x10 Polaroid shot is cheaper than a peice of 8x10 Ektachrome or Velvia. Plus, you don't need to pay for development. But I have to agree with you Nico, for shooting normal films, modern emulsions are such fine grain that 4x5 will make nearly everyone happy without going up to 8x10. I myself never really shoot 4x5 because 6x9cm is close enough in size and seems to have nearly infinite detail for my eye. Great video and lots to consider.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Hmm, now I want to shoot Polaroids again, thanks Carter! Now let me see who I can convince to sit in front of the camera.

[@ArthurFellig]

This is all true, but there is one thing that 8x10 has that just makes it all so worth. The magic! 8x10 is the most magical format.

[@brineb58]

Good advice, I haven't used my 8x10 in over a decade, love it for the size, but found out that medium format works better for me ... although I do use my 4x5 more!!!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

4x5 is a nice size all together. 8x10 lives in my studio for some work but rarely use it now.

[@nickfanzo]

Sally Mann never let big and heavy stop her, now did she?

[@GreggObst]

I shoot 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10. I shoot 4x5 because it is versatile, we still have plenty of film options and it's pretty easy to develop given the different film reel options these days. I shoot 5x7 and 8x10 because of contact printing. If people feel the need to shoot 8x10, there are absolutely ways to make it more affordable as long as you understand that it is definitely a fine art, highly focused intentions, minimal amount of shooting scenario in most cases. X-Ray film can be had for 47 US cents a sheet for 8x10 and as long as you are developing yourself and you follow the hard-earned advice of those that came before you in order to avoid the scratches on the film during development, you will find it enjoyable to shoot with. 5x7 is probably as near to a perfect compromise because a 5x7 contact print in a 11x14 mat looks amazing. 5x7 film is still available from Ilford, Foma, Bergger, Shanghai and others and a 5x7 camera is really not that much larger than a 4x5 in many cases. But sometimes you need the 8x10 to really lose yourself in the large format experience. A jogging stroller or a collapsable rugged soft-sided wagon to carry the gear is highly advisable if you want to save your back.

[@smalltimer4370]

Awesome advice - thanks for sharing!

[@nickfanzo]

Why is x ray film cheaper?

[@victordesabata]

Actually it is now a good time to buy good tripods for 8x10. Many gitzo series 4 or 5 are being sold at a fraction of its original price as many wildlife photographers who used to shoot heavy dslrs are moving to lighter mirrorless systems

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yup, I have found heavy tripods are not cool now, and its awesome to buy for studio or close to the car shooting.

[@toulcaz31]

I tend to agree with your opinion. Although I own a 8x10 camera, I still barely use it because I don’t feel yet I am worth using it. This being said, I am glad I moved on the gear and secured some when prices were much more attractive.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yup, 8x10 still can be found at reasonable prices but it takes patience.

[@philippeducros5315]

Very good video ,100% agree with you .The weight is one of the most problem you need a car with 8x10 ! If you use plane ,camera + films holders + fragiles stuffs are too heavy or too big to keep it with you .It a dilema, you have to chose what parts of the camera you keep with you (gound glass and films holders) and what part you let in your luggage .Abrod i use Toyo Field (4 3/4 x 6 1/2) all in metal camera .

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yeah, flying is another huge issue with big gear.

[@andyvan5692]

Nico, one other option, to get a 4x5" or 5x7" reducing back for the camera, this allows you to shoot 6x6 roll film(adapted to universal back 4x5" size), 4x5" then slowly, as you get familliar with the kit, switch up to the larger film, and one more point, in 8x10" housing, ALL backs and lenses fit!!- these lenses are manufacturer agnostic, so you can save up to get the 8x10" lens/film, while still shooting the frame, learning technique, etc. on the cheaper film.😁

[@Paul020]

That's a good idea if you buy a camera with all those reducing backs. Or buy a camera that you can acquire the backs without too much trouble. My point is, have you ever picked up a 8x10 camera ? How about a 4x5 ? Are you aware of the massive weight difference ? Add to that a proper tripod for an 8x10. Much harder to deal with than 4x5. The advice to start with 4x5, which is much easier to deal with and economical in comparison is solid.

[@ropersix]

I'd love to do platinum contact prints from 8x10 negatives, but the rest of the 8x10 process isn't for me. At least not right now. I have enough trouble with 4x5.

