I just came into possession of the largest format camera I've ever seen. It will cause me much trouble to save it from the trash pile (as it's in a barn on a forclosed property), but it might be something someone could use.
I've also got the lens assembly in front of me. It states: 12 in. F:9 Apochromat Artar red dot. the bellows have a few holes, but not bad, just really dusty.
Do I have a responsibility to save this camera (the track itself must be 20 ft. long) or is it simply a relic?
It's a special type of copy camera used in graphics. Think photocopying pictures reeeeeal big. At least that's what I think I remember it being for.
Keep the lens, it's worth something. The camera, it might be worth a play but will be costly for you to use. It's rare for somebody to want one of these.
I'd lose the track. Is the camera built for a 'normal' film size (11x14, 20 x24) and are there film holders? If the back and size are not somewhat standard it may not matter as any repair short of a partial rebuild will be a wast of time. On the flip side if you like big negs, have a studio and enjoy DIY projects this cameramy be big fun.
I have one similar sitting in my darkroom. It's an old process camera used in the graphic and printing industry before computers. This one was given to me several years ago just to haul it off. It has a light box for projection and I was going to use it for an enlarger before I found a regular 10x10 enlarger. The back is approx. 20x21.
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