11x14 Deardorff Studio Camera

[David Lobato]

This was last week in High Point, North Carolina. It was in the High Point Museum that had a large display of the old furniture factory. I presume this 11x14 Deardorff studio camera was used to photograph the factory and its products. Btw, the museum has a small display about John Coltrane and in the city there is a statue of him.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/41278350051_b0745994c3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25TCkmx)A7203081 (https://flic.kr/p/25TCkmx) by blazingshutters (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55571025@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/797/41234666892_40fff46502_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25PLrSC)A7203082 (https://flic.kr/p/25PLrSC) by blazingshutters (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55571025@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/869/41278353541_75d45c551e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25TCmoH)A7203081-2 (https://flic.kr/p/25TCmoH) by blazingshutters (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55571025@N03/), on Flickr

[DrTang]

are those cranks factory?

looks like one can focus from the rear with those

that's handy

[Peter De Smidt]

Randy Moe has one of these.

[Louis Pacilla]

are those cranks factory?



They look like all the cranks/knobs I've used on 11x14 Deardorff studio/commercial cameras. It does look to me like they repainted the standards and knobs/cranks though. They probably where scratched up so to make the camera look bad & more beat then it was. They just look to "perfect" for the condition of the rest of the camera. Which is not bad at all. The camera looks good.

[Mark Sampson]

And where'd the lens go...? It probably made its way to a forum member here.

[John Layton]

C'mon...the lens is there - that big piece of glass right in front! Oh...just realized that its probably a piece of plexiglass - would never work!

[Tin Can]

Guilty!

I have one in my shed. I need to get it into this new studio. This one is missing the 2 center frames and 2 additional bellows for 72" of extension. Looks like original bellows.

The rearward wood handle easily tilts the camera 360 degrees. A child can move it. The bottom left handle is a little more work. It lifts the whole camera up and down using bicycle chains you can see and internal and lead counterbalance. Originally the 4" steel tubes could be ordered up to 20 feet tall. Mine came with 13ft and I had to cut to 7.5 ft. Nonetheles with that it can still put the top of the camera at over 10 ft. Or bottom, your choice. Everything locks down tightly.

Full tilts and swing front and rear with the front rise and shift. 8" lensboards. It will not flinch at a 25lb lens as another owner showed me. He put a sandbag in the lens board hole.

Nothing except lensboards interchanges to a V11. Even the back is bigger. I have 5X7, 8X10, 10X12 and of course 11X14 backs. The 11X14 back was reworked by Richard Ritter with his back and bail lift.

This is the camera I prefer to use and why I am selling my Chamonix.

Here is the day I got my new Turner bellows which copy the OE. I was waiting for RR to finish the back. 5X7 back with full extension.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/26304918548_647ef54993_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G5tzQq)1929 S11 Deardorff (https://flic.kr/p/G5tzQq) by moe.randy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[dspellman]

FWIW, I have an 11x14 DearDorff identical to the one shown above. Three sets of bellows.

The stands were originally offered (stock) in 9' (the one I have) and 13'. This, by the way, was the camera that photographed Marilyn Monroe (not mine, of course), with the photographs appearing in the very first Playboy. When I got the camera there was an 8x10 back and a 4x5 reducing back (one of them rotates...) but no 11x14 back. I contacted Jack DearDorff, who finagled the pieces (including a DearDorff ground glass and springs) I needed for the back. We borrowed an 11x14 back from a company that had used them for furniture photography and duplicated that. Measurements have it bang on, and the resulting photographs are gorgeous.

I had to buy the Medical "X-Ray" holders because the wooden ones I have are a bit splintered.

The only lensboard I have adapts Sinar lensboards. I've used it with a lot of lenses (the camera came with a 420mm) and I've used darned near the whole length of the 6 feet of bellows on some photographs.

At this point, sadly, it's sitting in a storage unit.

[Tin Can]

Mine is no longer in the shed. Peter De Smidt drove 1000 miles round trip to help me assemble it in my new studio.

I already thanked Peter, and I will again.

Thanks, Peter!

I find it fun to use. It takes up 12 sq ft feet of floor space when stored. I raise the camera to the ceiling and put my gear table with filmholders under it.

Only 500 made and most were scrapped long ago.

More info here. (http://deardorffcameras.0catch.com/s11/s11.html)

And here, right here on LFPF (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?14123-11x14-Deardorff-studio)

How not to move one. Take it apart. (https://www.instagram.com/p/BiZs3nLFONT/)

[Two23]

Guilty!


This is the camera I prefer to use and why I am selling my Chamonix.




It's impressive, but all in all I'd rather hike with the Chamonix.



Kent in SD

[leondf]

I have this same exact setup. It was in storage until I read about people using x-ray film in LF photography. I am now shooting 11x14 x-ray film and making contact prints. I shortened the stand to 6'. I have all the reducing backs and extension bellows. It is a beautiful camera.

[Tin Can]

Yes it is, I really like mine and lucky to find it.


I may convert the 10X12 back to use an 8X10 Deardorff slider back.

Of course I am not hiking with it. I am happy to walk again!




I have this same exact setup. It was in storage until I read about people using x-ray film in LF photography. I am now shooting 11x14 x-ray film and making contact prints. I shortened the stand to 6'. I have all the reducing backs and extension bellows. It is a beautiful camera.

[diversey]

It is the most beautiful camera!

[Tin Can]

Yes, but you have a very nice one also!