[@stevebills2427]

I had (and still have) the initial cost concerns also, but decided to go ahead and purchase an Intrepid MK2 camera. Should arrive sometime in January.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Let me know how it goes. And if you need any help also feel free to reach out.

[@fotolookconde]

There's always the option of 5x7! Maybe a compromise between 4x5 and 8x10....Wista cameras are not expensive in this format!

[@craigfouche]

Or with a 5x7 reducing back on 8x10...

[@aether5213]

We are limited to black and white film with 5x7 though. Bummer.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

5x7 is to me the format of the future.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You can buy color film in 5x7. In a different way but its still available.

[@aether5213]

@@NicosPhotographyShow I don't know of any other way than cutting 8x10 color film. Great video btw. I would gladly consider color 5x7 even after having 4x5 gear sorted. (Edit: Oh I guess you mean special order from Canham)

[@TheNathanMChannel]

I was thinking of switching to 8x10 but I’m glad I saw this first. I’m gonna stick with 20x24 wet plate for now.

[@CalumetVideo]

Thanks! Very true! I think you saved a lot of people the money and grief of getting into an expensive large format. Yes! 8x10 is great, but for many of us it’s just too expensive. I think it is definitely a format that one must graduate into. I’m happy with medium format. I just think it is one of those camera formats that would only be used once in a blue moon.

[@stuartbaines2843]

I hope 8x10 continues to grow albeit slowly and Film companies keep making Film 👍

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I share your hopes, its too nice to loose a format like this.

[@MaxLamdin]

Meyerowitz photographed 9/11 with 8x10 and Sternfeld photographed across america on 8x10, both using colour which i think is what a lot of people like about them

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Damn, the name just didnt want to roll out! Thanks for the input, they did amazing work.

[@juliettehotel]

Another argument on the pro side is contact printing. Yes you can contact print any format, but does 8x10 mean you don’t need to buy an enlarger and enlarger lenses vs 4x5 where you might?

[@joeplonsker633]

for those wondering where 8x10 can take you in terms of slowing down and finding a voice, check out the work of Alec Sloth

[@Dannnnnnnnnyy]

Why would one want to slow down? Also, where can 8x10 take me in terms of finding my father? Thanks in advance

[@joeplonsker633]

@@davec5330 thanks 👍🏻

[@andyvan5692]

one more thing to consider, as the $$$ get more, aka value of camera, you NEED a case, pelican or other serious transport option, as any broken ground-glass, or lens wrenched off the standard, will cost a lot, and options to carry this weight around is more crucial, so you can shoot it, take it in a car, etc. also with the greater size of neg. you can't carry the film holders, or at least many of them in the one backpack, you need to carry them separately, in a box, or bag of it's own. ( you should see the ulf options svedarsky cameras have, they put the plate holders in their own case, like an entire sinar kit box!).

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thanks, great fun learning something about a type of photography I will now never even try!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Haha, well if you ever come visit you can try it, film is on me.

[@Zeoklis]

There is a relatively inexpensive Plaubel Peco Profia 8x10 monorail on sale and I have most of the things such as a lens and a quality tripod etc.for 8x10. But I have never used a Plaubel LF camera so I'm unsure.

[@smalltimer4370]

Based on everything you've said, it sounds like 8x10 is the format for me ;)

[@m00dawg]

All practical points, but...but I still want to shoot 8x10! I actually think the depth of field puzzle would be really fun! I'll get everything else before the camera first though (tripod, 300m lens or so which could double as a long lens on 4x5, means to develop sheets, etc.). It may take a while but 8x10 certainly remains a (lofty) goal of mine.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Dont let my words stop you from it. I suggest getting bits and pieces little by little.

[@m00dawg]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Yes indeed, starting with a better tripod. That alone will set me back a non-trivial amount of money. It's definitely a long climb up to 8x10.

[@stephen_mcateer]

The Will Travel 8x10 is about £200 + shipping from Morten Kolve. [It's a 3D printed camera.]

[@endnami]

I have been avoiding this video. Give it to me straight Nico.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Hahaha, next one will be about the benefits of 8x10.

[@endnami]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Dale hrno jaja

[@ImperiousImages]

All valid points. It would be silly to jump into large format with 8x10 and skip 4x5. But it's worth mentioning there are cheap "loopholes" to 8x10 such as x-ray film (at less than $1/sheet) and paper negatives/positives. The limitations of 8x10 have a way of breeding creativity.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yes, very true, I will be making a few different videos about the 8x10 experience from different points of view.

