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Thread: Help with camera identification.

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Nov 2014
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    New York, USA
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    9

    Help with camera identification.

    Hello all:

    I have a camera that I can't identify. It's a 5X7 with a Wollensak Elostigmat lens. Any identification plates are gone. I've attached a couple of photos. I had a suspicion that it's a Deardorff, but the hardware isn't quit right. Any help would be appreciated.Click image for larger version. 

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  2. #2

    Join Date
    Oct 2013
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    Maryland
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    1,490

    Re: Help with camera identification.

    I don't know what it is, but I would say it is NOT a Deardorff. You can look at dozens of Deardorff photos, and the cameras do not look like this camera. I will also strongly advise you against advertising it as a Deardorff on ebay.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    New York, USA
    Posts
    9

    Re: Help with camera identification.

    I agree - it's definitely not a Deardorff. The only ID I was able to find on the camera was the number 34 (probably a serial number) stamped into the wood frame. It doesn't show that well on the photo, but this camera has a double rack and extends out to 15 or 16 inches. I guessing the year at 1900 because there is not shutter mechanism. Hopefully, someone on the forum will be able to provide some input.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
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    California
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    3,908

    Re: Help with camera identification.

    From looking at the base I believe it is British made and had a matching tripod rather than a threaded mounting as we are used to in the US.Your dating may not be too far off, but I would think a little later, perhaps the 1920's-30's.

  5. #5

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    Nov 2014
    Location
    New York, USA
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    Re: Help with camera identification.

    Thanks for the info. I've seen other cameras with large rotating tripod mounts , but none British. I've attached a photo of the bottom with the tripod mount shown. The inner ring rotates. There is usually a plate that attaches to the bottom ring that has the tripod mount in the center. sometimes I've seen a dedicated tripod that is part of the camera "package".
    Click image for larger version. 

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  6. #6

    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago, IL
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    Re: Help with camera identification.

    The camera could be Japanese. There are a number of wooden Japanese field cameras of similar appearance and vintage.

    It might be half-plate rather than 5x7.

    Finally, BTW, this thread is in the wrong forum. It should be in the Camera one, not image sharing.

    Bob

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    New York, USA
    Posts
    9

    Re: Help with camera identification.

    Thanks for the information, Bob. Sorry about posting to the wrong forum. I've corrected the error and moved the posting to the camera forum. I will take a look at Japanese cameras to try to find a match.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    713

    Re: Help with camera identification.

    I was going to say, those knobs and the little capture nuts look the same as some Japanese plate cameras I've seen.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    AZ
    Posts
    4,431

    Re: Help with camera identification.

    You posted this on the image sharing section. That's for photographer's work, not "what's it worth" questions. You posted the same camera and same question also in the Camera's section, the proper place. I recommend we close this thread.

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