I like working in my laboratory. Winter work.

But did meet some local historians, in period clothing today, that need and want a LF shooter.

A complete empty 19th century village 2 miles away.




It is the most beautiful camera!

[leondf]

Your Split Oak Forest shots are incredible.

[diversey]

Yes, I like my V11. S11 is incredibly engineered!



Yes, but you have a very nice one also!

I like working in my laboratory. Winter work.

But did meet some local historians, in period clothing today, that need and want a LF shooter.

A complete empty 19th century village 2 miles away.

[diversey]

Thanks!

Your Split Oak Forest shots are incredible.

[leondf]

As I mentioned, I am now using 11x14 film. I have a 480mm Apo-Ronar in a Copal shutter, which is about a normal lens for 11x14. But I have a 890mm Apo-Nikkor that is mounted on an 11x11" metal plate. I would love to try using it for portraiture but it is an enormous lens. From a search, I see someone suggests building an extension box on a lens board, supported by a second tripod. The mount hole dimensions are 162x1.5 mm, or about 6.4". The mounting flange is 208mm, or about 8.2". Might be doable.

[Tin Can]

Read these threads.

My 890 mm Reinhold is on one box with pics and I have used a 900 mm Tessar on the SC11. At full 75" bellows extension.

Maybe I will find those images.

My Ronar 480 works fine but usually I use a APO Nikon 610 mm f 9 which is on the camera now.





https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?117341-How-long-a-lens-are-you-using-for-H-amp-S-Portraits-with-8x10-and-larger&p=1181271&viewfull=1#post1181271


https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?104472-DIY-1-to-1-fixed-focus-14x17-box-portrait-camera-questions&p=1042709&viewfull=1#post1042709

[Tin Can]

More

An upside down shot in my old studio of my bike engine only

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?147932-What-is-the-largest-format-camera-that-you-have-seen-ever&p=1459637&viewfull=1#post1459637

[leondf]

Read these threads.

My 890 mm Reinhold is on one box with pics and I have used a 900 mm Tessar on the SC11. At full 75" bellows extension.

Maybe I will find those images.

My Ronar 480 works fine but usually I use a APO Nikon 610 mm f 9 which is on the camera now.





https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?117341-How-long-a-lens-are-you-using-for-H-amp-S-Portraits-with-8x10-and-larger&p=1181271&viewfull=1#post1181271

Thanks for the thread references. The additional effect of the bellows distance is something I hadn't considered. Cool shots of your camera! That is an amazing setup with the Reinhold 790 mm. I need to study these threads.

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?104472-DIY-1-to-1-fixed-focus-14x17-box-portrait-camera-questions&p=1042709&viewfull=1#post1042709

[leondf]

Just noticed this great photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ARv9r36_rzCw7MNI4zBIpVhL56GNB1TUlANR5LD2E-RgByKm3QOF5as/

[leondf]

Read these threads.

My 890 mm Reinhold is on one box with pics and I have used a 900 mm Tessar on the SC11. At full 75" bellows extension.

Maybe I will find those images.

My Ronar 480 works fine but usually I use a APO Nikon 610 mm f 9 which is on the camera now.





https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?117341-How-long-a-lens-are-you-using-for-H-amp-S-Portraits-with-8x10-and-larger&p=1181271&viewfull=1#post1181271


https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?104472-DIY-1-to-1-fixed-focus-14x17-box-portrait-camera-questions&p=1042709&viewfull=1#post1042709


I also have a 610mm Apo Nikkor. Here's a couple of pics:

[leondf]

My sister is into woodworking. She built the box containing the electric, behind the lens shutter. It is hooked up to a darkroom timer (and flash units).

[Tin Can]

Cool, is that a shutter box?

I put my 4" ID Packard behind the the first lens board opening.

[leondf]

I'm afraid I don't know what the correct terminology is. It has a leaf shutter with large leaves. There is a spring mounted drive inside that is electrically triggered. It automatically closes and resets when the power stops. My darkroom timer goes down to 1/10 second, so that's as fast as It can go. The box attaches to the camera the same way a lens board does and it has lens board receptor on the front (6"). It makes a fairly loud clunk when triggered. I like it a lot. I'd like to do something similar with my 890 mm.

[leondf]

I have an electric behind the lens shutter that came with the 890mm Apo-Nikkor. I was wondering if anyone knew if this has a method of flash sync built in. Also, does anyone know what type of plug that is on the board? Thanks.192650192651192652

[leondf]

Another question, I have a lens board adapter that came with my Commercial Deardorff. It apparently converts a 11" board holder to an 8" board holder. It is also recessed with the ability to mount the 8" lens board on either side. The way my Deardorff is configured, it takes an 8" lens board. Would anyone know if there is a configuration that takes a 11" lens board? 192653192654

[Tin Can]

There can always be a custom variation. Your long lens on a 11" board most like came from a Industrial Process camera. Maybe the box is adapted to your camera for that lens.

The SC 11 is not that, but it can use that big lens, if wanted.

Your shutter is something else, perhaps operated by DC or AC and not a true Packard. https://packardshutter.com/ There were variations on the design.

I prefer the traditional Packard with Bulb and Hose as it is gentle compared to a solenoid and is easy to open the shutter for focus, or time.

I am very glad Packard still makes their long lasting product. I must have 6 installed and working.

[leondf]

Thanks for your response. I wasn't aware that Packard is still selling shutters. What is an "SC 11"?

