Deardorff 8x10 Questions

[ELLII]

Friends ...

I am new to this forum, but not new to large format. I have a Toyo 45A 4x5 that I have used extensively in the past.

I recently was given a Deardorff 8x10 that someone was about to throw out. I know... unbelievable.

It seems to be in working order and in decent shape, but I would like to get the wood refinished and the metal parts refurbished cosmetically. Does anyone have suggestions for someone who has experience in doing this professionally? I also need to have the bellows checked out. They seem okay with a quick flashlight inspection, but I wan't to double check this.

It came with a 4x5 reducing back and I would like to replace that with an original 8x10 back. Where can I find one?

The bottom metal tripod plate is heavily scratched. Any recommendations on getting that cleaned up or finding a replacement?

The camera serial # is 3569. Can anyone estimate the age based on that? My guess is that the camera is from the 1950s, but I really am unsure.

In advance, thanks for any help.

... Ed

[Peter De Smidt]

Ken Hough might know who still does this. He used to, but I believe he's stopped doing so.

[ELLII]

Ken Hough might know who still does this. He used to, but I believe he's stopped doing so.

Thank you Peter!

[Len Middleton]

Might want to contact Richard Ritter, as he is highly recommended.

Custom Bellows UK is an excellent source for new bellows.

Have used both Richard and Custom Bellows UK and would use them again without reservation…

[Oren Grad]

Might want to contact Richard Ritter, as he is highly recommended.

+1. Richard restored a whole plate Century for me - I sent it to him in decrepit condition and got back a cosmetically beautiful, completely functional camera.

As Richard builds his own cameras too, he might be able to make a replacement 8x10 back for you if you can't find one on eBay or wherever.

https://lg4mat.net/page4.html

[ELLII]

Thank you Len!

[Peter De Smidt]

I 2nd Len's suggestions. I've dealt with both, and I've been very happy with their products, services, and prices.

[Eric Woodbury]

Check the focus, i.e. the glass placement. I've had several Deardorffs, 810 and 57. The glass is always off. And not even parallel. Usually sloped in one direction. As much as 0.030". That's too much.

[ELLII]

Check the focus, i.e. the glass placement. I've had several Deardorffs, 810 and 57. The glass is always off. And not even parallel. Usually sloped in one direction. As much as 0.030". That's too much.

Eric ... That is excellent advice that I was unaware of. Thank you.

... Ed

[Len Middleton]

Check the focus, i.e. the glass placement. I've had several Deardorffs, 810 and 57. The glass is always off. And not even parallel. Usually sloped in one direction. As much as 0.030". That's too much.

Eric,

When Richard Ritter did some work making dark slides for my two 8x20 holders, he had me send the camera back to him, as well as the holders.

Apparently it was common one time to mount the ground surface on the outside of the camera away from the lens, rather than the common practice of facing the lens. He installed it correctly and shimmed the ground glass for the correct T-distance.

I wonder how much expensive 8x20 film I would have gone through before I realized the problem was the camera and not the lens or camera operator?

I was very grateful for him correcting that,

Len