Deardorff - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

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. Various models were constructed and used mostly by professional photographic studios.

History of the Camera Company

Laben F. Deardorff had been a camera repairman for nearly 30 years before building the first
8⨉10 Deardorff. He had been employed by Rochester Camera Company in the 1890s.

Model History

Almost all Deardorff cameras are made of Mahogany.

1923 saw the first model, the V8 (or VO8) 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

1937 - starting nickel plating and changed to mahogany wood.

1938 - stainless steel first being 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

General Features

All of the Deardorff view cameras featured swing and tilt movements, and there were optional accessories such as stands and cases.

The 8x20, 12x20, 11x14
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

Photographers' experiences in using the camera

Photographer David Munson relates his experiences in restoring and using a Deardorff 8x10. Kevin Klazek also related his experience in restoring a Deardorff V8 in "View Camera" magazine

Publications showing Deardorffs

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."

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!

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.