[Tin Can]

Thanks for your response. I wasn't aware that Packard is still selling shutters. What is an "SC 11"?

Your camera is called,

Studio Commercial 11X14 or short SC11, the V11 is a field camera.

Here's a start for the chase. http://deardorffcameras.0catch.com/

Much more to learn by searching.

Have fun!

[Greg]

Have had the privilege of using an 11x14 Deardorff Studio Camera and they were/are a beast to use but very user friendly. Worst 11x14 view camera that I have ever had the "privilege" (I use that term loosely) of using was a Sinar P converted to an 11x14 camera. Supposedly Sinar's asymmetrical movements were still able to be used/employed... not by a long shot.

[Tin Can]

I had a 8X10 P, it did not impress me, mostly due to design problems that were 'fixed' in the P2.

Really glad I didn't buy or make an 11X14 conversion as at one time I considered it.

Thanks for sharing your experience.


Have had the privilege of using an 11x14 Deardorff Studio Camera and they were/are a beast to use but very user friendly. Worst 11x14 view camera that I have ever had the "privilege" (I use that term loosely) of using was a Sinar P converted to an 11x14 camera. Supposedly Sinar's asymmetrical movements were still able to be used/employed... not by a long shot.

[leondf]

My 890mm apo-nikkor came mounted on a heavy metal plate with an electric shutter. I decided to leave it on the metal plate and mount it independent of the camera, transferring its weight to the stand. I also attached a micro switch to enable flash and a DC power source for the shutter. 193267193268

[Jac@stafford.net]

Did you use an old Erector Set to fabricate the brace? OMG, a relic from youth to the rescue? Bless ya!

[Peter De Smidt]

I learned most of my design and construction skills, pitiful as they are, from playing with my father's Erector Set from the 1930s.

[Tin Can]

A now banned LFPF member I met on CL sold me a few good S11 parts. I think he was banned 3 times.

But when I asked if a S11 could carry a huge lens he sent me a pic of his with a 10lb barbell sitting in The lens board hole.

A S11 can easily handle any lens. A 48” Artar was an option.

I need to find my 900 Tessar but prefer The Nikon 610 for almost everything.

[leondf]

Did you use an old Erector Set to fabricate the brace? OMG, a relic from youth to the rescue? Bless ya!

It did remind me of an Erector set but I got the parts from Lowes. I'm not sure what the intended use is. I was actually quite surprised that it worked so well.

[DrTang]

can someone with a S11 do me a solid? measure the back 'board' outside dimension

I seem to have a 11x14 unmarked back with very Deardorff looking hardware that is 18.5" square outside dimension

was wondering if it was..infact from a S11

pix: https://www.flickr.com/gp/11191083@N00/5jF645

[Tin Can]

Yes, 18.5" square with pin mounts


can someone with a S11 do me a solid? measure the back 'board' outside dimension

I seem to have a 11x14 unmarked back with very Deardorff looking hardware that is 18.5" square outside dimension

was wondering if it was..infact from a S11

pix: https://www.flickr.com/gp/11191083@N00/5jF645

[diversey]

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/is-the-11x14-back-the-same-for-deadorff-v11-and-s11.102903/

[leondf]

I took some shots with my 890mm Apo-Nikkor at 1:1 magnification. It was fun to shoot with a 6' bellows, but the images are not of exceptional quality. Probably due to my skill level but I did notice this in some Apo-Nikkor literature:
193653
And also this table:
193654
A 480mm would provide adequate coverage up to 1:10 film to subject size ratio. I think I will go back to 610mm, as "Tin Can" has suggested, or perhaps my 480mm Apo-Ronar for 11x14 portraiture. Does anyone see an advantage to using one of these two over the other? I would expect the Apo-Nikkor to be sharper close to 1:1 magnification, but the Apo-Ronar should give more depth of field.

[Tin Can]

I shoot primarily 610 Nikon, second 480 Ronar, lastly the two 900mm lenses for fun.

But what size film are you shooting? I shoot 11X14 with this camera.

Vibrations can be be causing blur, check floor and stand vibration. I put my sandbags on the base as my current floor is shaky. Adjust the camera stand base plate so it is solid. There is a wobble point in mine.

I use an internal Packard most of the time my fancy shutters are junk. I always use strobes. As we are in studio.

I have used up to 10 pops with strong strobes, in Bulb Mode.


I took some shots with my 890mm Apo-Nikkor at 1:1 magnification. It was fun to shoot with a 6' bellows, but the images are not of exceptional quality. Probably due to my skill level but I did notice this in some Apo-Nikkor literature:
193653
And also this table:
193654
A 480mm would provide adequate coverage up to 1:10 film to subject size ratio. I think I will go back to 610mm, as "Tin Can" has suggested, or perhaps my 480mm Apo-Ronar for 11x14 portraiture. Does anyone see an advantage to using one of these two over the other? I would expect the Apo-Nikkor to be sharper close to 1:1 magnification, but the Apo-Ronar should give more depth of field.

[leondf]

I shoot primarily 610 Nikon, second 480 Ronar, lastly the two 900mm lenses for fun.

But what size film are you shooting? I shoot 11X14 with this camera.

Vibrations can be be causing blur, check floor and stand vibration. I put my sandbags on the base as my current floor is shaky. Adjust the camera stand base plate so it is solid. There is a wobble point in mine.

I use an internal Packard most of the time my fancy shutters are junk. I always use strobes. As we are in studio.

