Ansco Korona Series V is it a 5x7?

[Kino]

Been digging around the net trying to positively ID this camera negative size and if it is a plate or a film camera.

Been Googling and found similar cameras, but no exact match.

Thanks!

 

[Kino]

After looking around for a couple of hours, still no luck. Oh well, guess I will know in about a week from now; I won it on Ebay.

That's it for me; I feel a divorce coming on, but I couldn't let it go without a token bid... that won.

Sheesh...

Being that I found 8, 5x7 film holders in a garage sale a week ago, I thought it predestined...

At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Now, off the computer and tomorrow, actually expose, process and print some film; what a novelty.

Laying carpet in the doghouse.

Frank.

 

[Len Robertson]

About half way down this page: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info.html is a scan of a Korona catalog. I don't see a V, but it looks like other models were offered in a variety of sizes. I looked at the eBay completed listing, hoping the focal length of the lens was listed, as that would indicate the film size, but no luck. It looks to me like someone has grafted a Speed Graphic side handle and optical viewfinder onto the camera, which I consider a plus as far as a usable camera. You can use it handheld with scale focusing if you want. Something about the size of the finder relative to the body makes me think it is more likely a 4X5, but the pictures are a bit dark on my monitor and my morning coffee hasn't kicked in. When you get the camera, please tell us what it is. I'll be wondering. One thing to check when you get it - make sure the groundglass is the right registration for "modern" film holders. Some of the early cameras designed for plates were different. Whatever the size, it looks like a fun camera for not a lot of money. If it turn out to be 4X5, you have an excuse to find a 5X7 so your newly found holders don't go to waste.

 

[Kino]

Thank you Len, I will certainly let you know what size it turns out to be and thanks for the tip on the film holders; I was wondering if there was any difference...

BTW, "Korona" seems to be associated with a number of companies, Agfa, Ansco, Gunlach and so on. This seem to imply a type of camera rather than a trademark associated with a company. What is the deal with "Korona"?

 

[Len Robertson]

As far as I know, the Korona name was only used by the Gundlach company for various models they sold. This is how Korona is listed in McKeown's Price Guide. I can't say his information is always completely accurate. I know mine isn't, so if you find out Korona was used by someone else, I'd like to know. I suspect some of the eBay listings have somewhat confusing information. I've seen cameras with no name plate identified by the name of the lens or even the name of the shutter.

 

[Kino]

When you get the camera, please tell us what it is. I'll be wondering. One thing to check when you get it - make sure the groundglass is the right registration for "modern" film holders.

Len,

It just walked in the door and it is indeed a Gundlach Series V Korona camera but it is NOT a 4x5 or a 5x7 but appears to be a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 plate camera.

The lensboard has geared rise and fall, the bed extends the lens to about 16 inches from the film plane, but would go farther if the bellows reached and the back has a slight tilt capability.

I cannot find it in any of the sources you listed.

Would be happy to send you a few .jpgs if you will pm me.

Thanks.
Frank

 

[Kino]

After playing with it and examining it, this camera is a real Frankenstein camera. The lens is at infinity focus when the front standard is almost off the back side of the focus bed rails and the pointer is no where near the hand-made focus scale. It suggests that a longer focal length lens was on this camera in the past. The current lens is about a 5 inch Wollensak (with Anthony Scovil and Ansco stamped on it) in a pneumatic shutter and the handmade focus scale suggests at least a 6 or 7 inch lens was on this camera at one time.

A neat feature is the back that automatically extends to the rear about 1/2 inch to allow slight tilts but no swings on the back.

The Graflex viewfinder appears to have no relation to the current lens what so ever, but it does appear to have the proper 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 mask inserted.

The bed has an amazing potential to extend, but the bellows stops short of going out the last bit of the rail, as seen in the photos.

I am beginning to suspect that 3 or 4 cameras were cobbled together to make this camera.

Anyway, its a nice looking camera and it will make a good display unit if I can't find film holders and get it operational.


Frank

 

[Len Robertson]

Frank - This page: http://www.fiberq.com/cam/gund.htm show only the Gunlach view cameras, but indicates your camera was made from 1896-1928. I have a 1928-29 catalog from Central Camera Co., Chicago, which shows Korona V models in 4X5 and 5X7 sizes. Lens options are listed as "F6.3 Gundlach Ser. IV, Betax shutter" or "Series 2 Turner-Reich Anastigmat F6.8", but focal lengths aren't indicated. It was also sold body only without lens, so maybe the original lens wasn't robbed from yours, although it looks like there was originally a focusing scale that is now missing.The 4X5 V is listed with 15 1/2" bellows extension, dimensions 4 1/4 X 6 1/4 X 6 1/4", weight is 3 lbs, with a 2X2" lensboard. How close is your camera to these dimensions? Usually 3X4 models were slightly smaller than the 4X5 version, but some makers may have used the same body with different size backs. Your one JPG that shows the back makes the back look slightly small in proportion to the body, but that is hard to tell from a photo.

I happened to notice these holders on eBay: 7616054046 I have no idea if they will fit your camera, but they are Gundlach. They are listed as glass plate holders, but the second pic seems to show film rails inside the holder. Sellers sometimes get confused on the film/plate thing. I didn't search eBay for 3X4 holders; there may be dozens all the time.

