Info on Calumet C1 8x10

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I received Christopher Burkett's book "Intimations of Paradise" this weekend (a GREAT book of LF nature photography, by the way -- go to www.christopherburkett.com) and he mentioned that he uses a Calumet C1 8x10. I've seen some used C1's advertised in Shutterbug for about $500. I've looked around on the web for some info, but found none. Does any one have one of these cameras or know a good source of information? I'm interested in the basic specs like bellows extension, weight, movements, etc. I'm also interested in any photos of the camera, if they're out there. And, if you have one, what do you like and dislike about it? Thanks in advance for your help.

-- Joel Collins (jwc3@mindspring.com), September 20, 1999

Answers

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000LzT

-- sheldon hambrick (shambric@us.oracle.com), September 20, 1999.

Sheldon, Thanks for the link to more info. Since I see that you have a Calumet C1 (although for only one month), could you provide a few comments on the camera's design, functionality, portability, rigidity, etc? What factors led you to select the C1? Thanks.

-- Joel Collins (jwc3@minspring.com), September 20, 1999.

Hello Joel.

I sent a separate email to you (under a different account) on this subject, but I'll answer here also.

I have not made any exposures yet, as I'm still building my kit. I have the camera and two lenses (a 14" Commercial Ektar, a 12"/19"/25" TR triple convertible), and I'm buying my third one tomorrow (a 210mm/f9 G-Claron that I'll mount in a Copal #1 shutter). But I still need film holders, a large and sturdy case, some drilled boards, and a few other knick-knacks before I can hit the field.

I have played around with the camera a lot, and it seems very rigid when all of the knobs are tightened up. In terms of functionality, it has all of the movements that I would ever need. I really can't answer the portability question, since I have no ideal what my final "field kit" configuration will weigh and look like. I think the camera alone weighs in at 14 or 16lbs. So what every my final kit looks like, I won't be hiking too far from the car with it. Hopefully Sean Yates (as well as others) will see this thread and answer that part - he has owned and used one in the past.

I selected the C-1 based mostly on price and feedback from other large formatters here on the Net. I wanted something that was less than $1000.00, sturdy, and not a kit. So far, I've been able to acquire the camera and two lenses for under that $1000.00 mark!

Let us know if you get one.

Sheldon

-- sheldon hambrick (shambric@us.oracle.com), September 20, 1999.


I bought one through E-bay. It was advertised as having no ground glass, but it actually came with no back. This is a wonderfully sturdy camera, and it folds up into a "packable" size. For $200, it's OK.

I have to fabricate a back for it, fabricate lens boards, get the bellows replaced, and buy a lens and film holders for it. Other than that ....

-- Brian C. Miller (brianm@ioconcepts.com), September 21, 1999.


Joel, Got to the Larger Formats subject heading and find the posted question, "Difference between C1C2C3 & Orbit" or something very similar to that. There is currently one on sale in E-bay that has an image with it albeit a bit dark. They are good durable servicable cameras, plenty of movement and inexpensive, but heavy, bulky, and totally non-attractive.

34" draw, either 14 or 18 lbs (depending on materials magnesium or aluminum), plenty of accessories. They are simple to use except with long lenses as you have to lean over the rear extension rail to get to the ground glass. No problem if you're tall or have a long flexible neck. They were made from 1964 to 1984 (+/-). Paul Mayberry of Clayton Classic Camera in Missouri had blue prints with part numbers he could fax you if you want.

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), September 21, 1999.



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