I have used up to 10 pops with strong strobes, in Bulb Mode.

I'm shooting 11x14 xray film. Thanks for the suggestions. So, with 10 pops, I assume that is not for portraits. It would be hard not to blink through that. I hadn't thought of multiple pops, but it makes sense. 2 pops, twice the light, one more f-stop, more depth of field.

[Tin Can]

I have done macro and still life with multiple pops.

Never for portrait, but here is one shot on HP5 11X14. June Portraits 2019 (https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?152581-Portraits-June-2019&p=1508207&viewfull=1#post1508207)

[leondf]

I have done macro and still life with multiple pops.

Never for portrait, but here is one shot on HP5 11X14. June Portraits 2019 (https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?152581-Portraits-June-2019&p=1508207&viewfull=1#post1508207)

Nice! I really like that. Do you remember which lens and f-stop? Have you ever taken two head shots of the same person, one with the 480 and one with the 610 and compared the two?

[Tin Can]

Nice! I really like that. Do you remember which lens and f-stop? Have you ever taken two head shots of the same person, one with the 480 and one with the 610 and compared the two?

It was 2 years ago before I moved everything.

I am sure it was 610mm Nikon maybe f22, 2 strobes in soft boxes.

Big Packard shutter, so about 1/25th or less.

That's an 8X10 scan on V700 laid right on glass.

I should touch up the hairline.

Got one more to develop from the same holder.

I forgot i left the film in...2 years ago...

[leondf]

Thoughts regarding shooting portraits using 11x14 x-ray film with a Commercial Deardorff.

X-Ray film:

11x14 Fuji Super HR-U Medical X-ray Film for 50 cents a sheet. Who could resist? I have been exposing it at ISO 100, developing for 6 min. with Xtol. At first I used trays but had issues with scratches and uneven development, so I bought some used X-ray film processing tanks and film hangers on ebay. The tanks were in bad shape, some leaking. I patched them with Flex-Seal. I now use 6 tanks: Xtol, stop, fix, hypo, wash, photoflow. Processing with continuous agitation is easy now and the results are great. The tanks are either 3-gallon or 5-gallon. They didn't come with covers. How to store the chemicals when not in use? I decided to store them in the tanks. I noticed that large plastic vacuum storage bags are just the right size for the tanks. I put each tank in a storage bag and placed a piece of wood on top of the plastic, on top of the liquid in the tank, forcing the air out of contact with the liquid. Then I used the vacuum cleaner to vacuum seal the bag. So, in effect, I have a floating cover tank.

11x14 optics:

Thanks to Tin Can I learned that the usual rule of using a longer than normal lens for portraiture doesn't necessarily apply to large format. So I've been using my 480 mm Apo-Ronar. Using my 480mm at magnification of 1:1 (distance 2x focal length) at f90 the total depth of field is about 4.8 inches, at f64 it is 3.5 inches, at f32 it is 1.7 inches, at f22 it is 1.2 inches. I am aware that some people like shallow depth of field for portraits. Personally, I like a significant depth of field. So, I try to shoot at f90 when possible. I have two Norman 4000PS power packs. My soft box reduces the light output of the flash, making f90 impossible, so I shoot bare bulb. I also must position the lights close to the subject. My light meter has max f stop of f90. So, I set the ISO to 25 and try to get f90. That will translate to f180 at ISO 100, which will convert to f90 due to the bellows adjustment factor.

Self-Portraits:

I live alone and it's not easy to get volunteers for experimentation, so I am left with self-portraits. With such a small depth of field it is crucial to get the focus right. I built a head brace extension for the chair I use so I can be sure to reproduce my head position. I hung a piece of cardboard with print on it and a hole for my nose and positioned it to occupy the plane of my eyes when my head is against the brace. That way I can focus on the cardboard and go back, remove the cardboard and put my head against the brace.

I like the results and have made portraits of my son and my ex. However, I feel the end result doesn't quite seem to have the subtle gradation of the T-max that I used years ago shooting 4x5. There are so many factors in play it could be any one of these factors. I'm printing on Ilford multi-grade, that could be the issue. Or maybe it's the Xtol. Any thoughts?

[Peter De Smidt]

I bet it's the film.

[Tin Can]

Sounds like you are preparing for volume.

I have a similar problem in my new location, few visitors happen.

Nonetheless, I persevere.

I need to copy your head rest and cardboard ideas.

I also plan to try shorter lenses 300, 360mm. Which can work too.

[andrewch59]

I have a Deardorff Studio 11x14 with double bellows on an old century stand, and use xray film. I had the problem of my wife and friends getting sick of sitting for me, so I bought a bust of Ebay and she loves sitting for me. I have made portraits with all my favourite lenses so I can see the subtle differences in each.
195197
I use continual lighting, 60w led and softbox.

[leondf]

You are probably correct. I should buy some Kodak sheet film and make some comparisons. But 11x14 film is going for $315 for 10 sheets. (This is a reply to Peter's post. Not sure why it ended up here)

[leondf]

Neat idea! You can go for long exposures or multiple pops. (reply to Andrew.) That's a great shot.

