Randy
2-Jan-2017, 11:33
My 4X5 field camera is an old Gundlach. Since it may be the last field camera I will have I figured I might like to know some history about it. As best as I can tell, "Gundlach Mfg. Corp." came into existence in 1926.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/gund1.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/gund2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/gund3.jpg
Before 1926 the company had various other names and in 1928 it changed ownership again. So I guess my first question(s) is - did the company continue to label their cameras "Gundlach Mfg. Corp." beyond 1928, and if so, for how long, and is there any way to determine about when my camera was made?
This site (http://bvipirate.com/Kodak/Rochester.html) gives a lot of info but I can't find the answer to my question there.
My last question(s) is concerning the bellows - the bellows is very stiff (usable and no light leeks so far) making movements and focusing a tad difficult. I am contemplating ordering or having a new bellows made. Since I probably will not be able to order a new bellows for this camera by name, do I need to remove the bellows to get accurate measurements for the size or can I get all that information with it still on the camera? The bed of the camera is 12.5" long and at full extension the bellows seems maxed out. Should I order one just slightly longer so it is not strained at full extension?
Any advice would be appreciated.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/gund1.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/gund2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52893762/gund3.jpg
Before 1926 the company had various other names and in 1928 it changed ownership again. So I guess my first question(s) is - did the company continue to label their cameras "Gundlach Mfg. Corp." beyond 1928, and if so, for how long, and is there any way to determine about when my camera was made?
This site (http://bvipirate.com/Kodak/Rochester.html) gives a lot of info but I can't find the answer to my question there.
My last question(s) is concerning the bellows - the bellows is very stiff (usable and no light leeks so far) making movements and focusing a tad difficult. I am contemplating ordering or having a new bellows made. Since I probably will not be able to order a new bellows for this camera by name, do I need to remove the bellows to get accurate measurements for the size or can I get all that information with it still on the camera? The bed of the camera is 12.5" long and at full extension the bellows seems maxed out. Should I order one just slightly longer so it is not strained at full extension?
Any advice would be appreciated.