Mystery Camera

Old bench and tree

D
Old bench and tree

  • 0
  • 0
  • 20
On Ramp

A
On Ramp

  • 1
  • 0
  • 26
Hensol woods

Hensol woods

  • 9
  • 4
  • 102
Harbour at dusk

A
Harbour at dusk

  • 4
  • 0
  • 68

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,716
Messages
2,779,807
Members
99,689
Latest member
Luis Salazar
Recent bookmarks
0

jolynned

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
138
Location
Missouri
Format
Medium Format
I recently bought an 8x10 camera on craigslist. The woman who sold it to me said that her husband had bought it at an auction and there are no markings on the camera itself. The lens is a Kodak and the body is wood.

I have a tiny bit of experience with 4x5 but it's been a few years and it was a Speed Graphic. I'm brand new to all of this.

It's more curiosity than anything. It would be nice to know the specs on it if the information is available somewhere.

Does anyone have a guess?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8775web.jpg
    IMG_8775web.jpg
    116.2 KB · Views: 172
  • IMG_8779web.jpg
    IMG_8779web.jpg
    139.6 KB · Views: 147
  • IMG_8780web.jpg
    IMG_8780web.jpg
    127.5 KB · Views: 165
Last edited by a moderator:

Jim Noel

Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2005
Messages
2,261
Format
Large Format
This camera can be found with either Ansco or B&J labels on it. A serviceable camera although heavy and bulky.
 
OP
OP

jolynned

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
138
Location
Missouri
Format
Medium Format
Thanks Jim. Unfortunately, there are no labels anywhere on the camera. It looks like had been a label at the top but it has been removed. I'll look at your suggestions though and see if any of their cameras match up to this one.
 

archphoto

Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
960
Location
Holland and
Format
4x5 Format
It is a good looking camera, do you have any filmholders with it ?
And a tripod for it ?

If the bellows is light-tight: make some shots with it and see what comes out!

Congrad's !

Peter
 
OP
OP

jolynned

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
138
Location
Missouri
Format
Medium Format
Jim, you were right. It's a B&J. A quick google image search was all it took. Thanks for the help!
 
OP
OP

jolynned

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
138
Location
Missouri
Format
Medium Format
Peter, I have 14 film holders, a bellows extender thingy and what I believe is a 4x5 back for it as well, along with 4x5 film holders. The camera was checked out by someone who knew LF before she sold it and I guess he said the bellows were light-tight.

The tripod I have is for MF but can hold up to 25 lbs. I don't know if it can handle the 8x10. I guess we'll just have to see.

Thanks!
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,347
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Be sure you have a good strong tripod. I believe that Ed Weston said that there are no good photographs to take that are more than 200 yard [meters] from a car. If someone can find the source for the quotation please let us know!

Enjoy!
Steve
 

Ian Grant

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
23,262
Location
West Midland
Format
Multi Format
Once the US Government seized Agfa Ansco in 1941 they stopped all camera production at Bingham, after that the cameras were made elsewhere the hardware changed, it was a different workshop and probably not the same employees.

It's murky but B&J ended up with their LF camera production that's why this particular camera was made with both names.

Ian
 

SuzanneR

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 14, 2004
Messages
5,977
Location
Massachusetts
Format
Multi Format
Be sure you have a good strong tripod. I believe that Ed Weston said that there are no good photographs to take that are more than 200 yard [meters] from a car. If someone can find the source for the quotation please let us know!

Enjoy!
Steve

You know... I think that might be an Ansel Adams quote.

Cognrats, Jodie... looks like a fun new toy! Hope you'll share some pix!
 

John Jarosz

Member
Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
145
Location
Fairfax Iowa
Format
ULarge Format
I think it was Brett Weston and he was speaking of 8x10 cameras and larger. And I also think the number was 10 feet from the car.

John
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom