Sneak Peek – My New 1916 Eastman No. 2 8×10 Large Format View Camera

I literally just unboxed my new 1916 Eastman View No. 2 Improved Model of Century View and Empire State No. 2 8×10 large format view camera.  This camera was made from about 1916 to 1922 by Eastman Kodak in New York and based on my initial research I think I have a 1916 model.  In 1923 Eastman Kodak started making the 2D model.  Based on my initial research the lens that came with the camera appears it was also made in 1916.  Based on what I know about the camera I believe the lens and camera are an original pair.  The camera was a one owner from a person in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The lens is a Wollensak Vinco anastigmat mounted on a Autex shutter.  The lens has an aperture range of f/6.8 to f/64. The Vinco was introduced in 1913 as an f/6.8 lens, but by 1915 both the 6.3 and 6.8 were advertised. The 6.3′s were for the smaller SLR cameras and the 6.8 were for the larger view cameras.

I captured this quick video with my iPhone to give you a sneak peek.  In the coming days and weeks I will give you an update on the camera and subsequent prints that I will be making from this vintage piece of art.  My immediate plan is to mount some vintage soft focus lenses and work on my soft focus and Pictorialism Palladium prints.  I hope to produce a photo book in the new year.

Tim

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Tim Layton

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