Deardorff, specifically, "L.F. Deardorff & Sons, Inc." was a manufacturer of wooden-construction, large-format 8"x10" and larger bellows view cameras from 1923 through 1988.[1][2] Various models were constructed and used mostly by professional photographic studios.
Contents |
The history of the Deardorff family is found on the Deardorff website.[3]
Laben F. Deardorff had been a camera repairman for nearly 30 years before building the first 8⨉10 Deardorff.[4] He had been employed by Rochester Camera Company in the 1890s.[5][6]
Almost all Deardorff cameras are made of Mahogany.[7]
All of the Deardorff view cameras featured swing and tilt movements, and there were optional accessories such as stands and cases.[11]
The 8x20, 12x20, 11x14[12] All Deardorff model featured:
Photographer David Munson relates his experiences in restoring and using a Deardorff 8x10.[14] Kevin Klazek also related his experience in restoring a Deardorff V8 in "View Camera" magazine [15]
The February 1998, 25th Anniversary edition of "Texas Monthly Magazine" featured a Deardorff on the cover. To quote the article: "The cover shot with the lens in the shape of the state of Texas, mounted on an 8x10 Deardorff, was shot by Pete McArthur. The lens itself was designed by Rick Elden. The work of over 75 photographers was included in their "100 best," including Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton, Jim Myers, Kent Kirkley, Mary Ellen Mark, Larry Fink and many others."[16]
Interestingly, there is a mention of at least one Deardorff "copy" being sold. One eBay site listing mentioned a "Prinzdorff Deardorff", which was cited as a "repro 5x7 field view camera 4x5". The bidding site seller further made these comments:
