Busch Pressman Model C?

jwitty · Mar 20, 2020

Hi guys, new to the forum. I was digging through the closet and found my grandpas (or great grandpas) old I believe model c Busch Pressman. Didn’t know if anyone could help me out with it. I thought it would be cool to use if for fun every once in awhile for special occasions. It’s got a film cartridge with looks like two separate film sheets. I know almost nothing about this thing beside how to focus lol. I’m not sure if it’s possible to use this camera anymore. Thanks guys
Justin

Luckless · Mar 20, 2020

If the shutter still works, and the camera is still light tight, then there isn't much stopping you from using it. The Busch Pressmans are lovely cameras, but have their quirks.

At their heart they're a box to hold a lens and shutter in front of some film. Not a lot going on compared to some of the more modern cameras.

Post up some photos of it, and ask questions.

jwitty · Mar 20, 2020

Luckless said:
If the shutter still works, and the camera is still light tight, then there isn't much stopping you from using it. The Busch Pressmans are lovely cameras, but have their quirks.

At their heart they're a box to hold a lens and shutter in front of some film. Not a lot going on compared to some of the more modern cameras.

Post up some photos of it, and ask questions.

I was trying to post pics of it but it came back saying they were too large of files.

Dan Fromm · Mar 20, 2020

Two problems with using the 2x3 Pressman.

Finding lensboards if you want to use more than the lens that came with it. Not a problem if you want to use only that lens.

Using 120 film. Not a problem if you can get sheet film and holders and are happy with it. A problem if you want to shoot color 'cos only insertion type roll holders are easy to use with the camera. The likely one is the Adapt-A-Roll 620. Will feed from a 120 spool, must take up on a 620 spool. I use 'em with my 2x3 Graphics. Beware, AAR 620s were made in three sizes, to fit 2x3, 3x4 and 4x5 cameras. Your camera wants the 2x3 size. All have gates ~ 2.25" x 3.25". Busch made a 2x3 roll holder for the camera, they are rarer than unobtanium.

Good luck, have fun.

jwitty · Mar 20, 2020

Dan Fromm said:
Two problems with using the 2x3 Pressman.

Finding lensboards if you want to use more than the lens that came with it. Not a problem if you want to use only that lens.

Using 120 film. Not a problem if you can get sheet film and holders and are happy with it. A problem if you want to shoot color 'cos only insertion type roll holders are easy to use with the camera. The likely one is the Adapt-A-Roll 620. Will feed from a 120 spool, must take up on a 620 spool. I use 'em with my 2x3 Graphics. Beware, AAR 620s were made in three sizes, to fit 2x3, 3x4 and 4x5 cameras. Your camera wants the 2x3 size. All have gates ~ 2.25" x 3.25". Busch made a 2x3 roll holder for the camera, they are rarer than unobtanium.

Good luck, have fun.

What is the lens board? Like I said I know nothing about this camera. If you could also tell me what all the switches do on the lens. What I’ve figured out so far is the dial to change how long shutter is open and then the button to take a picture. Then also know how to focus like I said.

Konical · Mar 20, 2020

Good Evening, Jwitty,

I haven't looked, but there may be posts here on APUG which can provide information. Busch Pressman cameras are not uncommon, and I'm sure that some APUGers have posted various questions and answers here.

Konical

Luckless · Mar 20, 2020

Lens boards are small plates that you fit a lens to, and then fit the plate and lens onto the camera.

Personally I just make new ones. While the Aluminum plate for my Model D was nice and fancy, I didn't actually have a lens that fit it. The lens I do have for it lives in a 'temporary' lens board I made out of layered cardstock, wood glue, and sharpie... I had only made it to test the camera a few years ago, and haven't bothered making a better one since.

As for photos, you can host them somewhere else and link to them, or try resizing down to like 800 on the long edge and uploading here.

MattKing · Mar 20, 2020

jwitty said:
I was trying to post pics of it but it came back saying they were too large of files.

Welcome to Photrio.
Re-size the photos down to 800 pixels on the longest side, and they will be easy to upload.

Dan Fromm · Mar 21, 2020

jwitty said:
What is the lens board? Like I said I know nothing about this camera. If you could also tell me what all the switches do on the lens. What I’ve figured out so far is the dial to change how long shutter is open and then the button to take a picture. Then also know how to focus like I said.

You can download the manual from https://www.butkus.org/chinon/busch/busch.htm. RTFM.

tezzasmall · Mar 22, 2020

Just checked it out = a cool looking camera! I hope you get a lot of use out of it.

Terry S

Mark Thompson · Nov 18, 2021

I have my grandfather's Busch Pressmaster Model 6 and I can't open the lens cover. The knobs on each side turn. I can see latches inside the door moving. I have applied moderate pressure on the door with a flathead screwdriver but it won't budge. I've read on other forums that there is a "hidden button" that is "below the surface" that you must find and push to open the door, but I see no such button on my camera. Any suggestions for how to open it up?

Dennis-B · Nov 18, 2021

Mark Thompson said:
I have my grandfather's Busch Pressmaster Model 6 and I can't open the lens cover. The knobs on each side turn. I can see latches inside the door moving. I have applied moderate pressure on the door with a flathead screwdriver but it won't budge. I've read on other forums that there is a "hidden button" that is "below the surface" that you must find and push to open the door, but I see no such button on my camera. Any suggestions for how to open it up?

There is a raised "bump" on the top of the camera, near the front. Press that, and the focusing bed should swing down.

Mark Thompson · Nov 18, 2021

Thanks so much, Dennis! You gave me the answer I was looking for, a few minutes after I posted my question! I knew there was a "hidden button" somwhere but for the life of me, I could not find it. No wonder. It is not a "hidden button," it is a "raised bump." Now I see it clear as day, and it works. Again, thanks!

Busch Pressman Model C?

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency