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Bulldog 8x10 Self-Assembly Camera Kit

BH #BU8X10SAC • MFR #BULLDOG8X10
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Bulldog 8x10 Self-Assembly Camera Kit
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Bulldog BULLDOG8X10 Overview

The Bulldog Cameras 8x10 Self-Assembly Kit is a large format field camera that is sold completely disassembled. Why? Because it's more fun that way.

This self-assembly field camera has all the workings of a standard large format camera. The finished camera comes supplied with a pinhole and takes a Sinar or Linhof Technica style lens panel and suitable lens (film holder and lens panel not supplied with the camera).

It is a wholly satisfying and rewarding experience to construct one's own camera as well as being an affordable entry into the world of large format photography. The kit also includes a 0.5mm pinhole for lensless photography.

The tool requirements are minimal: some gluing, sandpapering, painting or staining and some light drilling are all the requirements to complete the camera.

Premium Construction Materials
Each Bulldog camera is composed of about 150 parts. Its main body is composed of MDF (medium-density fiberboard), a strong engineered wood product. Its knobs and body fittings are made of sturdy brass. Once assembled, this camera is sturdy and extremely usable.
Ground Glass Viewing
Each Bulldog kit includes a gorgeous hunk of ground glass. This goes on the rear of the camera and allows you to compose and focus your image. Although the image is inverted, you'll find that this huge glass frame makes it much easier to compose your shot than squinting through a little viewfinder.
Workings of Standard Camera
The Bulldog has all the workings of a standard large format camera. It offers full movement allowing rise, fall and tilt as well as having an international back that will take both roll and sheet film. The finished camera comes supplied with a pinhole and takes a Linhof Technica style lens panel and suitable lens (film holder and lens panel not supplied with the camera).
Included Pinhole Plate
Right out of the box, you can start shooting pinhole shots immediately with the Pinhole plate. Pinhole images are soft and dreamy - and yield an enormously wide image with no barrel distortion. Shooting such an image on large format yields a richer and sharper print then 120 or 35mm film can create. I tell you, once you cradle the majesty of an enormous large format piece of film in your hands, then nothing else compares.
Standard Lens Mount
The bulldog accepts nearly every variety of standard large format lenses. They generally come with a metal "lens plate," and you mount both pieces right onto the front of your camera. This allows you to choose whether you want to shoot wide angle, normal perspective, or telephoto.
Standard Large Format Back Mount
You'll also need a place to keep your film. With large format cameras, this is done via a "camera back" which slips in front of the ground glass focusing screen. Again, these backs are inexpensive and plentiful on the used market. You also have the ability to use the instant Polaroid 545i back - which allows you to shoot huge, instant, and richly detailed Polaroid color or b&w shots.
Classic & Educational
It has classic lines, and an old-school look. Moreover, its wooden exterior is easily painted or stained - so you can customize it however you like. The educational bit comes from its assembly. Putting together your own camera yields a priceless hands-on lesson about the basic functions of a camera. As you get more and more into photography, this will give you real insight about how focal lengths, apertures, and shooting angles function and interact.

Bulldog BULLDOG8X10 Specs

Rise & Fall
Front only: max rise 80mm, max fall 80mm, max shift 80mm
Camera Back
8x10 spring back
Interchangeable Bellows
No
Minimum Extension
20mm
Maximum Extension
360mm with movements
Lensboard
Sinar or Linhof Technica panel type
Weight
7.3 lbs (3.3kg)

Bulldog BULLDOG8X10 Reviews

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