[Greg]

You are probably correct. I should buy some Kodak sheet film and make some comparisons. But 11x14 film is going for $315 for 10 sheets. (This is a reply to Peter's post. Not sure why it ended up here)

Ilford HP5 Plus 11x14" 25 Sheets Black & White Negative (Print) Film (ISO-400) B&H #ILHP5P1125 • MFR #1743225 Ilford
$249.95

[leondf]

Thanks for the info. That is a bit better. $65 better. Actually, it's better than that. Your quote was for 25 sheets. Mine was for 10 sheets. $10 a sheet vs. $31.50 a sheet.

[leondf]

Sounds like you are preparing for volume.

I have a similar problem in my new location, few visitors happen.

Nonetheless, I persevere.

I need to copy your head rest and cardboard ideas.

I also plan to try shorter lenses 300, 360mm. Which can work too.

My head brace consists of one of those metal frame pieces duct taped to the back of the chair with a piece of styrofoam taped to the top. I'm sure you can do much better.

[leondf]

I just noticed https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1457931-REG/bergger_pan400_111425_pancro_400_11x14_sheets.html
Bergger Pancro 400 Black and White Negative Film (11 x 14", 25 Sheets) $189.95. Down to $7.56 a sheet. Anyone have experience with this film?

[cuypers1807]

Ilford HP5 Plus 11x14" 25 Sheets Black & White Negative (Print) Film (ISO-400) B&H #ILHP5P1125 • MFR #1743225 Ilford
$249.95
It used to be $200 a box at B&H. I bought the last 5 boxes just ahead of the yearly Ilford ULF order. Strangely enough the new B&H price is still lower than the Ilford ULF order price.

[Tin Can]

There is no inflation



It used to be $200 a box at B&H. I bought the last 5 boxes just ahead of the yearly Ilford ULF order. Strangely enough the new B&H price is still lower than the Ilford ULF order price.

[leondf]

Years ago I bought a 1070mm Apo-Ronar. That's about 42" focal length, so 7' bellows at 1:1 magnification. I think that's doable with the Commercial Deardorff. That lens stops down to f260. That would give a depth of field of about 10.4" at magnification 1:1. Since 256 equals 2 to the 8th power, f260 would require about 16 times as much light as f64. That made me wonder, what flash pack provides the most light output? Anyone know?

[Tin Can]

https://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157622115678254/

Maybe a Carbon Arc light when starting. http://edisontechcenter.org/ArcLamps.html

Like an arc stick welder which I have used extensively for welding, with fire extinguishers handy and somebody to spot fire as the user cannot see a fire.

Welders like to light their friend's pants on fire and see the dance and cursing.

Been there.

What are you trying to capture? People don't like that much oompfh.

I use multiple pops on very still, dead things, only.

[leondf]

Very nice references, thanks. I guess I'm fantasizing about using the 1070mm. I'd want to get a unique result to make it worthwhile. I thought the increased depth of field sounded interesting, but probably not interesting enough to make the effort worthwhile. I'm still thinking in the context of a portrait, so I agree, most people wouldn't be thrilled about being blasted with blinding light.

[Tin Can]

Keep that lens and use it differently.

I have a 900 mm and an 890 mm both have been used on my SC11, just find more room to subject.

I also put the 890 in a window for camera obscura.

One of these years I will cut a hole in my cargo trailer for the same thing. Maybe even make big paper negs.

So many projects, so little time left...

Maybe not, I could live 30 more years...

[leondf]

https://speedotron.com/shop/light-15/ "The fastest, most powerful strobe in the world–9600 w/s and 1/1175sec flash duration at full power!"

[leondf]

Keep that lens and use it differently.

I have a 900 mm and an 890 mm both have been used on my SC11, just find more room to subject.

I also put the 890 in a window for camera obscura.

One of these years I will cut a hole in my cargo trailer for the same thing. Maybe even make big paper negs.

So many projects, so little time left...

Maybe not, I could live 30 more years...

Do you feel the resulting photos have certain unique qualities?

[Tin Can]

Certainly!

But I like to try things.

Your 1070 mm is made for much bigger formats than a mere 11X14


Have you read all this, http://www.arnecroell.com/czj.pdf


Do you feel the resulting photos have certain unique qualities?

[leondf]

Certainly!

But I like to try things.

Your 1070 mm is made for much bigger formats than a mere 11X14


Have you read all this, http://www.arnecroell.com/czj.pdf

Wow! Great reference.

I have to admit, I enjoy just holding the Apo-Ronar - the weight, quality, glass, movement of the diaphragm, it's impressive.

[Tin Can]

Don't exercise the aperture.

They do fail. I have one or 3, I try to never move unless absolutely making a good capture.

I also have a Verito with no aperture, that's OK for me.


Wow! Great reference.

I have to admit, I enjoy just holding the Apo-Ronar - the weight, quality, glass, movement of the diaphragm, it's impressive.

[leondf]

Don't exercise the aperture.

They do fail. I have one or 3, I try to never move unless absolutely making a good capture.

I also have a Verito with no aperture, that's OK for me.

Ah! That's nice to know. I don't foresee going bigger than 11x14 but who knows. I always envied Elsa Dorfman and her 20x24 Polaroids.

[Tin Can]

http://www.elsadorfman.com/about-the-camera

"I use only one lense w/ the camera. Made in Chicago, it is 600 mm, f 11.0. The closest I can get is about 10" below the chin. Occassionally, at the Polaroid studio at the Mass College of Art I have used a close-up lens."



Ah! That's nice to know. I don't foresee going bigger than 11x14 but who knows. I always envied Elsa Dorfman and her 20x24 Polaroids.

