Deardorff

Family History

The history of the Deardorff family can be found on the Deardorff website.

History of the Camera Company

Laben F. Deardorff repaired cameras for nearly 30 years before building the first 8⨉10 Deardorff. He had been employed by Rochester Camera Company in the 1890s.

Model History

Almost all Deardorff cameras were made of Mahogany.

1923 saw the first model, the V8 (or VO8) built in Chicago. 15 models were built.

1924 V8 - 50 units built.

1925 V8 - 175 units built.

1926 - the first batch production. Reference to a 5x7 Deardorff

1937 - started nickel plating and changed to mahogany wood.

1938 - stainless steel first used.

1942 - rounded corners for the lens boards.

1944 - Spanish Cedar used in some cameras.

1950 - Front swing capability first introduced; 8"x10" camera serial numbers begin at "500" in May 1950.

1952 - Round metal bed plate

1967 - Knobs changed to aluminum from nickel-plated brass

1988 - Last year of production

Present - Cameras are still in production today, in small quantities, but built to original Chicago specifications.

General Features

All of the Deardorff view cameras featured swing and tilt movements, and there were optional accessories such as stands and cases.

The 8x20, 12x20, 11x14 All Deardorff model featured:

Vertical Swing of the Back

Lateral Swing of the Back

Vertical swing of the front 30 degrees each side of center

Photographers' experiences in using the camera

Photographer David Munson relates his experiences in restoring and using a Deardorff 8x10. Kevin Klazek also related his experience in restoring a Deardorff V8 in "View Camera" magazine

Publications showing Deardorffs

The February 1998, 25th Anniversary edition of "Texas Monthly" featured a Deardorff on the cover. To quote the article: "The cover shot with the lens in the shape of the state of Texas, mounted on an 8x10 Deardorff, was shot by Pete McArthur. The lens itself was designed by Rick Elden. The work of over 75 photographers was included in their "100 best," including Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton, Jim Myers, Kent Kirkley, Mary Ellen Mark, Larry Fink and many others."

Deardorff Copies

Interestingly, there is a mention of at least one Deardorff "copy" being sold. One eBay site listing mentioned a "Prinzdorff Deardorff", which was cited as a "repro 5x7 field view camera 4x5". The bidding site seller further made these comments:

"5x7 camera (sold by Prinz) likely made in India in the 50s (until they were sued). The solidly builtcamera has an "old style" Deardorff color and appearance but has the front swing and the aluminum tripod mount upgrades of the later models.This camera does not have the quality, fine finish, light weight and smoothness of movements of a real Deardorff.