[@smalltimer4370]

8x10 with a 4x5 back works wonders for cost - best of both worlds and the path to move upward is always available

[@aarons6532]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Plaubel Makina 670 Nico. I just picked up the 67 and would love to hear if you have any tips or suggestions for keeping it in good condition, and generally how you like the camera! I’m a casual shooter and I traded my Mamiya 7 for one in mint condition. Just seemed better for holidays and travel than the Mamiya

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Just got mine on Friday, will make a video on my first impressions with it. Not much info on the Plaubel online.

[@smsellars]

But…Ansel Adams and the f64 club? A guy can dream, right? Perhaps when I retire I’ll have time and money to chase that one 😎

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I love 8x10 and its my format of choice if I had more time.

[@randallstewart175]

I suppose it all depends on what you want to do with that LF negative. I like to enlarge B&W negatives to 11x14 to 16x20 B&W prints. I can do that with a 6x7cm negative. I'm fully invested in the equipment to do that, so I've zero incentive to upscale to 4x5 inch or larger format. There are minimal equipment options (and huge expenses) to enlarge from negatives larger than 4x5, so that means having negatives scanned for digital printing, B&W or color. Costs aside, I'm not interested in doing that. Others may differ.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

All that is very true. But the thing is that high end digital is now over taking 4x5 in terms of image quality, my Nikon 58mm f0.95 Noct has a sweeter bokeh than I was ever able to achieve in 4x5. If you have to go through the trouble of shooting LF, then you might as well go for a format that's truly differentiated. The question to me is more "why only 8x10 and not larger"? And there are good reasons for this btw. 8x10 is the largest format that offers many options if you are willing to pay the price.

[@billhackley3540]

love my 4x5, but for reasons you mentioned and more still, go smaller than 8x10 unless your a seasoned shooter that knows it's the right move. well done

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Bill!

[@c.augustin]

Right you are! If I wouldn't be into pinhole photography, where size *really* matters, I wouldn't bother at all. As it looks at the moment, 4x5 is all I actually need (I get the impression that it's already too large for what I'm after, but I really like the ability to use rise and fall, so that's that). No need for bulky and expensive lenses; so, maybe, one day I'll give 8x10 a try with my pinhole "lenses" …

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

True, 8x10 pinhole can be very liberating and with great results. I should have mentioned that.

[@c.augustin]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Yeah, but this is *very* niche … ;-) The problem with film prices remains, and weight is an issue (that's what I struggle with most even having an Intrepid 4x5).

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yeah, also I have seen the Ilford pinhole 8x10 (made by Walker cameras) and that is so lightweight its a boat sail.

[@c.augustin]

@@NicosPhotographyShow With the Ilford pinhole cameras (or other similar concepts) you lose all advantages of a "real" large format camera (there are "modular" large format pinhole cameras that give several "focal" lengths, but no rise and fall).

[@c.augustin]

@@NicosPhotographyShow An, well, I struggle with *too much* weight for the whole kit. But yes, if my Intrepid would be lighter, I might run into stability issues, so I can't win in this regard … ;-)

[@alexiscuarezma]

These are all great points. I love shooting 8x10 but it's just so expensive. If money wasn't an issue, I'd shoot a lot more of it.

[@quite1enough]

I don't quite understand why if you have a passion and budget for 8x10 you considering some digital processing over the full analog. Afaik Clyde Butcher doing full analog printing from 8x10. And in general , for me personally film photography makes sense because of potential of full analog, digitizing on the other hand (and printing from digital scan, especially after digital editing) is barely far from usual digital photography. But that's just my point of view.

[@paultjepanter1955]

Show me a sensor that captures 20.000 x 25.000 pixels, as a drum scan is for 8x10", a 3Gb TIFF, or 300 Mb JPEG. I grant you this, you see the quality only in very large prints (60" shot side), but those are really mind boggling.

[@quite1enough]

@@paultjepanter1955 no, I didn't mean the resolution, more like different result in terms of contrast etc. Analog insights did a test with a 35mm (or medium format I don't remember) with printing from digital and full analog. And analog results came quite different, and of course you can mimic that in scan, but you still need at least one example. Granted all this is only for b/w photo, idk if it works with color negatives since it's a quite different process, much harder and expensive to do to my knowledge.

[@derekkonigsberg2047]

Another thing I wonder, is with modern film emulsions... does 8x10 really help you practically produce enlargements beyond what you could do from 4x5?

