Account8600
24-May-2014, 17:55
I am restoring (my first project) a 8x10 Kodak View #2 camera, the so-called improved model from the Century and Empire State cameras. I am puzzled about some aspects of what I have and would welcome comments. I want to at least restore it to original operation, no plans now to actually take photos.
The camera has a Packard shutter mounted behind the lens, with two air cylinders -one to open and one to close the shutter (they still operate). But the camera came with a lens shutter combination mounted - the Victor between-the-lens model made by Bausch and Lomb. It has its own shutter, so why the Packard? My guess is that it is just left over from a conversion? And how did the photographer take photos using two air bulbs?
The Victor shutter is missing the external components (the two air cylinders and speed control) so I will have to obtain a replacement lens/shutter anyway. What should I seek- was the Victor originally used on this camera? I am undecided if to obtain another lens/shutter like the B&L Victor or to seek a barrel type lens and use the Packard- comments welcome.
The B&L lens does not seem large enough for portraits or similar work. I understand 300mm or more lens is needed. There are no markings on this lens, so how do I determine the focal length- just measure the width? With this existing lens what photo work might it have been used for?
I have a similar view camera I obtained for parts-no lens- probably a Kodak 8x10 Model 1 or 2D. It has a Packard shutter mounted behind the lens, but with only one air cylinder. How would the photographer use that?
No film holders came with it, but I have obtained one 8x10 holder that takes glass plates. What would this camera have used- glass plates or sheet film- or can it operate with either (but I assume the holders must match the film type, or can sheet film be used in holders sized for glass plates)?
I know I have thrown a lot of questions out there, but advice on any or all parts would be appreciated.
The camera has a Packard shutter mounted behind the lens, with two air cylinders -one to open and one to close the shutter (they still operate). But the camera came with a lens shutter combination mounted - the Victor between-the-lens model made by Bausch and Lomb. It has its own shutter, so why the Packard? My guess is that it is just left over from a conversion? And how did the photographer take photos using two air bulbs?
The Victor shutter is missing the external components (the two air cylinders and speed control) so I will have to obtain a replacement lens/shutter anyway. What should I seek- was the Victor originally used on this camera? I am undecided if to obtain another lens/shutter like the B&L Victor or to seek a barrel type lens and use the Packard- comments welcome.
The B&L lens does not seem large enough for portraits or similar work. I understand 300mm or more lens is needed. There are no markings on this lens, so how do I determine the focal length- just measure the width? With this existing lens what photo work might it have been used for?
I have a similar view camera I obtained for parts-no lens- probably a Kodak 8x10 Model 1 or 2D. It has a Packard shutter mounted behind the lens, but with only one air cylinder. How would the photographer use that?
No film holders came with it, but I have obtained one 8x10 holder that takes glass plates. What would this camera have used- glass plates or sheet film- or can it operate with either (but I assume the holders must match the film type, or can sheet film be used in holders sized for glass plates)?
I know I have thrown a lot of questions out there, but advice on any or all parts would be appreciated.