[slerman]

can someone with a S11 do me a solid? measure the back 'board' outside dimension

I seem to have a 11x14 unmarked back with very Deardorff looking hardware that is 18.5" square outside dimension

was wondering if it was..infact from a S11

pix: https://www.flickr.com/gp/11191083@N00/5jF645

I know you've been waiting 10 years for an answer! The Deardorff 14 x 14 ERC Copy Camera has an 18 7/8" square outside dimension. Could that be it?
199205

[slerman]

I know you've been waiting 10 years for an answer! The Deardorff 14 x 14 ERC Copy Camera has an 18 7/8" square outside dimension. Could that be it?
199205

Sorry, mistyped. 18 1/2" square!

[Tin Can]

There are at least 2 Deardorff cameras that use the 18.5" square back.

My SC11 is one.

[Duolab123]

200887

Question, I picked this up last week. A Deardorff 11x14 commercial camera. Has a rotating 8x10 back. According to a 1939 Deardorff document the 11X14 will take a 13 inch lens as minimum focal length. I have the extra bellows ( not installed here) looks like to get down to a 14 inch lens I will need to take out the center section shown here on this camera. These are absolutely amazing machines for technical work. I see why these were used for catalogs and technical photos.

Is it practical to take out the center support to use this as a "portrait" camera with a 14 inch Nikkor W? I have a Folmer and Schwing 11X14 that will work great on the stand as well. My other option is I have a nice 19 inch "red dot" Artar and a Packard shutter.

Advice and information please!

[Duolab123]

I have figured out how to remove center bellows.
200888

I can use it with a 12 inch lens for 1/3 life size no problem. Still lots of puzzles to solve. :o

All comments and advice will be much appreciated.
Best Regards Mike

[Duolab123]

I need brass shims for front standard. Appears to ben1/8×3/16×4 7/8 inches. Any suggestions?

[Duolab123]

I need brass shims for front standard. Appears to ben1/8×3/16×4 7/8 inches. Any suggestions?

[Tin Can]

You mean these?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49566053187_e556a4f80a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ivYYKV)SC11 Skid plates (https://flic.kr/p/2ivYYKV) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Duolab123]

I removed one from the rear standard. It looks like someone lost the front ones. I went to a local machinist who ordered a piece from Mcmaster Carr. He's going to make me 3 or 4.
Here's the part, it's more of a bushing of sorts, held in place with some tiny slotted set screws.
200933
Thanks

[Tin Can]

It's been 6 years since I took mine apart, so don't recall every bit

I can again, but it seems you have it under control

Let us know if you need anything further

[Duolab123]

It's been 6 years since I took mine apart, so don't recall every bit

I can again, but it seems you have it under control

Let us know if you need anything further

Will do, thank you Sir.

Looks like a very simple task for my new friend the machinist. This guy can do anything he puts his mind too. Like walking into a fantasy movie. His shops are about 15 yards from his lovely home. No signs or advertising, people seek him out.

I got my lens board adapter from Zbigniew today, I can put my 6x6 boards on the 8x8 camera.

I feel sorry for the people who are waiting for the next miracle digital marvel. This is so neat to work on. Made in Chicago!

[Tin Can]

Here's my 4.5" ID Double Pump with DIY Sync

Got this shutter out of an run down Grey Ansco Studio 8X10. At first didn't notice the shutter as it was on the middle standard and kinda invisible. Made my day, then I sold the poor camera. but regret selling the stand with it...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49567284481_f7b708dd09_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iw6hM8)4.5 inch Packard (https://flic.kr/p/2iw6hM8) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49567503782_7226472013_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iw7pYb)Inside Shutter (https://flic.kr/p/2iw7pYb) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Duolab123]

One more thing I didn't know. Double pumper shutter. Packard? I love the sync!

I have a Packard that came with a 12 inch f4.5 Wollensak (came with my V8 I found in a junk store) I'm looking forward to seeing that big old lens on this studio camera. Not a Verito, but still c. 1940 Wollensak.

Supposed to start warming up. I need to get to cleaning up the stand. I hope to get it in my studio room as soon as feasible. The original casters are still fine, but I have a short pile carpeting in my studio, may need to get something different? I really want to keep it original.

[Tin Can]

Think twice before painting the posts, paint can get scraped off, when moving elevation

I dye post scratches with a 2" wide magic marker once in a while...

https://packardshutter.com/

Many show up on eBay, I have a NOS in box 4" ID waiting for godot

I tried a 5" ID 'Packard type' shutter which has an extra leaf, neither Peter nor I could make it work reliably, it looks LN, not made by Packard

Carpet may be a problem. I wanted to install larger casters for easier rolling on my ceramic tile floor with grout divots, but the leg screw stands will interfere and i use them to level the whole thing after rolling into position. The leg stands also make it more stable

Notice the bigger wheels on the Linhof dolly and the NOS Bakelite knob bought from McMaster to match broken OE knobs

The chains are standard single speed bicycle, I recently changed mine to SRAM PC1 Nickel Plated Single-Speed Chain, took 3 for my 7.5' posts, the OE chain was very well worn

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49569114753_4e38225618_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iwfERx)SC11 Leg Levelers (https://flic.kr/p/2iwfERx) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Duolab123]

Ah, two important lessons, wheel diameter limited by the leveling screws, and paint. I think I'm pretty much decided on a good clean up and a bit of oil. I'm trying to take this at a leisurely pace, which is NOT my normal behavior (at least according to my wife) .

