Eastman View No. 1 Acquired & Looking to Refurbish it but I'm A Newbie to Lg Format

[HoopsMcGee]

Hi all. I recently joined the forum as I've put together some small pieces of large format kit over the years but haven't explored it as much as medium format.

I'm hoping to consolidate this thread as a means of showing some progress as I dive into this world headfirst with a refurb project and also hopefully when I have many questions that maybe some of you more knowledgeably members can help me. This camera seems simple in it's construction so for a beginner, I'm hoping it turns out to be easier than others.

This first post will be picture heavy as I wanted to show what I picked up and it's current condition and as time goes on, show my updates.

I picked up this camera yesterday at an antique mall in SoCal and the price seemed okay for what was included. All in so far, I'm at ~$300.00 for what is shown here. I'm aware that value is all in the eye of the beholder so that's understood but I figured showing what I paid at least gives you an idea of whether this kit is worth refurbishing.

Overall the condition seems okay which I think helps me in my mind want to progress with getting it back in full working order and ready to be taken out and used.

So with that, I'll start posting images and captioning them and also asking questions. Thanks again and I look forward to adding to this community and also engaging with all of you!



There it all is. I guess the first question I have is, what size camera is this? The lens is a Wollensak 8x10 Rapid Symmetrical. I'm guessing the 8x10 indicates it can be used for 8x10 photography but that doesn't mean this camera is that. The film holders are somewhat varied. They had shims inside which accomodated 5x7 inserts but also came with sheathes marked "6.5x8.5". Here are those items:







With that, my first post is done for now as I can only attach four images. On to the next one!

[HoopsMcGee]

The lens, as mentioned previously is marked "Wollensak 8x10 Rapid Symmetrical." I can't find any more marks on it other than that. Both front and rear elements are included and the shutter is a Regno shutter and the faster speeds seem okay but the slower speeds are somewhat sticky. I may pay to have someone work on this as more complex mechanical items are beyond me. I have unsteady hands for minute things, lol.







The glass needs some cleaning but their doesn't appear to be any haze or etching from fungus which is good.

Eventually, I guess I'll come around to the idea of using different lenses on this kit but for now I'll stick with what this is if it works well for this system. What do you all think about that?

BTW, I like the entirely functional turned wooden cap!

[Vaughn]

Measure the size of the ground glass -- that will tell you the size. From your images, my guess is a full plate (6.5x8.5), with reducers for 5x7.

[HoopsMcGee]

Measure the size of the ground glass -- that will tell you the size. From your images, my guess is a full plate (6.5x8.5), with reducers for 5x7.

Thanks for that tip. Is 6.5x8.5 a common size for large format? In my admittedly small lack of research I don't remember seeing this measurement as a standard as often as others?

[Vaughn]

The lensboard seems to suggest that the lens was not the original for the camera and that the original lensboard was modified to take the lens.

You will find many threads here on camera restoration -- including sources of replacement parts...for the handle, for example.

Remove the GG from the camera back and wash in warm soapy water.

How are the bellows? Most likely will have pinholes at a minimum. Replacement bellows are available, tho some take the effort to make their own. Are you familiar with testing bellows? In a totally dark room, put a film/plate holder in the back, remove the lensboard, stretch the bellows out and stick a flashlight through the front and check for light leaking out the bellows (and other places in the camera.)

[HoopsMcGee]

The lensboard seems to suggest that the lens was not the original for the camera and that the original lensboard was modified to take the lens.

You will find many threads here on camera restoration -- including sources of replacement parts...for the handle, for example.

Remove the GG from the camera back and wash in warm soapy water.

How are the bellows? Most likely will have pinholes at a minimum. Replacement bellows are available, tho some take the effort to make their own. Are you familiar with testing bellows? In a totally dark room, put a film/plate holder in the back, remove the lensboard, stretch the bellows out and stick a flashlight through the front and check for light leaking out the bellows (and other places in the camera.)

Thanks for the info on the lensboard. In the case of this camera, if I was considering replacing the lens, I should then look for lenses at either the 8.5x6.5 coverage or 5x7? I'm sure this boils down to preference as most of this seems to, but I'd prbabkly opt for larger negatives and use the camera natively as intended. But that's for the future. I was considering using my Aero Ektar as a lens for it and adapting that. I'm sure I'll have questions about lenses further on as the various options out there are overwhelming and how they function etc.

I will definitely look through the archives on here as well. Thanks for the direction with that.

Good to hear about the ground glass. Nothing abrasive seems to be the norm.

The bellows are rough. Very stiff and in need of cleaning and softening up (if possible) or outright replacing. I;'ll know more once I get it apart.

[Vaughn]

You have quite the project ahead of you! I have exhausted my knowledge of camera restoration! Others here have actually done it! Good luck!

I have a Eastman View No.2 (5x7), that I enjoy using -- fortunately, I bought mine in working condition and with new bellows.

[HoopsMcGee]

You have quite the project ahead of you! I have exhausted my knowledge of camera restoration! Others here have actually do it! Good luck!

I have a Eastman View No.2 (5x7), that I enjoy using -- fortunately, I bought mine in working condition and with new bellows.

A working condition one seems easier but like I said, the ease of form of this seemed like a good first time DIY restoration project.

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Thanks for that tip. Is 6.5x8.5 a common size for large format? In my admittedly small lack of research I don't remember seeing this measurement as a standard as often as others?

Nice restoration project! how are things going?
If you search for an original barrel lens, then look for 7x9 lenses since 5x7 is too small for whole/full plate camera's.
But you should know that whole/full plate film is not easy to acquire - afaik Ilford is the only company still producing that film in HP4 and HP5 but only once a year; and I'm not sure you can get it in small quantities - price will be high.
Further to be able to use that film you need film sheats - I think you already have them - the Eastman/Kodak (from what I see in the first picture in this thread).

[HoopsMcGee]

Nice restoration project! how are things going?
If you search for an original barrel lens, then look for 7x9 lenses since 5x7 is too small for whole/full plate camera's.
But you should know that whole/full plate film is not easy to acquire - afaik Ilford is the only company still producing that film in HP4 and HP5 but only once a year; and I'm not sure you can get it in small quantities - price will be high.
Further to be able to use that film you need film sheats - I think you already have them - the Eastman/Kodak (from what I see in the first picture in this thread).

It’s going well. I was almost able to drop the bellows off in person but they closed at 12pm and we’re scheduled to drive through Birmingham a bit after that. Ah well. At least I saved on overseas shipping by mailing it in the UK. Looking forward to getting it all back together.