About Those WP Cameras

[Mike Castles]

There have been quite a few post about WP cameras lately, and Clay has even started his own blog (quite nice I might add) about the format. Must admit I have no idea (or did not ) no what all the fuss was about........Until today.

Went to a local camera show here in the area (FW/D - Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX) and there was this old wood bellows camera just sitting at the end of a table. No GG, not looking to rough considering the age of said camera. Note to self, that looks like a WP camera (to small to be an 8x10) - off to look around. Next pass around the room, one never makes just one pass - or 2 for that matter, look again at said camera - bellows look so-so, and what would I do with a WP camera anyhow - the tag on the front of the camera say Universal - Rochester Optical Company. It really looks like a nice camera, but no film holders...hmmmmm.

So, may the third pass and you know what happens next...stop ask seller what he wants....really (not bad I am thinking - maybe pick it up, do a little restore and flip the camera and make a little off of it or help someone who is wanting a fixer upper WP camera). Well it is sitting here at the house now, have not checked the bellows yet, but have to say it is really a nice camera. Not near as heavy or as big as the Korona 8x10, and no where near the Eastman No. 2 7x11...and hey that 6.5x8.5 is really not as square as the 8x10, not quite like the 7x11 (which I love) but starting to think maybe I may like this WP....oh Great, another format....somebody Help!!!

Of course it is going to need a little TLC, but maybe not that much...some polish here and there, a little repair here and there...maybe a new bellows.

So are WP flim holders impossible to find, and film what about film for these beast - though it really isn't a beast - it folds up into this real nice compact package, and I have such a soft spot for cameras that over 100 years old....I think I'm in trouble hear.

See pics below

[Alex Hawley]

Looks like you're gearing up for some glass plate work Mike!

[Matt Magruder]

Mike "the photo-treasurer hunter"

good find.

PS: if you want someone to stumble through wetplate learning Ill join you

[Jim Galli]

Looks like a dandy. I don't know if that early one will take the ordinary Eastman style holders or not. Good luck and have some fun with it.

[Mike Castles]

Thanks Guys, I think it is going to be some fun.

Jim, any hints on how to find if the Eastman style holders will work - short of finding one and trying it? Now to start a search for holders - the GG will be easy enough to replace and most of the woodwork needed looks to be possible with my limited skills.

A little polish for the wood, the brass knobs could use some re-conditioning or replacing and of course the bellows has not be tested yet - but after replacing the bellows on the 7x11 Eastman No. 2, I know that is possible. Just need to locate some film and film holders (though I could just cut some 8x10 film down if need be.

[Jim Galli]

Thanks Guys, I think it is going to be some fun.

Jim, any hints on how to find if the Eastman style holders will work - short of finding one and trying it? Now to start a search for holders - the GG will be easy enough to replace and most of the woodwork needed looks to be possible with my limited skills.

A little polish for the wood, the brass knobs could use some re-conditioning or replacing and of course the bellows has not be tested yet - but after replacing the bellows on the 7x11 Eastman No. 2, I know that is possible. Just need to locate some film and film holders (though I could just cut some 8x10 film down if need be.

Contact Oren Grad. He took all the measurements from different folks and compiled the standard for the new ones.

[Sandeha]

Mike, much easier if you just get a new springback and glass made for the camera - that way you'll be able to use the old Kodak film holders.

Someone here does it.

[Jeremy Moore]

Mike, I've got some film holders at the house if you want to test the out.

[Rob_5419]

Cool! What a gem in a thrifty camera shop discovery! Just the way whole plate should be; obscure - hard to see the point of, until you actually have hands-on experience, it all falls into place. Welcome to the whole plate photographic renaissance

My eyesight isn't too good from here, but it looks like your camera back clips and closes with a hinge, in which case it might be a bookform type dry plate holder, no? If there are two vertical grooves on right and left of the margin of the back to hold a film plate holder, this would confirm it. It's clearly an American model in any case, so the standard is different from what we know over here.

Would be good to have a sticky for resources like:

1. Source for brass geared knobs and screws
2. The name of the Hawaiian guy who does bellows repairs (can't remember!)
3. Groundglass supplier (is that Satinsnow?)
4. Name of the person who changes older plate camera backs to modern spring back
varieties.

I see some of the whole plate guys in England are getting into ISO 25 Wephota film. Maybe if you need any help importing a box or two of film come closer to the time, you'll have a whole forum to help you out with.

Enjoy the journey - we ain't in it for the fumes

[David Karp]

Cool! What a gem in a thrifty camera shop discovery! Just the way whole plate should be; obscure - hard to see the point of, until you actually have hands-on experience, it all falls into place. Welcome to the whole plate photographic renaissance

My eyesight isn't too good from here, but it looks like your camera back clips and closes with a hinge, in which case it might be a bookform type dry plate holder, no? If there are two vertical grooves on right and left of the margin of the back to hold a film plate holder, this would confirm it. It's clearly an American model in any case, so the standard is different from what we know over here.

Would be good to have a sticky for resources like:

1. Source for brass geared knobs and screws
2. The name of the Hawaiian guy who does bellows repairs (can't remember!)
3. Groundglass supplier (is that Satinsnow?)
4. Name of the person who changes older plate camera backs to modern spring back
varieties.

I see some of the whole plate guys in England are getting into ISO 25 Wephota film. Maybe if you need any help importing a box or two of film come closer to the time, you'll have a whole forum to help you out with.

Enjoy the journey - we ain't in it for the fumes

-Geared knobs and screws: Try Richard Ritter
-Bellows guy: A thread indicates he disappeared. Try Western Bellows in CA, and Camera Bellows in the UK. Jim at Camera Bellows replaced the old bellows on my WP Improved Seneca.
-Groundglass: Yep, Satin Snow
-Change camera backs: Try Richard Ritter

Hope this is helpful.