 Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 9:15 pm Post subject: SOLD Brand Camera Co. 4x5 Field Camera - RARE |
|
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 9:15 pm Post subject: SOLD Brand Camera Co. 4x5 Field Camera - RARE |
|
|
luisalegria wrote:
On ebay now - $75
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221339281222?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Brand Camera Co. "17" 4x5 Field Camera, from about 1946. Made in Los Angeles !
Rare item. Serial number is "111"
Brand Camera Co. was one of a few camera and optical companies that appeared in the Los Angeles area to make civilian use of the aircraft aluminum production capacity after WWII. They didn't make a lot of cameras, so these are scarce.
Brand was short lived, but the camera design lived on in a modified form as the Newton New Vue of 1947, possibly made by the same people.
This is an extremely unusual camera. It is a hybrid view, press, and field camera, with some characteristics of all of them.
Its based on a unique telescoping rail system, permitting very log extension for this type. It has a handle and was sometimes equipped with a Kalart rangefinder; it has a screw focus mechanism for fine focus. It has all the usual front movements plus a tilting back. Takes 4" Speed Graphic lens boards.
The long and stiff bellows limits wide angle lens use, but this is easy to remove and replace with bag bellows if necessary. Rotating back.
This is a VERY sturdy and rugged piece, which will survive much abuse. Not exactly a piece of fine precision work, but theres not much to go wrong either.
This is a heavy camera for what it is - 6 1/2 lb.
This one has been modified, with aluminum spacers on the front standard to reduce the minimum bellows draw. Easy to remove and restore to the original state. Groundglass is not original, it is plastic, but also easy to replace. Bellows seem light tight, but are stiff. The corners need some attention. Lensboard clamps are not original but are also easy to replace.
_________________
I like Pentax DSLR's, Exaktas, M42 bodies of all kinds, strange and cheap Japanese lenses, and am dabbling in medium format/Speed Graphic work.
Last edited by luisalegria on Tue Jan 07, 2014 7:47 am; edited 1 time in total |