It looks like a fun camera to use. If the lens/shutter aren't satisfactory, you can get a Ektar or Optar or such. I think someone (J&C?) may have 3X4 film available, or just cut down 4X5. If you find out anything more, or start shooting with it, I'd love to know.

 

[Kino]

The 4X5 V is listed with 15 1/2" bellows extension, dimensions 4 1/4 X 6 1/4 X 6 1/4", weight is 3 lbs, with a 2X2" lensboard. How close is your camera to these dimensions?

Len,

The camera is 7 wide by 7 tall by 4 1/4 deep and the bellows are about 14 inches long if you measure just the bellows, the weight is about right (3 lbs) and the lensboard is 2 1/2 square; doesn't appear to be the same camera.

I happened to notice these holders on eBay: 7616054046 I have no idea if they will fit your camera, but they are Gundlach. They are listed as glass plate holders, but the second pic seems to show film rails inside the holder. Sellers sometimes get confused on the film/plate thing. I didn't search eBay for 3X4 holders; there may be dozens all the time.

Thank you for that link. I have found plenty of Graflex film holders, but missed these holders; certainly worth a try!

It looks like a fun camera to use. If the lens/shutter aren't satisfactory, you can get a Ektar or Optar or such. I think someone (J&C?) may have 3X4 film available, or just cut down 4X5. If you find out anything more, or start shooting with it, I'd love to know.

It should be a blast to operate once I get my film holders! It certainly needs a more of a telephoto lens than it has on; but the shutter seems very good on this unit.

I plan on cutting a few feet of 5 inch Plux-X aerial film down to shoot, providing I find working film holders.

Thanks again, I will keep you posted.

Frank

 

[Len Robertson]

The camera is 7 wide by 7 tall by 4 1/4 deep and the bellows are about 14 inches long if you measure just the bellows, the weight is about right (3 lbs) and the lensboard is 2 1/2 square; doesn't appear to be the same camera.

Interesting yours is slightly larger than the 4X5 in the Central catalog. I really wonder if your body was available with a 4X5 back. I assume the back is removable to change from horizontal to vertical. If you could find a 4X5 version with a trashed bellows for cheap, the back might fit your camera. I would shoot 3X4 for awhile and see if you like the camera though. The 3 lb. weight is the really nice feature. The 1/2" larger lensboard size may seem trivial, but with such a small board, at some point you will appreciate the extra 1/2". I have even made a "sandwich" lensboard with a slightly larger board out in front of the small board in order to fit a lens mounting ring that was too big for the stock board.


Thank you for that link. I have found plenty of Graflex film holders, but missed these holders; certainly worth a try!

As I said before, newer holders may work, but check the registration with the groundglass to make sure the distance is the same. If you end up buying some holders that don't fit, it will give you an excuse to buy another camera to use them with.

I see Gundlach catalogs on eBay fairly often, but I think they sell for a bit. You might email a seller and see if a particular catalog shows a 3X4 Series V before you buy.

To me, what really makes your Korona worthwhile is the Graphic viewfinder and side handle. I have a 5X7 Premo No.9 I've always want to modify like this.

 

[Kino]

Interesting yours is slightly larger than the 4X5 in the Central catalog. I really wonder if your body was available with a 4X5 back. I assume the back is removable to change from horizontal to vertical. If you could find a 4X5 version with a trashed bellows for cheap, the back might fit your camera.

Yes, the back unclips and rotates any direction; the four corners of the back are reinforced with steel tabs that engage the hasps that attach the back. Interesting... the back and the body are stamped with "87"; never noticed that before. Looks like an original back. Did they ever offer a range of backs with a single camera?

I would shoot 3X4 for awhile and see if you like the camera though. The 3 lb. weight is the really nice feature. The 1/2" larger lensboard size may seem trivial, but with such a small board, at some point you will appreciate the extra 1/2". I have even made a "sandwich" lensboard with a slightly larger board out in front of the small board in order to fit a lens mounting ring that was too big for the stock board.

It is even lighter than my Crown Graphic, but not quite as fast to use, that is for sure.

I have a soft spot for oddball formats, so I will certainly give it a go.

I couldn't see how to remove the lensboard short of unscrewing the chrome strip along the top edge of the front standard; what am I missing?

As I said before, newer holders may work, but check the registration with the groundglass to make sure the distance is the same. If you end up buying some holders that don't fit, it will give you an excuse to buy another camera to use them with.

Well, I agree but since a 4x5 and a 3.25 x 4.25 have waltzed into this house in the last month, I'm not so sure that will fly at the moment... but it can always be brought up later!

I see Gundlach catalogs on eBay fairly often, but I think they sell for a bit. You might email a seller and see if a particular catalog shows a 3X4 Series V before you buy.

Good idea

To me, what really makes your Korona worthwhile is the Graphic viewfinder and side handle. I have a 5X7 Premo No.9 I've always want to modify like this.

It could be useful; can't wait to find out!

Thanks!
Frank

 

[Len Robertson]

My last post, I tried the "Reply with quotes" which didn't work at all. This forum has more options and modes than a autofocus SLR. I can't run those either.

