Burke & James 5X7 Field Camera - Ideas on Value

[photobizzz]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Burke & James 5X7 with some holders, developing tank, and some hangars for the tank. Not sure if it comes with a lens yet, waiting to hear back from the guy who responded to my ad for a 4X5 enlarger. Obviously it would be worth more depending on the lens and condition but just wanted to have some idea going in, when I go to see it and the items I may be buying from the guy.

If it is good operational condition what would it be worth without a lens? I can guesstimate the value of the lens once I see it.

I appreciate any good valuations of this body. Thanks!

 

[mjs]

Be sure to ask about the condition of the bellows -- these are all old cameras and the bellows will run you (approximately) $200 if you need to buy new.

I've had two of these; the first I bought eight or more years ago in decent working condition for $200. The last one I bought two years ago and the bellows was shot; I paid $60 for it. These cameras come up on Ebay all the time; if you don't have an account there it may be worth it to you to start one, just so you can browse the completed sales to see what prices they bring.

Mike

 

[BradS]

Some points to consider:

All B&J cameras are now at least 40~60 years old and few seem to have been treated with any respect. Most will be beat to hell. They were cheaply made and mostly used roughly.

Burke and James made several different models. Each model has its own quirks and irritations. Some are loved more than others. For me, the value would be determined by the model and then by the condition.

I've owned a few B&J commercial view over the years and always maintained a love-hate relationship with them. The laast two I had were in beatutiful condition and still, they gave me fits.

That said, a B&J commercial view (My favorite of the B&J line) in really, really excellent original condition with both 4x5 and 5x7 backs might fetch as much as $250 these days. Personally, I would just pass on any B&J that wasn't in top condition. And, I personally, would not even look twice at any of the other B&J models. There are better cameras out there for the money.

 

[Thomas Wilson]

I think Brad hit the nail(s) on the head. I have a B&J Grover 5x7 in excellent condition. I bought it a year ago with an 8½" Commercial Ektar lens, 2 tripods, a bunch of holders, etc, in the original case for $25.00. I never used it and just sold the lens and holders at a show for a few hundred dollars. None of the dealers was particularly interested in the camera.

The kicker for me was the focusing hood. I couldn't get my mug close enough to the glass to use a loupe. The other thing that was a potential problem was enlarging. My Super Chromega D maxes out at 4x5, and the thought of bringing in a big enlarger to handle the 5x7 negatives made me cringe.

As for glass, watch the coverage. Lenses that cover 4x5 with room for movements are a dime a dozen. Getting good glass on the cheap, with ample coverage for 5x7, is a different story.

I think that had I used the B&J as I had planned, shooting black & white, canoe-camping the Potomac, it would have ended up going for a swim (on purpose).

 

[holmburgers]

For what it's worth, I bought my first LF camera a few months ago. It's a Burke & James 4x5" Orbit, which is identical to the Calumet CC-400. It was in fantastic condition, came with a Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6, extra lensboard, 5 film holders & all in a dove-tail jointed wooden case..... DAMN! Haha, just kidding.... but I felt like I got a great deal for only $125 plus a saxophone as trade (a used student model).

Point being, it all depends on the condition, the extras & the price. Plus, 5x7 gives you significantly fewer film options, so there's that too. You'll know once you see it probably.

(and definitely check eBay's completed auctions)

 

[photobizzz]

Yea I decided against it after seeing a few photos, pretty raggedy. I had a Burke & James Orbit (I think) isnt it a grey body with red knobs? That was a good deal especially since the Symmar was included.