I tried to talk my wife into switching "studios" no carpet, bare smooth concrete floors, twice the size. No joy.

[Peter De Smidt]

I striped the paint from my columns. It was a bit of a pain, but in my case the paint was powdering off. After I cleaned them up, I used Boeshield as a protective coating. So far, so good, and it's not sticky.

[Duolab123]

I'm making slow but steady progress. I found a Deardorff 6x6 board cut perfectly for my #3 Copal, 360mm Nikkor W. What a beautiful lens.
I'm waiting for a part for the stand.
201475

[Duolab123]

Look at what came today. I felt it my duty to help stimulate the Japanese economy. :rolleyes:

201649

[Peter De Smidt]

It's a good lens!

[Duolab123]

I am missing two of the "swivel feet" on the leveling screws. I solved the problem of the feet dragging on the carpet. I threaded the 5/8th inch leveling bolts. Now I can retract the screws about an inch higher. I managed to save the original knobs, one was hopelessly stripped, I put in a brass threaded sleeve. I'm still waiting on my machinist, he's such a great guy. 72 years and going all the time, I love just going to his shop.

I went to college, I did fine no complaints. Nothing greater than a skilled trade, watching people work magic with metal, wood, electrical......... Beautiful!

I really want to get the camera back on the stand, put this thing to use.

Thanks for the help!

[Tin Can]

Just mounted an E KRAUSS PARIS TESSAR F6.3 50CM on my SC11, using a new Zimba 8" board. Installed the very heavy flange behind the 1/2" thick lens board to move CG to better advantage. 7 lb 6 0z!

and not the heaviest lens I have tried on it

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?105564-Another-lens-question-%96-E-Krauss-50cm&p=1049385&viewfull=1#post1049385

Thanks Jim Graves!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655538546_6978539c0e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDTBCW)IMG-2702 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDTBCW) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49654999548_13c51eb8ed_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDQRpS)IMG-2700 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDQRpS) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49654999468_7f8fe2f075_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDQRou)IMG-2701 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDQRou) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Peter De Smidt]

That looks like a very interesting lens!

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Nice! I have been looking for a long Tessar like that. I was hoping for a f4.5 version, but haven't seen one in years that I can afford.

[Duolab123]

Holy Moley, that's beautiful! Good idea with putting the flange back. I got a 8x8 board from Zbigniew today. I showed my wife. She was impressed. My camera is coming along, I have a section of bellows that are old but they were never used. One section has a half dozen pin holes, I will use a couple drops of shoe goo for now. I was in contact with Turner over the years about a couple things, too late for this project.

I'm trying to pace myself. With the virus, I will just need to stay home and clean and polish :o

Nice 50 cm lens!

[Tracy Storer]

Holy Moley, that's beautiful! Good idea with putting the flange back. I got a 8x8 board from Zbigniew today. I showed my wife. She was impressed. My camera is coming along, I have a section of bellows that are old but they were never used. One section has a half dozen pin holes, I will use a couple drops of shoe goo for now. I was in contact with Turner over the years about a couple things, too late for this project.

I'm trying to pace myself. With the virus, I will just need to stay home and clean and polish :o

Nice 50 cm lens!

I recently had Custom Bellows make 2 new sections of bellows for a friends S11, they cost 200 pounds per section, not including shipping. The quality is superb, as always.

[Tin Can]

Good to know, that is a good price

I need a Postcard Camera bellows Premo #9, my 'last' camera...LOL


I recently had Custom Bellows make 2 new sections of bellows for a friends S11, they cost 200 pounds per section, not including shipping. The quality is superb, as always.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

I recently had Custom Bellows make 2 new sections of bellows for a friends S11, they cost 200 pounds per section, not including shipping. The quality is superb, as always.

Thanks Tracy! I need bellows made, and this is super helpful.

[Duolab123]

I got a nice lens board from Zbigniew earlier in the week, finally took the time to mount this nice 'ol lens. Fun way to spend my time. My machinist is hoping to get to my part so I can get the stand back together.
201850

[Duolab123]

I recently had Custom Bellows make 2 new sections of bellows for a friends S11, they cost 200 pounds per section, not including shipping. The quality is superb, as always.

I wonder if the virus will shut down everything for a time?? I can get by fine for a while. Things have changed so fast!

[Duolab123]

I've been building an adapter to fit my Folmer and Schwing 11x14 back to the Deardorff.
203579
203580
Image is a 2X? image of a crystal of Calcium Fluoride. I tested my table saw skills on this one. You can see the profile I had to cut. I used Maple. Still need to stain and paint insides black. I have to wait until I can get to a decent hardware store. Weekends are no travel time for me.

[Tin Can]

Looking good, a little stain and it will become authentic!

I have OE 5X7, 8X10, 11X14 and 10x12 SC11 backs. I may convert that one to hold OE Deardorff 8X10 slider, which fits only horizontally on a V11, but can be made to work vertically on SC11, yielding 2 8x5 captures very quickly.

One of these years...:)

[Duolab123]

This stuff is so much fun. I thank the Almighty I have this stuff to play with, especially in these times. I make lists every night of projects I have to work on. Sometimes I have trouble getting to sleep because I can't so scheming.

[Duolab123]

I've got the 5x7 slider with the insert that fits on a 8x10. I still haven’t used it, what can I say the price was right :rolleyes:

[Duolab123]

203702
203703

Back adapter finished. And I still have all my fingers!