Anyway, reducing backs were commonly offered for view cameras. I suspect this wasn't the case with the Korona V type camera, but I can easily see the same body sold with different size backs as either a 3X4 or 4X5. If that is true, the back from a 4X5 V may fit right onto your body. Unless you already have an orphan 4X5 back to adapt to your body , buying a trashed 4X5 V is probably the cheapest way to do this. If there is Someone who thinks you are buying too many cameras, explain I told someone on another forum this morning he needs to get an 8X10 camera. I haven't given you that advice (not yet anyway).

As to removing the lensboard, it is possible it is a fixed board, but Central Camera listed the size for boards, which implies removable boards. Try lifting the lens and board straight up and see if the board moves. There may be a spring above the board pushing it down into the bottom retaining slot. Lift up against the spring, then swing the bottom of the board out. I've got a Graflex or something that works this way.

 

[Kino]

Len, if you take the quote block on the end of the other person's response and paste it at the end of sentences you want to reply to, it will open a "hole" in the html and allow you to respond in a different type face. The trick is to preface the block of text with a head quote block and a tail quote block (just cut and paste copied in) and be sure you do that to every block you want to reply to and respond in between. Hope that wasn't too confusing...

(snip) Unless you already have an orphan 4X5 back to adapt to your body , buying a trashed 4X5 V is probably the cheapest way to do this. If there is Someone who thinks you are buying too many cameras, explain I told someone on another forum this morning he needs to get an 8X10 camera. I haven't given you that advice (not yet anyway).

You are what my wife calls an "enabler". Actually, I am lucky in that SHE often says, "Why don't you get it, looks like fun"! She's just as dangerous and its bad for our bank account; the tellers, they cry.

As to removing the lensboard, it is possible it is a fixed board, but Central Camera listed the size for boards, which implies removable boards. Try lifting the lens and board straight up and see if the board moves. There may be a spring above the board pushing it down into the bottom retaining slot. Lift up against the spring, then swing the bottom of the board out. I've got a Graflex or something that works this way.

Doh. OK there you go -- push UP. See pix (again sorry for crappy web cam). Looks like this camera has had a LOT of various lenses in its life. The board inside the standard has what appears to be a "25" stamped on it but the lens board has a "6R", or now I am thinking, a "68" stamped on it and lots of gouges and tears from mounting and unmounting lenses.

You could knock an eagle out of the sky with that Wollensak lens and pneumatic shutter! It is quite substantial...

Frank

 

[Len Robertson]

I can't say my wife encourages my camera mania, but she has horses, so nothing I do is quite as bad by comparison. For the most part, she is oblivious. There is a new Speed Graphic on our dining room table and she hasn't said a word. Of course it sort of blends in with the other four that were already there. We seldom actually dine on that table.

I'm glad I guessed right on the lens board removal. You may be surprised how good the Wollensak lens is. There is a movement on now toward a classic/soft focus "look", so if the lens isn't razor sharp, you have a fallback position there. If that old shutter has a low top speed, you may need to use orange, red, or ND filters to shoot in normal daylight.

 

[Kino]

Well, it certainly is NOT a native 3 1/4 x 4 1/4; even though the ground glass is marked for that film size, the film holders are far too short for a light tight fit.

By the way, the holders are mint, with the Gunlach stamp on the inside hinge of the darkslide flap, so they are the real thing...

The height of the frame (assuming a horizontal format) is right, but the length of the full GG is a full 5 1/2 inches.

OK, so is it 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches or 8 x 14mm?

Were Koronas made in Metric Plate/film sizes?

Is 8 x 14mm a standard Metric Plate or Film size?

Interestinger and interestinger...

 

[Len Robertson]

It sure sounds likely you have a 3 1/4 X 5 1/2" "Postcard" size back. I looked in McKeown's Price Guide and he gives this as one of the size available for Korona plate cameras. I suspect this is an uncommon size, although I do see film holders this size on eBay now and then. The problem will be whether all holders this film size have the same outside dimensions, and will fit your camera. And some eBay sellers aren't going to list these holders giving the correct size. Searching "wood holder" or "wooden holder" in the Photography category will turn up some eventually. You certainly bought yourself countless hours of entertainment when you bid on that camera.

 

[Kino]

It sure sounds likely you have a 3 1/4 X 5 1/2" "Postcard" size back. I looked in McKeown's Price Guide and he gives this as one of the size available for Korona plate cameras. I suspect this is an uncommon size, although I do see film holders this size on eBay now and then. The problem will be whether all holders this film size have the same outside dimensions, and will fit your camera. And some eBay sellers aren't going to list these holders giving the correct size. Searching "wood holder" or "wooden holder" in the Photography category will turn up some eventually. You certainly bought yourself countless hours of entertainment when you bid on that camera.

Len,

Sorry I keep missing your replies in this thread for some reason!

I was about to post the very same information, when I returned and found your last posting.

Sorry!

Here is the link for the camera that clued me in on the auction site.

You are right! Maybe I should just buy the folder and share the holders between them IF they can be converted to film.

Thanks for all the help Len!