Bought a new camera, maybe a Century 10A, this weekend.

Rlibersky · May 29, 2017

So I bought this camera the other day and have been trying to figure out the maker of the camera. The stand is a semi-centennial and I can find a lot of information about it.

I was told the camera is a Century 10A. After looking at it for awhile I realized it does not have the ability to expand out as long as the pictures I have seen on line. Then I thought maybe a 4A because the base is the same. But none of them, the online pictures, show it with the gearing the way this one is. There is not tag on the front but there are 3 holes, in a circle pattern, where there was one.

So is this the sum of 2 different cameras or were there custom choices for these type of camera? any information woulds be appreciated.

I also need to get a back for it now.

shutterfinger · May 29, 2017

Century cameras will have a name plate that attaches with two screws between the bottom of the front standard and the lower edge of the lens board opening.
Yours may be an Ansco.
Do some research at http://piercevaubel.com/cam/catalogs.htm

removed account4 · May 29, 2017

hi

here's another link with reference material to century cameras
http://www.historiccamera.com/cgi-bin/librarium2/pm.cgi?action=app_display&app=datasheet&app_id=1462
and here is one ( page 181 ) on the fanstastic stand under your camera, quite possibly the greatest camera stand ever invented
( by a photographer, for photographer ... boxed 75# ready to ship $25 total ! )

http://tinyurl.com/cokdhop

Rlibersky · May 29, 2017

Thanks for both of your links. have not found any Ansco Studio cameras yet, but I will keep looking. It looks like it is a mix between a No 4A and a 10A. But there are no holes indicating that there was a name plate on front other then the ones I pointed out. I have not seen any tags that are round if that is what they are for.

Rlibersky · May 30, 2017

.

I found this on EBAY. It is No 7 and matches my camera. It even has the round tag on it. Also there was one for sale a few years ago here on APUG.
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Mine could be a 7A as the finish is darker.

Thanks for the help
Randy

Rlibersky · Jun 12, 2017

I have found an old 7 for parts and a new (old stock) bellows for this camera. It should be completed by the end of summer. My question is the brass plating is pretty warn on the pieces I have. If I get it replated, was the finish glossy or flat? Would like to keep it as original as possible. Have not decided if I want to refinish the wood or just clean it up, yet.

shutterfinger · Jun 12, 2017

Please provide a picture of a worn piece.

Sirius Glass · Jun 12, 2017

Congratulations.

On the average of 4A and 10A would of course be a 7.

Rlibersky · Oct 22, 2017

Finally have taken it apart and cleaned it up. Now I just need to finish sanding and put back together. The brass was really dirty, after cleaning with Brasso it looks brand new. all wood pieces are stamp with the number 98. I assume this is the employee number but only guessing. Does anyone know if this would have been stained originally, this is the No. 7 not the darker No. 7A. What color would it have been stained?

shutterfinger · Oct 22, 2017

98 is likely the machining number as parts were fitted prior to being sent to finishing.
The original finish was likely clear lacquer. The brass was clear lacquered to prevent it from tarnishing.

removed account4 · Oct 22, 2017

i agree with the clear lacquer ..
beautiful work cleaning this up, randy .. !

Rlibersky · Oct 26, 2017

Thanks. Glad I asked about the lacquer. The camera was dirty so it was hard to see original finish. Where the parts came together the wood was clean and with out stain.
Didnt know if they stained before or after putting it together. know to put it back together. I will post the final image when complete.

Rlibersky · Jan 20, 2018

So I finally got it together. I decided to use a satin lacquer, I don't like the look of glossy. Now I just need to find some nails to put the No. 7 label on the front.

There are a few things I have questions about. I have noticed the pictures of these cameras, on line, that the brass panning screw is one piece where mine is two. Also the focus adjustment rail on mine protrudes out where most I've seen are V shaped. the V shape would make sense from a manufacturing perspective, cheaper and easier to make. Does this give us a clue to the age? The serial number is 66738 or that is what is stamped on the bottom piece of wood.

shutterfinger · Jan 20, 2018

Rlibersky said:
The serial number is 66738 or that is what is stamped on the bottom piece of wood.

The Graflex serial number record I have access to stops at 569xx then starts again at 76xxx with a notation that Professional cameras from 68xxx to 728xx are on another page with no date information. 56xxx is around 1915-1916.
Being cameras were built on demand 66xxx is likely 1915 to 1920 range.
Correction:
Your camera matches a Century Grand listed in this catalog http://piercevaubel.com/cam/catalogs/1908sweetwallachproflp295.htm all rear controls match your camera.
This catalog http://piercevaubel.com/cam/catalogs/1909ekcproflp737.htm shows the Grand with a knurled focus knob in place of the wooden ball.
Your camera may well be pre 1910. Century made Circuit cameras and their serial numbers are not in the Graflex number book. Maybe someone with the Century numbers will post.

Bought a new camera, maybe a Century 10A, this weekend.

Rlibersky

shutterfinger

removed account4

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