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

Most people I know who shoot 8x10 do that in order to have contact prints. Enlargers big enough to deal with 8x10 are hard to come by

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Very true, the 8x10 size might need really really big enlargements to notice a difference. But like Jacopo said for contact prints its awesome.

[@edwardcrosby5034]

Good point, you have to print really big to see any difference.

[@SD_Alias]

8x10material is really expensive these days. Very good lenses for 8x10 are much more expensive than 4x5 lenses... And it is uncomfortable in the landscape when hiking:)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yup, outdoors 8x10 is extreme.

[@Christopher-ld9yt]

Hi Nico, thanks for your video. I don't disagree with the points you've made. However, what disturbs me is about it is . . . . How can you just make a blind, blanket statement that “8x10 is not for you” when you don’t even know the wants or creative needs of the particular photographer/artist? . . . . Yes, 8x10 is more expensive, heavier and a drag to carry around. Everyone already knows this. But someone who has his or her heart set on 8x10 may well say, “to hell with the barriers, I want to use this for my project, so I’ll save up, work out and learn patience”. . . . .As you probably know very well- users of this format normally work in ways that reduce the effect of the limitations you listed. Here are some tried and true solutions: .. . ..Weight: 8x10 can be shot indoors, of course or, as Brett Weston humorously put it when using 8x10, “"Anything more than 500 yards from the car just isn't photogenic." ; ....Expense of equipment: Please. We live in an age when people are shelling out zillions for digital equipment which has to be replaced every couple years, or cell phones the price of a used car. Anyone desperate to start out could pick up a used 8x10 (or Intrepid); a funky-but-sharp repro lens without shutter* (or a shuttered lens with an image circle that barely covers the format); a surveyors tripod topped with a used Manfrotto 2D head or -less desirably- a big, used ball-head. Bingo. A starting kit. Oops: add two film holders (which’ll cost more than the lens.. sorry!) Yes, there are limitations here (*a shutterless lens limits the subject matter to things requiring a long enough exposure time to permit ‘lens cap’ shuttering; a lens with a smaller circle won't permit big movements.. but would be OK for portraits), but I’m only trying to make the point that it’s NOT as hopeless as you paint. As for the film expense, I completely agree with you. But even here, there are solutions: In the first place and as you know, you shoot a hell-of-a-lot-LESS in 8x10 than even perhaps 4x5. One might even be satisfied with just two or three shots for the day. Secondly -just as in the olden days, you TEST FIRST so you'll have a higher percentage of [technically] good shots!! You can use any digital camera [that can switch the image to b&w] to pre-view value relations in a scene, before shooting on film (and in color, you’ll see trash in the scene that you hadn’t noticed!) Also, given the extreme expense of film, the wise photographer will have already tested for standardisation of ALL their equipment and materials, from A to Z, light meter to fixer (NOT necessarily the Zone System, but a similar level of seriousness) so that he or she can have a good measure of predictability. The time and money spent on a few tests saves proportionally, later. Lastly -also, as you know- many 8x10 shooters are using the much cheaper Xray film sometimes. Nico: Your videos and always good, respected and seen by thousands now, so your opinion matters. You have become a mentor to many people. When you say something, people often act on it --or, in this case might NOT act. That’s why the last point I’d like to make -and why I’m also disturbed is that (perhaps unknowingly!) as expensive as it is, you could be affecting the consummation, production AND FUTURE PRICING of 8x10 film. The market for this film is already not huge, so if you've discouraged even a few potential users who are curious to try 8x10 in each of the different countries that your videos are seen, that could make a noticeable difference at the factory level. I’m certain not to be exaggerating: I worked in the photo equipment industry for over thirty years. Given this possibility, do you think you could (as you said you MIGHT do ! ) also make a video of equal time on the BENEFITS of using 8x10, so that potential users can have a balanced source for a decision? I sincerely think it would be helpful! Sorry for the long write. /Amicalemente

[@creepyloner1979]

sure you've got a bigger gg, but you've also got slower lenses on average making that gg significantly dimmer.

[@darkphoenx3930]

I’m here because I’m trying to find a portfolio sized for 8x10 in the UK 😩

[@davidpresnell1734]

You didn't mention the cost of a 8x10 enlarger!! $ 12,000 to 18,000 dollars plus lenses!! I couldn't afford it so I rebuilt my 4x5. I don't scan my negatives I print them in the dark room. I routinely get 16x20 and 20x24 from full negatives using asa 100 speed films. I'm disabled and living on a fixed income so I choose to put my money where I get the most bang for the buck!!

