This is a fairly rare Wisner Convertible Classic Camera. I understand that these were special order items, and only around 2 dozen were made, with an original price well over $4000.
This is not only an 8x10 Wisner, it is also a 4x5. The 8x10 'body' was made to also accept some Wisner 5x7 and 4x5 backs. The 4x5 'body' was built on a 5x7 sized chassis, and was designed to take certain Wisner 4x5 and 5x7 backs. No 5x7 backs are included.
The first photo, above, shows the 8x10. Here's one with it configured as a 4x5:
This comes with both 'bodies', a sliding tripod mount, and the extension rail. Max extension is about 600mm, minimum is supposed to be 90mm on the 4x5 but I didn't test that. The rails are marked with a scale in both mm's and inches (see extra photos).
The lens board size is 5 1/2" square, so you can mount some pretty large lenses on either of these. I had a board for this but cannot seem to locate it. Sooooo, no lens boards are included BUT, Scott Perry ('bliorg' here), will make 2 of his beautiful boards to your specs for the camera, and THEY are included as part of the price. So, you don't just get a lens board, you get two boards that are exactly what you need.
Notice that this camera has wood and brass knobs, perfect for winter, hot summers, and anyone like me, who is either clumsy or getting along in age and not as agile as we used to be...
All movements work fine and lock down. Bubble levels have liquid in them. This camera was used by an active photographer for many years, so it does have some minor nicks in the wood and some of the brass is tarnished. Overall, it is in very good shape and should give another couple of decades of service, at least. The red bellows are light tight and move easily. The leather handles are super-strong and in great shape.
The only flaw I know of has been repaired. The sliding tripod mount had a crack that was repaired by Ron Wisner, and the owner said the camera was used over 10 years since that repair was made. See the 'extra photos' for a photo of it.
Extra photos are here:
http://www.richardrankin.com/sale/wisner-extra.html
To see how to switch camera bodies, look here:
http://www.richardrankin.com/sale/switching.html
I'm a complete klutz, and have no problem doing this.
So, you get: 2 'bodies with bellows' (8x10 and 4x5), the rail/front standard that holds the 'bodies', gridded ground glass covers for each back, extension rail, sliding tripod mount, and 2 lens boards to be custom made for you. See the extra photos for what it all looks like not installed.
Personally, I've never seen these before. I've owned a couple of other Wisner cameras and loved them. A lot of people had trouble with Wisner in the business sense towards 'the end', but all the equipment I had was excellent, and this camera was made back in the 'good old days' long before those issues arose anyway. Working with it has been a pleasure.
I asked 2 people who both know a lot more than I do what I should price this at. Both gave the same number, oddly enough - $2200. However, I'd like to move this along quickly to someone who can really use it.
So, I'll price this at $2000 + $30 shipping in the USA. With insurance, the cost will likely exceed that, and I'll pay anything beyond $30. $$$ to APUG if sold here. Paypal is ok, but definitely not preferred. Pay with USPS money orders, and I'll PAY the shipping myself since the Paypal fees must be enormous on that much.
Contact me by PM or email, and not by posting here, please. Posting here does not necessarily reach me.
