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Mystery Camera

Discussion in 'Large Format Cameras and Accessories' started by jolynned, Aug 26, 2009.

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  1. Aug 26, 2009 #1
    jolynned

    jolynned Member

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    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?
     

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  2. Aug 26, 2009 #2
    Jim Noel

    Jim Noel Member

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    This camera can be found with either Ansco or B&J labels on it. A serviceable camera although heavy and bulky.
     
  3. Aug 26, 2009 #3
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    jolynned

    jolynned Member

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    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.
     
  4. Aug 26, 2009 #4
    archphoto

    archphoto Member

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    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
     
  5. Aug 26, 2009 #5
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    jolynned

    jolynned Member

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    Jim, you were right. It's a B&J. A quick google image search was all it took. Thanks for the help!
     
  6. Aug 26, 2009 #6
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    jolynned

    jolynned Member

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    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!
     
  7. Aug 26, 2009 #7
    Sirius Glass

    Sirius Glass Subscriber

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    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
     
  8. Aug 26, 2009 #8
    Ian Grant

    Ian Grant Subscriber

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    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
     
  9. Aug 26, 2009 #9
    SuzanneR

    SuzanneR Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    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!
     
  10. Aug 26, 2009 #10
    John Jarosz

    John Jarosz Member

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    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
     
  11. Aug 26, 2009 #11
    John Jarosz

    John Jarosz Member

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