Info/parts wanted on De Vere 5x7 view.JPEGs included

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Large format photography : One Thread

I have just purchased a De Vere 5x7 view camera with a 5x4 reduction back. Has anybody out there got info on this camera or a wrecked camera for parts or just spare parts lying around, I need the threaded adjusting/locking knob for the front standard rise/fall column. A compendium shade. A wide angle bellows. Lens boards. Rotating back and a 5x4 reduction back that will accept roll film holders.

I am not sure what my model is, but from my basic research De Vere was an English company that also made enlargers. I believe they went out of business during the 70's. This model is apparently the improved version with the flat 1" square rail. The camera is well made from cast and machined alloy, has generous movements in all directions on an optical centre and can be locked solidly in any position.

I have jpeg images of the camera that I can send to you for easier ID.

Today I mounted a really nice west german repro lense on a homemade board and took some 400ASA test polaroids and was quite pleased with the results considering I used no shutter and just a lenscap and manual timing.

Any assistance, no matter how small will be appreciated.

Regards Errol Schmidt

-- Errol Schmidt (camerasbicycles@dingoblue.net.au), October 14, 2000

Answers

I read recently that De Vere was up and running again, but I don't know how much of it is the same company?

Also, certainly the enlarger side of the company was still running in the late 1980's when I lived in North Devon, where they had their factory. As I recall, they also made enlargers and other specialist equipment for the CIA, espeially for satellite imagery. I had a friend at the time who worke for them, and every now and then would have to take a trip to Washington to fix stuff for them...

Anyway, it might be worth trying to track down their new incarnation - maybe they know where all the old parts went to?

Tim A

-- tim atherton (tim@KairosPhoto.com), October 14, 2000.


try here for starters http://www.rangefinder-network.com/archive/feb_supplier_news.html or http://www.odyssey-sales.com/ the latter look like they might know. tim a

-- tim atherton (tim@KairosPhoto.com), October 14, 2000.

Tru Trak Imaging Equipment

410 943-1100

www.trutrak.com

-- Hans Berkhout ,Calgary Cananda (berkhout@cadvision.com), October 14, 2000.


Errol, DeVere is now a division of Odyssey Sales. Tim has already quoted their webb site. You can e-mail them:info@odyssey-sales.com, telephone:01883 330800. Their address: 32 Godstone Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 6RA, England. They are still producing 4x5 enlargers but I don't think the cameras are in production. However I do know they have ex-DeVere technicians still working with them, so someone may be able to help you with spares etc. Contact the MD. John Boyce, I really nice guy (tell him I said so). Good luck,

-- Trevor Crone (tcrone@gm.dreamcast.com), October 15, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