Canham DLC 4x5 Kit

[Chuck_P]

This is on ebay for $3000.......is this good deal? Sure seems like it.

 

[abruzzi]

well, new the DLC2 is $2835. The lens is not a terribly old design, but its also not a terribly new design. Its probably worth a few hundred if its in good shape. I'd probably start with whats the difference between this and a DLC2? Are the differences worth paying a bit more for a new model. You can look each of the items and figure out what they go for, but for me, this close to the cost of a new, one, I'd probably go new. I also always look if the accessories are ones you'll use--i.e. the Grafmatic is probably worh $100 or so, but if its not something you'll use, its not really worth paying for.

 

[Chuck_P]

Well, the lens, the holders, lens boards, dev tank, are all items I will be needing. The Grafmatic 6, I'm not sure about that

 

[abruzzi]

I don't know Canham cameras at all, but I'd think you could get the EX or EX+ one at KEH plus all the accessories you want for a bit less than $3k,

$1700 camera
$100 6-8 film holders
$100 film tank
$300 lens
$200 should cover a bunch of lens boards
$225 100 sheets of FP4 or HP5 (better than a mystery film, IMO)
$100 loupe

Ultimately if everything is in excellent condition and is what you want, its probably a decent deal and it saves you from piecing together what you need, but I'd be more inclined to either buy new or more likely, piece together exactly what I wanted and save some money.

 

[grat]

Well, the lens, the holders, lens boards, dev tank, are all items I will be needing. The Grafmatic 6, I'm not sure about that

Everyone who shoots 4x5 needs a grafmatic. They just don't know it.

 

[otto.f]

I’d offer 2500$ considering what abruzzi said and what I saw on ebay indeed.

 

[Chuck_P]

Just curious if anyone had had any dealings with Dodd Camera in Ohio.......

 

[abruzzi]

Everyone who shoots 4x5 needs a grafmatic. They just don't know it.

they are clever devices, but they come with one major issue--they hold 6 sheets of film, and the developing tank (SP-445) holds 4. So you always have a half empty developing run.

 

[grat]

they are clever devices, but they come with one major issue--they hold 6 sheets of film, and the developing tank (SP-445) holds 4. So you always have a half empty developing run.

I've got one of the 6 slot 20th Century developing reels, both for 4x5 and for 2x3. Uses considerably more chemical (needs the 1L 3 reel tank), but unlike others, I haven't had any issues with scratching. I've also got the SP445 for when I use two film holders.

 

[abruzzi]

To the OP, don't let us get you too down. The DLC looks to be an amazing camera, and some of us (myself included) are nickle-and-dimers, that try to shave pennies. I don't have any experience with Dodd camera, but they do have a website, though I couldn't find the DLC on their internal store. (Sometimes you can get better deals going direct, so I always check the sellers website.) The deal looks reasonable considering all you get.

 

[Chuck_P]

To the OP, don't let us get you too down. The DLC looks to be an amazing camera, and some of us (myself included) are nickle-and-dimers, that try to shave pennies. I don't have any experience with Dodd camera, but they do have a website, though I couldn't find the DLC on their internal store. (Sometimes you can get better deals going direct, so I always check the sellers website.) The deal looks reasonable considering all you get.

No problem. I have made my mind up on getting the Canham, I just have not decided on just the camera at KEH or ebay with Dodd Camera and the extras.......certainly feel I need to decide soon before someone else makes move. I'm leaning toward KEH, instead of dropping so much $ at once.....

 

[kennethwajda]

Just curious if anyone had had any dealings with Dodd Camera in Ohio.......

I’ve been to Dodd camera in the past and it’s a reputable camera shop with multiple locations.

 

[Chuck_P]

I’ve been to Dodd camera in the past and it’s a reputable camera shop with multiple locations.

Thanks for that info

 

[Chuck_P]

I made an offer for the DLC and extra items associated with it, I should know something sometime today.......of coarse the mystery film in that kit does not interest me except in that, I would use it to get back up to speed on using a 4x5 and not be too concerned about making mistakes with my preferred film(s).