[@Raevenswood]

Lots and lots of hidden cost in 8x10. I keep considering it but the cheapest color film in the USA is 18$ per sheet (Fuji provia) but that’s with my education discount ... without a discount portra 160 or ektar are it at about 18.30 per sheet. On the other hand you can almost shoot 4 images of 4x5 for that price and 4x5 is still very good quality. Not to mention the cost of one 8x10 film holder is 250-300$ new. Buying used film holders for 150$ in my opinion is not worth the risk because at 18$ per sheet if it has light leaks you could lose almost 190$ on that shortcut investment. I definitely think I’ll keep shooting 4x5 a while longer at least before getting serious about going to 8x10.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yup, its something to consider. One cant get in hot headed without expecting a big investment and as you said maybe big costly mistakes.

[@Murgoh]

150 for one film holder is crazy. A couple of months ago I bought a lot of 10 4x5 holders In good condition for about 30 € on Ebay including shipping from Japan.

[@Raevenswood]

@@Murgoh it’s $250-$300 for an 8x10 new. 4 times the size = 4 times the price. The thing with used holders is they often leak light and when film costs 20-25$ per sheet it’s a big mistake to waste film because you cheaped out on the film holder. Even with 4x5 I have purchased a number of used holders that just sit in a drawer now because they are warped and it causes light leaks. I just started buying new toyo holders for 4x5 a few at a time and now I only use the new ones. You can test for leaks before wasting film but it requires darkroom paper and chemicals which not everyone has these days. Anyway I find buying stuff on eBay bites me in the ass more often than not.

[@Murgoh]

@@Raevenswood I've mostly has good luck with Ebay though some disappointments too. But most sellers are willing to negotiate a partial refund rather than going through the trouble of a return so I've got some usable items with minor issues at great prices. I got really lucky with those 10 film holders, 7 of them are Fidelity and 3 Lisco brand, the older style with metal handles on the dark slides, and all are in excellent condition and Light tight. The only real sign of wear is that some of the security latches for the dark slides are quite loose. But yeah, I think I'll stick to 120 and 4x5 unless I win the lottery or something.

[@Raevenswood]

@@Murgoh it’s a pain in the ass dealing with eBay sellers I usually just buy stuff on KEH because they have a 6 month warranty and their return policy is no questions asked and they pay for shipping. Prices are a little higher than eBay but the produce have always been better than the rating given on the site. Unlike Japanese sellers with their strange “excellent +++++++ some tiny dusts” bullshit that shows up not being in excellent condition.

[@bgrzesiak5996]

I compare this to a buggy-whip proponent in 1915 or someone wishing for antenna TV broadcasting instead of streaming video.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Im lost with the comparison. ;)

[@waynesimon2963]

Good God Nicos. My partner is now afraid of 8x10 and she doesn't even shoot film. You scared the hell out of her. Now she is cowering in the bathroom asking if it's safe to come out or if the big bad 8x10 is outside. Next she will have me checking under the bed before going to sleep to see if any 8x10's are hiding there. Tone it down guy. We get it. It's not for everyone. Thanks for the information. Even I'm staying away from 8x10 offerings on eBay now...Wow....

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Hahaha, it was never my intention to scare people away. But there is one thing I wish someone had told me years ago. I was stubborn and kept at it but many dislike it and stop shooting.

[@waynesimon2963]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Just having a little fun with you Nicos. My partner isn't really afraid of 8x10 photography. She is more afraid of the 5x7 Burke & James, Rembrandt II, that arrived at our home last Friday...lol. I plan to recondition the old beauty. Stay safe over there my friend and thanks for all your efforts in promoting large format photography.

[@andrewbartram2478]

If you have already taken the dive into 8x10 then no doubt it makes sense and you can afford it, if you cant why get into it? There are some other options however - 8x10 pinhole and x ray film. you get the joy of the big negative but with minimal expense. OK you wont get the benefits of movements etc but hey its an option.

[@lewisg06]

10x8 film is very expensive due to the limited market. If more people wre useing 10x8 the film might get cheaper one hopes!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Its demand has grown a lot but other expenses have gone up a lot. One thing I have heard is that all production of 8x10 and similar is custom at this time (pretty much) so costs are high.

[@tomfwatson]

Truth

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Tom!

