Need help identifying my Primar-Kamera-Werke plate camera

[threebythree]

Hi all,

I recently acquired this plate camera from an auction and am having real trouble identifying it. I think I've got some info that checks out, but can anyone here shed some more light for me please?

- Badge is Primar-Kamera-Werke VEB Görlitz - I believe this is the post WWII name for the Bentzin company?

- Lens is a Zeiss Jena Tessar 21cm f/3.5 - optically sound and the iris is working perfectly

- The shutter doesn't work - well the curtains are creased, the bottom one drops, but the top one doesn't follow

- It has tilt and swing movements and a tripod socket (ooh!)

- The mirror and ground glass are usable

- It came with 20 plate holders, all of which have glass plates in them (!)

- The bellows are intact and focusing is super smooth (lucky me)

My intention is to use this camera with sheet film, paper negs and maybe some collodion. Any advice warmly received.

Thanks

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[Jody_S]

Klapp Reflex Primar (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Primar_Klapp_Reflex)

[BarryS]

I have a slightly later version of the same camera. The company is indeed a post-war incarnation of Bentzin, the VEB designates state ownership of the company. As you discovered, the biggest issue with the Reflex-Primar is a non-functioning shutter. My camera had a small shutter issue I was able to correct without taking apart the camera. There's virtually no information available on servicing the shutter, so if you are brave enough to take yours apart--please shoot lots of photos for documentation.

[BarryS]

Also, the camera takes the older style thin 9x12 film holders and film is still available from Foma and Ilford's yearly special order.

[threebythree]

OK, I think I've identified it as an Atelier Reflex Primar - it's definitely not a Klapp. Here's a link to the only other one I can find: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kamera-ATELIER-Reflex-PRIMAR-9x12-KW-Gorlitz-Plattenkamera-Studiokamera-/221444894099

I have a camera repair guy who I use and have asked if he can fix the shutter, if not, what are my options? Could I:

1. remove the shutter completely and use the lens cap as a manual shutter (ok if i'm shooting on paper for e.g.)

2. Put the lens into a shutter - does anyone know if this is possible with this lens?

Regarding the glass plates I have acquired with the camera, can these be bleached and reused? Otherwise if I were to use paper or film, would I need to mount onto a substrate so they would fit in the plate holders?

Many thanks again for any insights

[threebythree]

To answer one of my own questions, I think it would be fairly straightforward to install a packard shutter in front of or behind the lens - so that's a potential solution. Does anyone know where to buy in the UK?

[BarryS]

Removing the shutter, or getting it out of the way, would let you use a lens shutter. Since your version uses lens boards, you could consider mounting a 210mm lens in shutter on a new board. It would be less expensive and simpler than having your lens mounted in a shutter, and much more versatile than using a Packard shutter.

[threebythree]

That sounds like a plan. If I bought a lens in a shutter (such as this one: https://www.keh.com/256179/210-f6-8-caltar-ii-e-mc-copal-bt-42-mt-4x5-lens) I suppose the only problem would be finding, or making, a board. I suspect the chances of finding a lens in the right size board are slim??

[BarryS]

That sounds like a plan. If I bought a lens in a shutter (such as this one: https://www.keh.com/256179/210-f6-8-caltar-ii-e-mc-copal-bt-42-mt-4x5-lens) I suppose the only problem would be finding, or making, a board. I suspect the chances of finding a lens in the right size board are slim??

I'd go for the fastest lens you can find in a shutter. This lens (https://www.keh.com/256181/215-f4-8-ilex-caltar-s-acme-bt-bipost-8-5-51-mt-4x5-lens) looks interesting (as long as it fits on your board). There's a guy on eBay in Chicago that makes nice lens boards at reasonable prices, and he'll mill the hole for you too. There are also a few forum members that will make custom lens boards. Otherwise, you can buy hobby-grade birch plywood and make your own--it's not hard.