What killed Deardorff?

[Richard C. Trochlil]

I have been reading the comments on Deardorff restoration. I must have been out to lunch somewhere back then, but what caused Deardorff to go into the tank? I sure never heard.

[Sean Yates]

Poor business practices. Japanese company ordered something like 200 8 X 10's for export to Japan. Paid for 'em up front. Never got 'em. Went to court, won company name, trademark, etc. Tried to make a go of it with the Athens Tennesse cameras (all stainless steel) and lasted 2~3 years I think.

[neil poulsen]

I also heard that Deardorffs "99" year lease in the Chicago store ran out! Can you imagine what they were paying for that location?

I forget my source. But, my recollection is that it was pretty well informed. Not positive, though.

[Ken Hough]

Bad business practices, Rising rent in a yuppy neighborhood, slow filling orders and it was 20 cameras that a Japanese dealer ordered. In addition to all that some suppliers of metal parts never filled the orders that Deardorff placed. In short, very poor planning. I was there. I saw it all. And it happens to me sometimes. Ken Hough http://deardorffcameras.0catch.com/