Just wondering if anyone out there could give me some specs on Agfa Ansco wooden 8x10 cameras. More specifically, what are the movements? I'm primarily interest ed in table top work.
Thanks, Vinod
Just wondering if anyone out there could give me some specs on Agfa Ansco wooden 8x10 cameras. More specifically, what are the movements? I'm primarily interest ed in table top work.
Thanks, Vinod
This site may help:
http://www.fiberq.com/cam/fcam.htm
Richard Knoppow <dickburk@ix.netcom.com>
Is the real source of info on these cameras. They were made for a loooong time and although the basic design didn't change, the materials, bellows draw, anmount of movement and which ones are present vary depending on model and vintage.
Basically, from a user standpoint, the C-1 or Commercial is the most desireable as it has the most movements and draw.
If you have seen a Calumet C-1 you have the general idea, except for materials and some specs. They were good enough for many commercial and fine art photographers including Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, and others I can't recal at the moment. E-mail Mr. Knoppow - he is a vertiable well-spring of photo arcana and a nice guy to boot!
For some reason Richard's e-mail didn't take in the last mesage. Maybe it will here.
dickburk@ix.netcom.com
p.s. I can e-mail jpg images if you need 'em
Thanks Sean! If it's not a major hassle I would like those jpegs. I am also considering Calumet C1s. While having very good movements, they look quite hideous and heavy to me.
Other notable users of the C-1 are Brett & Cole Weston. I'd buy one in a seond if i had the $$-J
I have an Agfa Ansco 8X10 Wood Bed Field camera and can list the movements. The front standard has geared rise, center axis tilt and lateral shift. The rear standard provides generous tilt ability and a very useful amount of swing. The bed has an integral extension rail. The extension rail allows the camera to expand to 30 inches. My copy weighs just under 13 lbs.
The only real drawback is that it doesn't fold up quite as compact as the clam shell design. The camera is quite stable for an 8X10 woodfield.
I have been using a vintage 8x10 Agfa-Ansco wooden field camera for almost a year. I agree with Steve, the movements are adequate for my landscape photography... and I also agree with Steve that it would be nice if it would fold into a more compact package. But I must say that it is a very solid and stable machine. It operates smoothly and locks down well, and is simple to use... -Dave
I have an Agfa Ansco 5x7 and I usually look at the 8x10s when they come up on e bay with a picture. As I think someone else said, there seem to be different models and I think you would have to know which model you're talking about in order to get specs. Some that I've seen don't appear to have front tilt, others seem to have a very short bellows. If you really want to get into some depth, there's a guy on e bay who always has a copy of the 8x10 repair manual for sale. I think they usually go for about $20. Since he obviously has a stock on hand, you probably could call him and buy one for a fixed price without going through the auction process.
Brian Ellis
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be
a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
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