[Dugan]

Very nice!

[Tin Can]

It will support at least 20 lbs on a lens board as shown to me by a banned member...

I think he sold his

[mk1792021]

Hello, I'm new to this site.

I have a Deardorff Studio Commercial 11X14 camera in my possession and I am looking for advice on the best method to try and sell this item. We are actively working to obtain the original papers that will provide insight into the ownership of the camera when it was first acquired. It is our understanding that this unit was used by the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the 1940's.

We have discussed with some local camera shops but they obviously don't have the knowledge of devices this old. Any advice would be appreciated.

Mike

[Peter De Smidt]

It's against site rules for us to give appraisals. These are wonderful cameras, but they're very big, bulky and heavy. Few people have the space for them. Check completed listings on Ebay.

[Tin Can]

Looks normal to me

Does it have any US Gov or Navy markings? Look everywhere.

They usually came with 3 bellows, this has 1 which limits the usage

Some of us have WWII Books of instructions for almost all cameras they used.

I will have to study

Where is it located?

How tall is from floor to post tops?

Are there any more GG backs for it.

Any known history?

[Tin Can]

Which Carrier?

All clues are needed

Peter I already told OP that we don't appraise, he sent me a PM and I sent OP back to open posting

[Duolab123]

Which Carrier?

All clues are needed

Peter I already told OP that we don't appraise, he sent me a PM and I sent OP back to open posting

I got a private message too. I don't reply to anyone I don't know. It's interesting, the camera is incomplete as shown. Looks like the stand is in great shape. My outfit was somewhat of a situation where a fellow who didn't need money, found me who didn't need another camera came together, mine was delivered for chump change. More pictures would be great, certainly folks here are interested in preserving this kind of thing.

[mk1792021]

Thank you all for your responses.

To give you some background, a friend bought a building that will be transformed, and this camera was included in the sale. I'm helping him get it temporarily moved into storage and ultimately find a buyer to take on this treasure. We are actively working to obtain the original sales paperwork and it is our understanding that this unit was initially purchased and used on the USS Saratoga naval ship. As you know, obtaining this documentation is extremely important. We are hoping to have this documentation within the next two weeks.

The unit is located in Michigan and the posts are approximately 8 feet tall.

We must transport the camera and stand out of the current location so the demo and construction can continue on the building. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on steps we should follow to properly transport this camera to our temporary storage facility?

Thanks again

[Peter De Smidt]

Sure. The big thing to know is that there's a heavy lead weight in each column. You don't want that crashing down at any point. So.....Lock carriage. Take off the ground glass back and set it somewhere safe. Remove camera. It might be bolted to the platform. Unlock carriage, keeping a hand on the platform, as there weight of the camera isn't holding it down. Crank the table tilt so that the camera platform is parallel with the tubes. Move the carriage to near the top of the column. This lowers the lead weights. You can now remove the to long cast-iron arms that told the wheels. Put some boards under the main piece, so that when you remove the arms you don't damage the floor or your feet/hands!. Have one person securely hold one of the uprights. Loosen all of the bolts holding the metal arms, and then remove them. Be careful! You're now gong to tilt the stand down. Get something like jack stands to hold the columns so that they're close to parallel to the floor when you lower them. Make sure the carriage is locked. Don't use the carriage to hold the stand. Hold the columns. With two or more people, gently tilt the columns down to sit on the jack stands. unlock bike chains. Unclip weight cables, take off the column caps, and then with two people slide the carriage off of the columns. Set somewhere safe. There will be two break shoes in the columns. They will likely all out. Don't lose them! Now use a long pole to gently push out the lead weights. Don't let them fall! Return stand to upright. mark the position of the columns. They've ben adjusted to go in that exact place. So take good note, pictures/...and label the parts. Now unbolt the columns from the base, and there you go. Both Randy and I have done this all by ourselves, but that's not recommended.

Note: You don't have to take the wheel arms off. Just make sure to put something between the pivot point and the floor so that you don't damage the stand or the floor.

[mk1792021]

This picture I uploaded shows that there are multiple bellows.

[Tin Can]

Good 2 is better 3 is needed to fully use the possible 75" of extension

Here is mine after I replaced all 3 bellows but only had one back, a 5X7

Took some effort to make mine fully usable with all parts needed

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51129910512_eb5ff2bf3f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUba4f)Deardorff S11 New Bellows (https://flic.kr/p/2kUba4f) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr






This picture I uploaded shows that there are multiple bellows.

[Duolab123]

I had a couple YOUNG MUSCLE MEN types that moved the camera and stand in one piece. I took off the back and lenses, took off extra bellows. Then compressed the bellows and wrapped the camera with plastic film. Getting the thing on and off a freight elevator was something. We managed to get it on a flat open trailer, pulled by a big fancy truck.
Got it tucked into my garage, I took it from there.

Beautiful American thing. FIND THE EXTRA PARTS. FILM HOLDERS ARE IMPORTANT, OBVIOUSLY.

[Duolab123]

Good 2 is better 3 is needed to fully use the possible 75" of extension

Here is mine after I replaced all 3 bellows but only had one back, a 5X7

Took some effort to make mine fully usable with all parts needed

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51129910512_eb5ff2bf3f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUba4f)Deardorff S11 New Bellows (https://flic.kr/p/2kUba4f) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

I need to order new bellows, mine work fine, but I need to call custom bellows. This stuff keeps me alive. !