[@Ublad8304]

very thoughful

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Kevin!

[@Tipodatubo]

I wish i had the money to get into 4x5, maybe in a year or two

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

It will be there when you are ready!

[@Tipodatubo]

@@NicosPhotographyShow yeah, it seems to be flourishing. A big photolab owner here told me people are sending him way more 120 and large format film than back in the days (in proportion obviously) and he sees large formats popularity growing faster than 135.

[@Paul020]

This should be mandatory viewing after every post by a You Tube "film photographer bro". There are a number of guys on You Tube who know their way around a view camera because they have many years of experience. Some camera of the month guys think they know how to shoot 8x10. They obviously don't. For example use a tripod ok for medium format.Of course they use colour film. Send it to a lab that develops and scans it for them. Ooh and aah over whatever the result is, and then you never see them use it again. Guess what, it was a big expensive hassle. Much easier to shoot roll film. And so another different roll film camera shows up. Fauxtography is not Photography.

[@bobakdota]

Yeah I shoot portraits with Sinar 4x5 but not gonna go to 8x10 ... too expensive for a hobby

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yup, 4x5 is amazing, and Sinar cameras my favorite.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

I don't disagree that 8x10 is more expensive across the board. After all it is 4X the size of 4x5, but I disagree with the way you presented taking some extreme examples on the down side of the format. There are lot of small and inexpensive lenses out there but you chose to Schneider Super Angulon 165mm??? Come on dude! You don't need an amazon tripod depending upon the camera you have. Most people I know who are doing 8x10 are developing their own film so that expense is not as bad as you make it out. Bottom line: You painted the picture way darker than it needs to be. I do agree that you should start with 4x5 first

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

There are options, just wanted to be sure to also show the bigger examples. Im a lover of arquitecture and I like big circles, so I am biased. And there are ways to cheapen out. This was a more wall video. Will make another on options to shoot 8x10 on a budget or small footprint.

[@ЛекПор]

Why not 8x10 mm

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

8x10mm might be a tad more portable.

[@rodrigorivero76]

and you forgot the hassle of hauling a biiig backpack with camera and all the bits!!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Well thats true, mule and all!

[@klofisch]

4x5 would be enough,....at least for me

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

To be honest for me too! Its an awesome format.

[@genegoranov5865]

I don't recommend it .. but it's aaamaazing)))

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

" Do what I say, not what I do" thats what my grandfather used to say...

[@john-lenin]

Wet Plate - Shoot only originals.

[@cybernetickiwi4315]

Great Points, I was originally only looking at getting into 4x5 but I stumbled on an amazing deal when a friend sold me his 8x10 set up, Toyo 810G, Nikkor 300mm 5.6, reducing back, 3 film holders and a full box of film for under $1000 USD. If I had not had this turn of great luck 8x10 would never have been an option, also the darkroom I go to has a 8x10 enlarger.

[@Paul020]

Boy did you get lucky. What I mean is access to a 8x10 enlarger.

[@phillipP8848]

8x10 works for me because I use a total analog work flow. If I had to scan then the costs of the digital side would be prohibitive. Also using it for alternative procces it makes sense, but yes there was an initial outlay that I could not justify today if I was to start over. Interesting topic Nico. Thanks.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Analog all the way is a great workflow for 8x10!

[@snax_4820]

If someone has 10000 USD to spare and no interest in the bank ... then go for it. It is much more entertaining than spending money on prostitutes. (Esto es lo que decimos en Vallecas.)

[@ivanguerra1260]

JAJAJ !! Muy bueno Coronita , acá en Costa Rica preferimos a las putas en lugar de las cámaras.

[@wojciechneprostipotocki]

Zalezy czy chcesz miec jakosc czy tylko chcesz sie pochwalic ze masz 8x10.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

8x10 has amazing quality, but for most people 4x5 or 5x7 will work well enough. Im not saying its not worth it, just probably not worth it for everyone.

[@ronaldsand3000]

Sounds like too much hassle

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

It is, but sometimes its worth it.

[@Machster10]

5x7 is better

[@JasonRenoux]

So condescending... I don't think it shouldn't be how to make relevant content. People out there don't need to watch a video telling them the price of what they want to play with. Besides, there are a ton of people who have the money to play with. Didn't like this video.

[@aLittlePal]

what is point of this video, so everything should be easy like a feather floating in thin air, yet powerful like god himself comes down to earth and do the work for you?