Deardorff

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Deardorff, specifically, "L.F. Deardorff & Sons, Inc." was a manufacturer of wooden-construction, large-format 4"x5" and larger bellows view camera from 1923 through 1988.[1][2] Various models were constructed and used mostly by professional photographic studios.

Family History

The history of the Deardorff family can be found on the Deardorff website.[3]

History of the Camera Company

Laben F. Deardorff repaired cameras 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]

Model History

Almost all Deardorff cameras were made of Mahogany.[7]

  • 1923 saw the first model, the V8 (or VO8) [8] built in Chicago. 15 models were built.
  • 1924 V8 - 50 units built.
  • 1925 V8 - 175 units built.
  • 1926 - the first batch production. Reference to a 5x7 Deardorff[9]
  • 1937 - started nickel plating and changed to mahogany wood.
  • 1938 - stainless steel first used.
  • 1942 - rounded corners for the lens boards.
  • 1944 - Spanish Cedar used in some cameras.
  • 1950 - Front swing capability first introduced; side identification plates with serial numbers starting at '100'.
  • 1952 - Round metal bed plate
  • 1967 - Knobs changed to aluminum from nickel-plated brass
  • 1988 - Last year of production[10]
  • Present - Cameras are still in production today, in small quantities, but built to original Chicago specifications.

General Features

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:

  • Vertical Swing of the Back
  • Lateral Swing of the Back
  • Vertical swing of the front 30 degrees each side of center

[13]

Photographers' experiences in using the camera

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]

Publications showing Deardorffs

The February 1998, 25th Anniversary edition of "Texas Monthly" 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]

Deardorff Copies

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:

"5x7 camera (sold by Prinz) likely made in India in the 50s (until they were sued). The solidly builtcamera has an "old style" Deardorff color and appearance but has the front swing and the aluminum tripod mount upgrades of the later models.
This camera does not have the quality, fine finish, light weight and smoothness of movements of a real Deardorff.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ken Hough Photographic Repair Service. "Deardorff Historical Web Site". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  2. ↑ "DEARDORFF CAMERAS". eBay.com. Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  3. ↑ "Deardorff family history and related info". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  4. ↑ Ken Hough. "The Deardorff View Camera An American Classic". Archived from the original on 2009-10-26. 
  5. ↑ Q.-Tuan Luong and Ken Hough. "Deardorff cameras". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  6. ↑ "History of Deardorff". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  7. ↑ "Deardorff 5x7 V5 camera". Retrieved 2007-12-19. 
  8. ↑ "Deardorff VO8 1923 - 1949". Archived from the original on 2007-10-21. Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  9. ↑ "Deardorff 5x7 V5 Camera". Harry's Pro Shop. Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  10. ↑ "Deardorff History". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  11. ↑ "Lenses and Shutters for Deardorff Cameras". LargeFormatPhotography.com. Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  12. ↑ "Deardorff Precision Cameras". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  13. ↑ "Specifications". LargeFormatPhotography.com. Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  14. ↑ David R. Munson. "The Deardorff 8x10 Field Camera". Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  15. ↑ Kevin Klazek (September/October 2007). The V8 Diaries. View Camera magazine. p. Pages 58–59. 
  16. ↑ "25th Anniversary Edition". Retrieved 2007-12-19. 

External links

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