I have been looking for a 5 x 7 and/or a 4 x 5 reducing back for a Kodak 8 x 10 masterview of aluminum construction. Any suggestions on finding one other than keeping my eye on Shutterbug ? Based upon the Master View's rather simplistic, but effective method of attachment of the film back using external pins, I was wondering if anyone has had another manufacturers reducing back modified for this application ?

Thanks

-- Michael Kadillak (kadillak@rmi.net), December 31, 1997

Answers

Mr. Kadillak, I realize this is probably way too late to do you any good, but, when I purchased my Kodak Master View, the vender assured me that Kodak had not made a reducing back in 4 X 5. While that may be, it seems odd as the 8 x 10 back has the concentric format squares engraved on the ground glass. Michael A. Smith, a photographer based in Bunkerhill, PA has several Master Views, and his wife, Paula Chamlee shoots 4 X 5 with hers from time to time - you might see if they are on the net or see about getting their address from View Camera magazine as he has written 2 articles for them within the last 2 years. It would be in the creative sources index at the end of the magazine - or you could call View Camera direct and maybe they'd read it to you over the phone. Ken Hough of Deardorff repair fame assurred me he'd be able to modify a Deardorff reducing back to fit - just pull the retaining pins out, cut it down close to size and then sand it down the rest of the way to assure a snug fit and re-install the pins. Again I know this is very late and you've probably solved your problem already but if you'd like to e-mail me I be interested to know what you did wind up doing. I bought 1 Master View with a 5 X 7 back & 1 with an 8 X 10 back to use as parts and have been very happy with them so far. Good Luck

-- sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), September 17, 1998.