Ground glass size

[sebast]

Hi, i'm new to large format camera and looking to buy a 8x10 for wet plate. I saw a ad on kijiji and i contact the guy, but he have no clue what he's selling. He mesure the ground glass and said 8x10. So my question is if the ground glass is 8x10 is that mean i'll be able to shoot 8x10 tintype?

[Jim Jones]

Buying from uninformed sellers is risky. What may seem to them to be a fine camera may be totally unusable. Since the ground glass is 8x10, it is at least the right size. It may or may not accept available plate holders. It may be missing parts or have defects that are difficult or expensive to repair. It is better to buy from someone who is knowledgeable in wet plate photography and who knows all the requirements of that activity. It is easier for us to answer specific and detailed questions than to advise you on that particular camera.

[sebast]

Thanks Jim, i'm gonna follow a wet plate course soon. I'll get more info on what i need!

[sebast]

182596

[sebast]

182597182598

[Liquid Artist]

I would imagine that the box built onto the lensboard contains a Packard shutter, which to me is a bonus. However you can buy them cheap so it shouldn't effect the price.

I can't recognize the camera, but that doesn't mean much.

When I buy a camera that old I automatically assume that the bellows will need replacing soon.
Plus it will need some TLC. You should expect to spend a day getting it ready before your first shoot.

I will mention that only 1 of my cameras required a new bellows before using, however it was listed that way.

[sebast]

Thank you, Liquid Artist, will go the workshop for wet plate and will go have a look to this camera!

[Jim Jones]

It's an old one, even older than me!. The back looks like it may take non-standard film or plate holders. Take it to the workshop. Maybe the instructor will know about it.