Help needed to identify Ansco camera

[C_eadie]

I recently purchased this painted grey - greenish Ansco camera (see seller's pics).
I don't have much experience with large format cameras and can't figure out if it is even 5X7, or 8X10 (which is what the seller guessed it is). (This was answered, thanks) It was cheap as it is in rough shape. I plan on fixing if up.
I read old forum posts and assume it is a newer Ansco Universal Deluxe made after 1944 due to the plastic knobs and only the name "Ansco" being on the name plate and under that "Binghamton, NY - Made In USA". The number "115" is engraved on the front standard underneath the bellows.
The measurements are:

-Interior of rear opening is 6 3/4 inches square.
-Exterior frame of rear opening is 8 5/8 square.
-Rear standard frame is 12 inches wide x 9 3/8 inches high
-5.5 inch square lens board.

So... I have three questions.
Does anyone know the model?
Is it 5x7 or 8x10? (Answered- thanks!)
If anyone has a similar camera, please let me know! Your help is greatly appreciated!Thanks!

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, it is a 5x7 camera. Seems to be missing its reversible ground glass spring back. You can view the Agfa Ansco catalog at cameraeccentric.com.

Jon

here is a photo of the one I had:
91627

[Pete Watkins]

I have a 1926/27 Ansco 5x7 and it's in natural wood and brass. I would suggest that you've got an Agfa Ansco. My camera appears to be a typical "small town" portrait camera as it has no front tilt and I suspect that it's one of the last Ansco's before Agfas take over.
Pete.

[IanG]

The photos are very poor but does look like a camera made after Bingham stopped production of LF cameras, still sold via Bingham though. Agfa ansco ceased camera production at Bingham during WWII and the factory switch to military production, the LF camera production was moved elsewhere, the cameras changed as well.

Ian

[C_eadie]

Jon,
Thanks! Yours looks the same! The picture of the ground glass is exactly what I need to see. Do you have any more?


Hi, it is a 5x7 camera. Seems to be missing its reversible ground glass spring back. You can view the Agfa Ansco catalog at cameraeccentric.com.

Jon

here is a photo of the one I had:
91627

[Jon Shiu]

Here's another:
91631

[C_eadie]

So now I know I will need to find or modify a 5x7 ground glass back to fit. Cool.
I can't complain as it was only $56 USD.
Wondering if another make or model would fit? I guess they were standard sizes by that period in time?

[Jon Shiu]

I believe it is a unique type of back for this camera, but sometimes found on ebay.

Jon

[John Kasaian]

That is an unusual back! If you can't find an original, you could kludge one on. I'd think the hardest (but not too hard) part would be fabricating the springs to attach the back.

[C_eadie]

Thanks for all the replies.
I'm looking all over the Internet for photos of this kind of back. Found a few pics on expired eBay auctions. Does the back also hold the film holder in place? I have no idea, obviously.