What Have I Got?

ron8748 · Sep 24, 2007

I recently came across a pretty good 4x5 view camera with no name. I checked everywhere and not only could I not find a name, I couldn't see where there was ever a name plate, serial #, or anything.

It uses standard holders and the lens board is .225 thick with an insert for a threaded lens. By the looks of it this is the board that came with the camera.

Here's a link to a photo and I'm hoping if someone can tell me what I've got.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/ron_874/view2.jpg

Sanjay Sen · Sep 24, 2007

Would you happen to have any photos of the back of the camera?

Also, you will need to get a plate with a tripod socket to attach to that hole at the bottom of the camera, unless the camera came with a tripod and a plate adapter.

John Kasaian · Sep 24, 2007

It looks japanese in origin to me because of the way the handle is attached, the hole in the casing, the corner irons and the way the lensboard is held in situ.. Under the lensboard is the light trap round? What is the bellows length when fully extended and how heavy is it?

Phillip P. Dimor · Sep 24, 2007

I've no idea what it is but it sure looks like a keeper!

blaze-on · Sep 24, 2007

India made some 'dorff look alikes...could be one of those

walter23 · Sep 24, 2007

That's a pretty camera.

papagene · Sep 24, 2007

It looks like the Calumet Woodfield camera that I used to have. I think it was made by Osaka or someone like that. It was very light, a little on the wobbly side, not a lot of bellows draw... but a good and dependable user.

gene

ragc · Sep 24, 2007

A keeper. Probably Japanese, 1960's. Here's my late 30's Japanese... yours can look like this with a little care.

ron8748 · Sep 25, 2007

Thanks for all the opinions. I still wonder why someone builds a camera like this and leaves no id on it.

I've added a couple of more pics, one of the back for Sensanjay. As you can see there is a tripod mount behind the large hole. Standard threads on that and my tripod hold it steadier than I thought it would.

As far as that large hole goes,....I assumed it was so you could fold the camera with a lens attached.

How common would a lens be that would thread into the board? All the ones I've seen are held in by a retainer ring.

Thanks again for the help......I'm a digital guy finally seeing the light and going to film. I know, kinda backwards.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/ron_874/view1.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/ron_874/view3.jpg

dmax · Sep 25, 2007

Camera ID

I can confirm that it is a Calumet Woodfield camera of Japanese origin, as already indicated by another poster. I have one, and of all my field 4x5s, is the most used because of its portability. The hole in the bed is indeed designed to accomodate a lens and shutter on the lensboard even if the camera is completely folded. A highly-capable camera in my opinion, provided that not too much is demanded of it. I would advise applying some Locktite to the cap nuts since they have a nasty habit of falling off. Also, I have inserted nylon washers in all places that knobs go into to make loosening and tightening less of a pain.

Sanjay Sen · Sep 25, 2007

So, your question has been answered - that's always nice! It's even better that the camera already has a tripod mount. I was thinking along the lines of the Charten cameras, one of which I have. That camera has a similar hole on the bottom, fitted with a circular aluminium (?) ring that the tripod attaches to. Your camera looks pretty nice, and also came with a mounting flange attached to the lens board. If you measure the diameter of the thread, I am sure someone here will be able to tell you what shutter/lens will mount to it.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

Best wishes,
Sanjay

ron8748 · Sep 25, 2007

I'll take the advice of the Loctite and nylon washers. Sounds like a good idea.

In measuring the flange in the lens board I come up with exactly 1.50 inches(38mm ?). I don't know the pitch of the threads but there are 6-7 threads on the flange which is about 5/16 thick. I can't recall any thing I've seen on ebay that would work. I'd like to use this board but if I have to I guess I can always make another.

Sanjay Sen · Sep 25, 2007

The link below may help you determine what shutters will fit in the hole on the lensboard that you have...

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lensboard_hole_sizes.html

What Have I Got?

Membership Council

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency