do you know about the HOBO 8 x 10 camera. Can it be used for fine photographs? (on tripod). Only w/wide angle (120 mm) lens? thnx Bob M

-- Robert Marcus (rmarcus126@aol.com), August 03, 2001

Answers

Robert:

For information on the Hobo, take a look at the following web page:

http://www.bostick-sullivan.com/Hobo/welcome.htm

If I remember correctly, the Hobo also comes in 5x7 and can be fitted with a choice of lenses depending on whether or not you want to print in a circular format. I believe, for example, that the 8x10 also be equipped with a 90mm lens.

You may also want to look at http://www.kerik.com/ where you will find some examples of work done with a camera similar to the Hobo. IMHO Kerik Kouklis' work demonstrates that "fine" photographs can be made using large format "point and shoot" cameras.

The drawback to the Hobo (or any LF point and shoot) is that you cannot use camera movements to increase depth of field or alter perspective. This means that certain subjects (e.g., architecture) cannot be approached with the rigor required by some LF photographers. You are also limited to a wide angle view of subject matter.

For my tastes, the Hobo is a little expensive for what it accomplishes. Over the past couple of years, I built several LF point and shoot "box" cameras (47mm--4x5, 65mm--4x5, 90mm--8x10) and it just seems more cost-effective provided you have the time and tools. I hope this helps.

......................................

-- Dave Willison (dwillisart@aol.com), August 03, 2001.

Agreed-and these are so easy to do. http://members.aol.com/morninglp/SHOE/Shoe.html And if you want start with a 5x7 or 8x10 back (maybe $25-50) and build off of that.

-- David Stein (DFStein@aol.com), August 03, 2001.

Hi Robert, I think Peter Gowland also makes an 8*10 point and shoot that looked better to me than the HOBO. See his web page. Best, David

-- david clark (doclark@yorku.ca), August 03, 2001.

I have the Gowland 8x10 Pocket View, which is an ultra-light monorail camera. You can find them used quite inexpensively. They're not as rigid as a Sinar or Arca-Swiss, and no finely geared movements, but they are quite functional and great if you like a monorail you can carry into the field.

I think he makes an aerial camera and an architectural camera that function more like "point & shoots."

The website is www.petergowland.com. Click on "their cameras."

-- David Goldfarb (dgoldfarb@barnard.edu), August 03, 2001.

Okay, is this nutty or were there really just four postings by four "Davids" in a row? Too darn many of us out there.

-- David Goldfarb (dgoldfarb@barnard.edu), August 03, 2001.

Robert, I can't comment on your HOBO question, however, if you decide to give it a go, I would be very interested in your comments. I am also considering this camera. I have seen a couple of guys on the web that use a HOBO to make images and it seems very do-able. I use a 155 mm lens on my 8x10 and I can definitely go even wider. I guess the HOBO is like the HASSY SWC except BIGGER!

-- Dave Anton (daveanton@home.com), August 07, 2001.

Having photographed with the Hobo in both 5x7 and 8x10 versions, I can say it is a hoot. A point and shoot big negative. The ads about it being rugged are right. It isn't a toy and when your lens is mounted you can be as point & shoot as you want or work more carefully for whatever result you want, with the knowledge of no swings, tilts & advanced controls. It also looks funky enough that it won't scare a lot of folks like a full view camera will. In short, it works & seems to hold up well and doesn't need coddling. A nice idea that works just fine.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), August 07, 2001.