Vintage Eastman VIEW No.1 Improved Model Bellows CAMERA w/Brass ZEISS Lens.Kodak

Description: This is an Eastman View No.1, the Improved Model of the Century View (Rochester Optical) and Empire State No. 1--- made by Eastman Kodak after they bought out those companies. I really don't know a lot about view cameras--- I've never actually used one, except for a couple of Graflexes over the years, and I have a few in my collection. But I'll do my best in assessing this one-----> It's an Old and Rare one--- a Complete Large Format Studio or Field Camera for 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch Sheet Film or Glass Plate Images (you can probably mask it to 5x7 holders, or get a reducing back). I think it's from about the 1920's to 1930's, give or take a few years... or is it earlier? It's generally very solid and working, and in Very Good Condition with a couple small issues. It was crazy dusty when I got it and it still has some dust in the nooks, so it needs a little more cleaning and possibly some lubrication of the gears etc, but everything is working reasonably well the way it sits, considering it's about 80-90 years old. It's generally very solid, no missing parts that I see. It has nice Wood with Brass and other metal fittings, and there are some Nicks, Scuffs, Scratches and still some dust here and there. With the Extension attached, the total bed length is about 26 inches. The lens is made by Bausch & Lomb Optical, a Zeiss-Tessar Series II b 5x7 inches --- whatever all that means to you. The f/stop range is from f/2.5 to f/64--- seems nicely fast for such an old lens. The stops change easily and there is No Oil on the aperture blades (and there looks to be 18 of them--- makes a nice circle.) The lens has a few specs of internal dust, some light surface blemishes in a couple spots and a hint of some smudgy-ness in some spots around the peremiter. But it in a "practical" sense, it is very clear all the way though (see the look-thru photos). But there are a couple of small issues to take note of--- 1) The bellows is in nice shape, is still rigid yet flexible--- not cracking or falling apart, but it has a couple of folds at the front end that aren't perfect. It's double layered so it's probably fine, but it probably can stand to have some reconditioning and maybe a dab of sealer in a couple spots--- I did not inspect it fully for pinholes. 2) the ground glass broke at one corner some time way back and was glued (I didn't do it). It seems to be holding OK but it may not for long. Aside from those two things, there are general "old Camera" wear & tear issues--- like the handle is pretty much gone (and there may be something I don't know about) but it's seems very solid and working well otherwise. The rise/fall & tilt controls work and it chugs along the tracks fairly well. It can probably use some lubrication or other "tweaking" to get to better operation--- and it folds up well. So it's in Very Good overall condition---- seems usable with some work, but it's unknown how well all of the performance nuances are right now. I have not tested everything extensively, beyond my basic "description" testing. But I'm sure with a little TLC by someone who knows how to use it, it could be a good worker again. What you see is what you'll get--- the actual item for sale is pictured. Continental US Shipping will be Calculated for your location. I will ship the next day after purchase. It will be packed well and safe in a strong box, well padded and I use Lots of tape! International Shipping via the ebay program and that will cost even more. PLEASE READ THIS--- By Buying you Agree with this: I am not Amazon or a professional Camera Store seller--- just an old camera collector/shooter selling some Used items. I'm not here trying to rip anybody off or sneak one past you. But that said... I'm not into having things go back and forth based on opinion, or risk "part swapping" either. So I'm sorry, I can't sell this item on Approval--- it's being sold As Is, No Warranty, No Buyer's Remorse, No Try-outs, No Returns... being sold as an OLD, Used item---- as an Uncertain very old relic for Collectible Purposes and possibly in need of some Repair. I've been a photographer for 35+ years and I know how cameras work and what to look for and can recognize when something is broken. But I can't "Bench Test" every thing to factory specs and unless it's Brand New... I can't guarantee that every single aspect may be Perfect. Any significant defects that I know of are either pictured or described to the best of my knowledge and I try to be detailed and truthful, but I can't describe every every millimeter of it... and I might have missed something. If you have a question about something particular--- Ask Before You Buy It. What you see is what you'll get and I package my items well, so it arrives in the same condition as shown. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR MORE Interesting Items---- I'll be selling a large portion of my camera collection over the next few months, so check back and/or tell me what you're looking for. If you have questions about this or other items or combined shipping or other discounts---- please ask... Let's make a deal. Thanks

Price: 419.95 USD

Location: Hartford, Connecticut

End Time: 2024-08-03T13:31:00.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD