Cambo SC-1 2X3 view camera

[James Ring Pepoon]

I am trying to locate used accessories and get lens selection advice for a used Cambo SC-1 2X3 view camera. I recently purchased this camera "bare bones" on eb ay. This camera is in excellent condition. The camera would be mainly used for real estate/architectural photography.

I have contacted Calumet camera and was stunned by the cost of the roll film bac k ($480), the focusing ground glass ($80), and lens. All prices quoted are for new items.

I planned to use the camera for real estate/architectural photography. As I do not have a 4X5 enlarger I thought the roll film back would be more economical co st wise and I could do the enlargements at home with my 6X7 englarger. I would a ppreciate any advice on outfitting this camera as inexpensively as possible.

If I am unable to afford the accessories/lens etc. I will have to sell or donate the camera to a local college or photo school.

Thank you for any help you might provide.

Regards,

Jim (Jpepoon@aol.com)



It

[Scott Walton]

Every so often something comes up on Ebay. It might be worth a try. Good luck, Cheers

[James Conrad]

Perhaps selling it, and then picking up a medium format view camera since this is your desired film size?

[James Conrad]

Errrr. Next time I will read better, I thought you got a 4x5 and anticipated using a 6x7 back, Ignore the above. Sorry

[Dave Willison]

Jim:

If you have not seen the discussion of 2x3 cameras on the Large Format Home Page, take a look at the following link:

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/23view.html

This will give you some ideas about standard lens sizes, etc.

As far a rollfilm holders, you might see if any non-cambo holders fit. This will depend, in part, on the type of back assembly on your Cambo. Obviously, this excludes Polaroid backs and anything designed for a 4x5. Another approach would be to build some type of adapter that would allow you to attach a non-Cambo holder. There are lots of 2x3 Graphic holders on the market and, if they won't fit the Cambo, some type of adapter could be rigged.

You might also think about the possibility of using 2x3 cutfilm holders, although I'm not sure who stocks 2x3 film (see Film for Classics). You might also cut 4x5 film to fit a 2x3 holder. This would allow you to use an almost unlimited variety of film stocks in color and B&W.

Don't be shocked by the price of new equipment! It's shocking! I would definitely buy a used lens, perhaps something like a 47mm Super Angulon in an older Compur shutter. Also, try Stephen Shuart's site (The Large Format Specialist) for a cheaper selection of groundglass. I hope this helps.

...................................

[Robert White]

Dear Jim, The SC 1 was originally fitted with a standard 6X9 Graflok fitting so you can use RFH's from companies sucha as Horseman we sell both the 6X7 and 6X9 versions at #215 (approx $305) so things are not quite so bad.......You could also use MAMIYA RB67 RFH's which can be purchased quite cheaply secondhand. I do have an old but new G/glss screen in stock you can have for #20 (approx $30) Good luck and let me know if I can help further Robert