Deardorff values

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Large format photography : One Thread

I have located several Deardorff 8x10 cameras. One was made in the 1950's, one in the late 1970's, and one in 1989. The only difference I can see is the wood color and the stainless steel hardware on the newer one.

Is there something else that I should be looking at? They are all about the same price.

Thanks for your help, advice, and expertise....

-- Steve Williams (sfw3@psu.edu), April 09, 2000

Answers

It's like the real estqate agents code 3 important words, Condition, Condition and Condition! Just check for wear out of the ordinary. The tripod mount socket, the bellows, wear in the rear rack and bracket assembly, drop of either extension greater than 1/2 inch when it's racked out to the maximum, evidence of being dropped, etc, etc.

The post-war cameras are pretty much the same with minor variations in materials, knob size and knurling and so on. Funtionally they's the same.

The Athens, Tennesse cameras have all stainless steel which is quite nice, and a matte or at least more subdued finish on the mahogony. I personally prefer them.

Go here to learn more

http://members.xoom.com/_XMCM/Deardorffcam/indexa.html

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), April 10, 2000.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