I know what the inside of the Calumet backs looks like , but I don't know what the inside of the Kodaks back design looks like, with a little here and a little there can I mate these classic's ? This way I can use my aluminum C-3 with the Kodaks 5X7 reducing back, since I cannot find A used Calumet 8X10/5X7 back. I'm scratching my head now, thanks , Dan

-- Dan Kowalsky (dan0judy@bellsouth.net), March 26, 2000

Answers

Don't know about the Kodak back but I have seen a Burke & James wood back on a Calumet C1 8X10. If the Kodak back is wood, I'm sure you can make it work with a little machining.

-- Ron Lawrence (leica@interpath.com), March 26, 2000.

Dan, it's up to you, but I think the wiser thing to do is to sell the Kodak back as it's rather hard to come by. As a Kodak owner, I'd hate to see you "modify" the back to where it couldn't be used on the original camera it was intended for.

You could use the $ from the sale of the Kodak back to acquire a 5 X 7 back for the Calumet. While neither one is common, the Calumet is considerably easier to find. I've seen the Kodak back listed for as much as $300.00

Have you tried a thorough search of the web photo vendors, Shutterbug, View Camera, etc? You could always trade what you have in for what you want, but you'd do better to sell it and be patient. Put up a WTB add at the F Stops Here forum and on Phil Greenspuns www.photo.net

Maybe search the on-line Yellow pages for Chicago area photo dealers as they used to have quite a lot of Calumet stuff. For that matter, try contacting Calumet direct at www.calumetphoto.com. although the last time I spoke with the parts dept. they didn't have C parts in stock. If you need the names/addresses of other on-line vendors, e- mail me. Just think long and hard before you alter an original, eh?

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), March 26, 2000.

I suppose I should have pointed out, I am assuming you're referring to the Kodak Master Camera back and not a wooden 2-D back.

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), March 26, 2000.

Sean , the back is off an all metal commercial view Kodak , not a Master , correct me if If I am wrong, thanks , Dan.

-- Dan Kowalsky (dan0judy@bellsouth.net), March 27, 2000.

Hi Dan, While I haven't adapted any backs to metal cameras, I have done several on wooden cameras. They require usually nothing more than some common sense and careful work. You might look for a n orphan 5x7 back and make your own adapter for the 8x10. Some really good hobby shops stock nicely cut strips of cherry, mahogony etc to make the baffle where adapter back joins the camera body, as well as better qaulity plywood for the back. Good luck. Regards, Eric Lohse

-- Eric Lohse (elohse@gis.net), March 27, 2000.

I can't correct you. You've got the back, not me.

The Commercial B is even less common than the Master though. It doesn't have much of a following even if A.A. used one, because of it's limited/awkward front movements.

I can't recall having seen a back for one on sale seperatley so I couldn't say what the going rates might be. You've got to do what you think is best. However considering the camera it's from, selling it or trading it in might not be a good option like I had suggested at first.

I do know that the older green Calumet reducing backs have been used on the Kodak Master with no alterations. The Calumet I owned had two large screws that held the back in place above and below the ground glass. The Commercial back might fit, but I don't think it's big enough to allow for two holes to be drilled in the right spots. If that's true, then you'll have to rely on the corner spring tabs.

Do you have the Commercial back now or are you considering buying it? If you're buying it from a retailer, have they seen a Calumet? If not, ask if you can return it if upon reciept if it turns out not to be workable, with no lo$$ to yourself.

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), March 27, 2000.

Untie that Gordian Knot. For now, why not do what many LF studio photographers traditionally did-create inserts in a couple of 8x10 holders to receive 5x7 film. Then, you can see how you like the form

-- David Stein (DFStein@aol.com), March 28, 2000.