Re: 5x7 Camera Project

["Paul A. Lehman" <palehman@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian Reynolds wrote:

> When I saw the shape of the lensboard the first thing I looked for
> were notches to fit a septum.  There are no notches on this camera.
> Perhaps they stopped notching the camera after Holmes cards went out
> of fashion.

Could be true if its a later year model, here is what I found in
my book last night:

The Gundlach Manhattan Optical Co (Rochester, NY) was founded by
Ernst Gundlach for the production of optical goods. In 1896
Gundlach acquired the Milburn Korona Co which added cameras to
its line of lenses. In 1928 the company was purchased by John E.
Seebold and changed its name to "Seebold Invesible Camera
Company".

The Criterion View was produced c1909-1930. It came in three
sizes 5x7, 6.5x8.5 and 8x10. Book value is $150-250 depending on
size and condition (without lens). It is nearly identical to the
early Burke & James design, yet one step down from the Korona.

> Single lens Packard shutters are still manufactured.

The last I heard was that the small family owned company had
stopped making Packards about a year ago. Remaining stock is
being sold out. However, so many were made over the years used
models are easy to come by. I noticed several on e-bay this
morning in the large format section.

> Several of my friends hold Victorian dances (in period costume).  I've
> been thinking of getting a 5x7 lens and offering to do portraits
> on-site.  It would be fun to do stereo cards, but I don't think I'd be
> able to do it all on-site.

Maybe on-site with a polaroid 4x5 back for stereo cards? Shoot,
then cut and paste to the card. Not a perfect solution, but
do-able.

> By the way, I now have a temporary web page at
> <URL:http://www.panix.com/5x7.html> 

This site didn't work when I tried it this morning, I'll try
again later.

Have fun with your "new" camera!
Paul A. Lehman