Ansco Studio Camera

[cdholden]

Yep you recalled correctly Chris.

The Ansco field cameras and studio #5's do share the same spring backs with one difference. while the field cameras have a special clip with metal corners on the spring back and NO registering pins. As we know most cameras of this era including Century field and Studio and the #5 Ansco Studio have the registering pins in all or some of the corners.

I did this on my Studio #5 by using a 8x10 Field camera back and adding the pins. I bought a stock rod of brass from the hobby store and cut it to size. Just make sure when you drill your holes to use one size smaller bit. This will insure a tight fit for the pins. Then just tap the pins in and then I sanded the pins ends so they are smooth. That's it. You'll find you only really the pins on the two sides. This is how I did my 8x10 back.

Here are some snaps to better show what I tried to explain. The 1st shot shows a 5x7 field back and the 8x10 back w/ pins added.The second is 5x7 no pin 5x7 with pins (Studio) and the last is the original 5x7 back without brass clip plates and the converted 8x10 back.

Thanks for confirming this.
It also explains why a forum member had what appeared to be an Ansco back, but with the pins, unlike mine with just the brass corners. I've never had one of Ansco's studio cameras, but have had a few field of their cameras.

[rusackson]

Almost done sanding.

[Mark MacKenzie]

Wow, that's going to look great!

[Mark Sawyer]

Please don't inspire me, I have enough projects already...

(just kidding, looks like you'll have a wonderful new camera soon!)

[rusackson]

Thanks, looking forward to a functional and eye pleasing piece.

I agree Mark S. I should be out riding motorcycle, hiking, and photographing these wonderful storms we have been having. Instead I have been inhaling lead paint, crafting sanding tools, and scouring eBay for petzvals.

[rusackson]

Going to move my project over to the LF DIY. Everything is stained and awaiting reassembly. Identified locations where Basswood was used on my Ansco and found a random piece of poplar in the stand.

[Mark MacKenzie]

Glad to see the progress! I mounted my Vitax which is fun to look through but haven't shot it yet. I did get some Fuji HR-U Xray 8x10 and have shot two self portraits (with a 14" Commercial Ektar) for film testing purposes. My darkroom is a bit of a hothouse so I haven't gotten in there yet.

I need a starting point for this Xray film in HC-110.

I like the camera being set up and ready to go.

Will you make your own new bellows? Mine have some holes but they are pretty stoutly made.

[rusackson]

One last post before I move it over to the DIY. I will be making my own bellows. Luckily I work at a sewing manufacturing plant and have access to a cutting table running CAD software. No exactos for me

[Jim Fitzgerald]

As a Camera builder all I can say is this is sweet!! Can't wait to see the finished product. Way to go.