Bail Back handle for large format camera

ZoneVI · Aug 31, 2010

Does any possibly know who might have invented or was the innovator of the Bail Back handle for Large Format Cameras?

I am attempting to do some research in the development and design or Large Format Cameras and I am interested in finding out this information. If anyone had any idea where the Bail Back originated I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jason

Ian C · Aug 31, 2010

Bail Handle Film Back

I suggest trying to contact

Cambo Fotografische Industrie BV
Haatlanderdijk 45 / PO Box 200
NL-8260 AE Kampen
The Netherlands
tel: +31 (0) 38 3314644
fax: +31 (0) 38 3315110
e-mail: info@cambo.com

or

http://www.cambo.com/

for a definitive answer.

Cambo is the only camera that Ive used whose backs were equipped with the bail release, which is a rectangular loop handle whose ends cam against the fixed part of the ground glass/film holder frame to hold the spring back open against the force of the closing springs. This allows for the easy insertion/removal of a film holder. This feature used to be incorporated into the Cambo backs. In recent years it was eliminated on the smaller sizes, but retained on the 8 x 10 backs.

Ian Grant · Aug 31, 2010

They were used on De Vere mono-rail cameras just after WWII. All 3 backs for my camera use them. Not sure if all the MPP monorails used them but som did, but that was much later.

Ian

eclarke · Aug 31, 2010

I have 4 cameras which use them, An older Arca 8x10, a modern Arca 5x7, a Fatif 8x10 and a new Chamonix 11x14 with a double bail ( I like this handle setup best)...EC

Dan Fromm · Aug 31, 2010

Galvin view cameras too. I've never tried -- don't have a 2x3 Galvin -- but I've read that the standard Galvin 2x3 bail back opens wide enough to accept a Graflex roll holder. I do have a bail back for my 2x3 Cambo SC, it won't open that wide.

Jon Shiu · Aug 31, 2010

Calumet C-1 8x10 and cc400 4x5 cameras also have bail.

Jon

jgjbowen · Aug 31, 2010

I'd contact Richard Ritter. He has worked on enough antique camera that he just might know.

jp80874 · Aug 31, 2010

R.H Phillips cameras. Some had them as standard (my 7x17), some as optional. Dick added a bail to my 1993 8x10 Advantage series 8x10.

John Powers

ZoneVI · Sep 7, 2010

Thanks for the responses. I really was looking for who originated the Bail handle but maybe I did not post that clearly enough. I do understand lots of camera's have the bail handle, and I have been on Richard Ritter's web site so I know he can make or add a Bail handle to many camera's. I even met Richard in August of this year.

Again what I am looking for was who originated or invented the Bail Handle.? If anyone knows the answer to this question I would appreciate it.

Richard T Ritter · Sep 7, 2010

First camera I saw made with a bail was a French Stereo camera from the late 1800's Camera had no name on it.

jgjbowen · Sep 7, 2010

Richard T Ritter said:
First camera I saw made with a bail was a French Stereo camera from the late 1800's Camera had no name on it.

Like I said, if anyone would know, Richard would....

77seriesiii · Sep 10, 2010

Is there an advantage of a bail over the newer spring backs?

./e

Richard T Ritter · Sep 11, 2010

On cameras 8 x 10 and larger cameras yes the springs can be set at a greater tension to hold the holder to the camera back.

Bail Back handle for large format camera

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