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Saturday, October 14 2006, 8:50 PM
Wehman 8x10 Camera
I would have to say this is by far the best 8x10 camera I have ever used. Yes, I realize that this is a huge statement especially when comparing it to other that I have used such as a Deardroff and Canham Woodfield 8x10. But in all honesty the statement is true and I am completely blown away with the quality of the Wehman.
The Wehman is rock solid, lightweight and extremely easy to use. Now I wont lie to myself as it did take a bit getting used to, but when I did get the feel for it, it was an amazing camera to work with. Easy to setup and focus. The build quality and design that went into this camera; well let's just say it is phenomenal.
After using this camera for a while now, you can definitely tell it was designed with a photographer in mind, as all the controls are easy to use and right at your fingertips. This camera can be completely focused without having to leave the darkcoth or stretch your arms out in front or to the side to make the movements.
Controls
Are all positioned right at the back of the camera.
The rear swing is a pivot swing, which at first I was a leery, but after using it I must say it is the simplest way you can focus a rear swing. You focus on the pivot point side and swing until the other side snap into focus, at this point the entire plane is in focus with no more adjusting required. Just snap and make new image! Happy happy!
How's that for easy to use!
So far I have photographed 20 negatives with this camera, everything from close up photographs with massive bellow extension to buildings using extreme front rise and in all the different types of shooting situations the camera remained rock solid and steady as a rock! Negatives were tact sharp with no sign of movement.
The plexi-glass ground glass that is also sold with the camera was another item I was extremely leery about, as after all it is plexi-glass and not glass so it cant be good right? WRONG! The plexi-glass ground glass is yet another amazing feature of this camera. Nice and contrast and easy to focus with, without a loupe! At this point I am not sure if I will ever go back to a glass ground glass with this camera. Low light to bright light no problems at all! Just all around excellent.
Another favorite feature of mine is the fact that it folds up into its own little box. The shell is extremely tuff, with no worry of any damage happening! Which means no worry of having to protect your ground glass! Now that is what I am talking about!
So all in all this is a simply an amazing camera and when combined with a Riess tripod you get a combination that is rock solid!
As soon as a find a 4x5 and 5x7 back to adapt to the Wehman, I will be selling my other LF cameras as I now prefer the Wehman to the rest.
If you are in need of an 8x10 camera I would seriously consider the Wehman, you just cant go wrong.
My only regret is that I didn?t get one sooner.
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