Keith Canham

CarlRadford · Apr 17, 2007

Hi Folks

Minor error with my wooden 5x7 in that one of the allen key bolts on the rear lateral locking arm came undone and I couldn't find it in the camera bag. Contacted Keith on the phone and without any question two have been put in the post to Scotland free of charge. Bearing in mind the camera was second hand and I have had no dealings with Keith before I feel this is exemplary service and worthy of posting. I know where my money will be going for the metal 10x8 when the time comes - not soon enough!

One very happy chap, Carl

TheFlyingCamera · Apr 17, 2007

Carl- I had a similar experience of even greater magnitude. The wooden flange on the back of my 5x7 (the bit that slides under the metal locking tabs on the back to hold the GG frame in place) split off on one side. Mine was also pre-owned, but Keith sent me a whole new back, express shipping, at no charge, because I was getting ready to take the camera with me to Argentina. I'm now a customer for life (barring some unfortunate radical reversal in service standards).

Robert Hall · Apr 17, 2007

I own 4 view cameras Keith has made. 4x5 metal, 5x7 metal, 8x10 and 12x20 wood.

Any issues I have had -- and there have been only a couple -- have been taken care of with no questions asked -- well, there have been questions as Keith is a scientist and needs quantifications and qualifications -- and the problem usually on my part has been resolved.

Fantastic view cameras and the same for the service.

sanking · Apr 17, 2007

Robert Hall said:
I own 4 view cameras Keith has made. 4x5 metal, 5x7 metal, 8x10 and 12x20 wood.

Any issues I have had -- and there have been only a couple -- have been taken care of with no questions asked -- well, there have been questions as Keith is a scientist and needs quantifications and qualifications -- and the problem usually on my part has been resolved.

Fantastic view cameras and the same for the service.

I own several of Keith Canham's cameras, including wooden 7X17 and 12X20, and a 5X7 metal. The 5X7 metal one is a really clever design that offers lots of movements and much bellows draw in a small package. In fact, I love almost every thing about it, but for the life of me I can not understand why Keith did not put positive indents on the front and rear standards so that one could set up the camera quickly with the front and back standards at right angle to the body. But in spite of this shortcoming I think it is one of the best 5X7 cameras ever made when you factor in weight, movements and bellows draw, ease of use, and compact design.

Sandy

colrehogan · Apr 17, 2007

I have one of Keith's cameras too, a 5x12, and I really enjoy shooting with it.

BarryWilkinson · Apr 18, 2007

Another very satisfied Canham 5x12 user. Great person to deal with.

Barry

Mahler_one · Apr 21, 2007

Metal 4x5 camera is easy to use, well made, and Keith just brought it up to the latest design by adding the metric rulers on both sides. I spent an enjoyable hour with Keith a few weeks back while I was in Scottsdale at a photo course taught by Fred Newman. Evidently each of the cameras are hand assembled by Keith using parts that are very carefully machined to very exact standards. He has a large inventory on hand, and obviously takes great pride in what he does.

Edwin

Tom Duffy · Apr 22, 2007

sanking said:
...but for the life of me I can not understand why Keith did not put positive indents on the front and rear standards so that one could set up the camera quickly with the front and back standards at right angle to the body. But in spite of this shortcoming I think it is one of the best 5X7 cameras ever made when you factor in weight, movements and bellows draw, ease of use, and compact design.

Sandy

Sandy, when I bought a Canham 5x7 wood camera, around 1997 I wondered the same thing. I think Keith told me that many people were using his cameras with a Technica adapter, for Technica lens boards, rather than his Toyo standard. Technica boards do not center the lens on the board (I think it's lower than center) therefore, he didn't want to make a standard detent. I think you're right though. I ended up making pencil marks on the standard for quicker setup.
Take care,
Tom

jstraw · Apr 22, 2007

Tom Duffy said:
Sandy, when I bought a Canham 5x7 wood camera, around 1997 I wondered the same thing. I think Keith told me that many people were using his cameras with a Technica adapter, for Technica lens boards, rather than his Toyo standard. Technica boards do not center the lens on the board (I think it's lower than center) therefore, he didn't want to make a standard detent. I think you're right though. I ended up making pencil marks on the standard for quicker setup.
Take care,
Tom

I've never had my hands on a Canham but I took Sandy's comment to be in regard to a lack of an indent to indicate where the vertical plane is at 90 degrees to the bed, not where the center of the lens is centered relative to the ground glass. Sandy, can you clarify?

Curt · Apr 22, 2007

Always wanted, but never could afford, probably will always want a Canham 5x7. If I come into fortune the first purchase will be the 5x7. You lucky people!

sanking · Apr 22, 2007

jstraw said:
I've never had my hands on a Canham but I took Sandy's comment to be in regard to a lack of an indent to indicate where the vertical plane is at 90 degrees to the bed, not where the center of the lens is centered relative to the ground glass. Sandy, can you clarify?

That is correct. My comment was in relation to a lack oif indents to indicate the vertical plane at right angles to the board. Just moving the standard up and down while looking at the bellows is usually a good enough indicator for me of how the lensboard is centered.

However, just this morning I had pm from the former owner of the 5X7 metal Canham and he told me that there are indeed idents on both the front and rear to set the standards at 90 degrees to the board. And that is correct. However, finding the indent is a bit trickly, which is why I did not realize they were there. So I should qualify my statement to say it would be nice to have larger or more positive indents!!

Sandy King

Keith Canham

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