Anyone have experience with these Galvin babyviews they'd care to share? I need swings and tilts for some specific jobs but can't use larger than 2x3, and these things look like just the ticket--provided I can find a used one.

-- James R. Babb (jbabb@agate.net), September 29, 1997

Answers

They're getting harder and harder to find lately and some people are trying to get top dollar for them ($1,000+ since other 2x3 options are up in that range. They were handbuilt by Mr. Galvin (California, you can find his addressa and phone # in VIEWCAMERA magazine). In comparison with current "machine/computer built 6x9's they are no where near as smooth. They do however offer all the movement options you'll ever need, but with lock and unlock controls instead of geared movements. I am curently adapting my Galvin to a 67 Bronica body for photomacrography (Micro Nikkor lenses in shutters... these lenses are current but not at all well known and actually few out in the scientific community. Anyways.. I use a 100mm Symmar and a 150 Xenar withthe Galkvin to make the outfit ultra compact and rugged and hell for backpacking.. Roll film backs are the way to go, I especially like the Horseman roll film backs which are not all that much $$$$ used. All in all the Galvin in like the old VW Beetle (yes I own one of these also) simple, always work, and get you there but wiothout all the bells and whistles or power windows or AC.

Greg

-- Gregory A Kriss (kriss@nso1.uchc.edu), October 21, 1997.

The curse of cult

Thanks for the information. I was afraid they might be trending toward cult status. I deja-viewed up some old ads and found them in the $250 range a year or so ago; what few ads I saw recently were way up from that.

But then, priced any VW Beetles lately?

I need to find something unfashionable to want.

-- James R. Babb (jbabb@agate.net), October 21, 1997.

I just bought a 2X3 Galvin for $700. I looked at one for $500 but was in poor condition and looked like an early model. The one I bought had two rails, a short and a long which can be used seperately or together. The only negative feature is the teflon bushing that the front and rear standards ride on. They were worn so I reversed them and the camera movements are much tighter. These can be replaced with 1/32" thick teflon sheet stock. Peter Gowland also makes a 2X3 view camera that you might want to look at.

-- David H. Sherman (DSherman@riconnect.com), November 03, 1997.