As a fellow collector and restorer (I own approximately 400 cameras), I took great pleasure in watching this. I rebuild wooden parts that are missing and use brass to replace or recreate when needed. As an old fart, I take my time. The therapy of a job well done has no description to the satisfaction level I enjoy. Wonderful work on your part. You have a new subscriber.
I completely understand your sentiment about the satisfaction which comes from using a camera you've personally restored/repaired. There's an inherent zen. I have come to the realization that a large part of my love for older cameras comes from the restoration process itself. I'm the same way with old typewriters. Living full time on the road now has limited my ability to take on larger restorations but I still tinker. I'm glad you're here and thanks for subscribing.
I did the same thing with a 4x5 about 11 years ago. I bought it on eBay, had a leaking bellows, so disassembled it to the bones. Replaced the bellows, and every screw, cleaned and polished nickel and brass. Cleaned and refinished wood, and had to make lens boards for 4 lenses. Love rescuers!!!
So enjoyable to watch, I didn't want it to end. It should be on continuous loop at every photography museum. A few things: After learning that the camera had been exposed to years of smoke, and naming the camera Winston, I wondered if there was a connection. Also, the sound of the shutter actuation, that "thwump," was dreamy. Lastly, love the use of the blood pressure cuff. Anyway, brilliant all around.
...you know...I hadn't really thought about that but you might not be far from the mark. The name came to me while I was watching "Darkest Hour" and seeing Churchill speaking to Parliament. Churchill and his cigars??? Maybe some unconscious connection ha And yes, this Packard #6 has a sound I never knew that I needed. It's sort of it's own brand of clap. I'm going to have a video lined up for the entire shutter/lens restore as well. It was just too much to include in with this one. Thanks for the kind words as always, btw. It's genuinely appreciated.
Fantastic video! Really enjoyed watching it. I’ve just finished restoring an 1870 Watson & Sons plate camera back to shooting condition. You’ve inspired me to do a video about “Watson” 😀👍
Haha well that's fantastic! I have to admit I didn't know about Watson & Son's cameras so I gave it a quick Google. I'd love to see the video, man. If you don't mind shoot me the link when you have it up. Watson and Winston; can't miss.
I'm getting ready to start a similiar project with a Seneca competitor 5x7 I found at an antique store. My camera did not come with a lens, and the bellows will need to be completely replaced. The rails were sticking in spots and I tried to sand the brass down a bit thinner and lubricate the wood slots with graphite lubricant but those attempts aren't getting me quite there. The rail won't sit at the correct angle, and cause a bind. I wish I would have watched this video before I dived in maybe I just needed to put a little furniture polish.
Hey Chris, thanks a lot. I really enjoyed this one and actually have done a few more modifications since the original restoration; namely adding felt light seals to the film back and adding a bamboo shim to the rear track articulation. I've put Winston into storage ever since I received my 11x14 camera and had every intention of eventually selling the entire kit once I got used to the ULF...but I just don't think I can.
@@AdamWelch I used to sell my hasselblad when film photography was dead around 2002 for a ridiculous price and I regret so much. Think twice. Winston has a soul.
@@chriscard6544 Very much so. I'll be hanging on to him for the foreseeable future. I'm slowly but surely transition to wet plate and I've got a feeling that once I stop travelling I'll make Winston a dedicated studio camera. And I certainly empathize with you and your Hasselblad. I actually picked up my 500 C/M about a year ago. Prices for 500 series had nearly doubled across the board since before Covid and seem to only be rising. That was one of the reasons I went ahead and pulled the trigger when I did.
Thanks, man! Already covered most everything in our other convo but I'll add that I'm going to be doing some portraits with it tomorrow. No pressure ha
Very nice - look forward to seeing images from it. Watching that other video, I had wondered if that lens would cover an 8x10 since it had the 5x7 reducing back on there. Glad to see that it worked out and you're out shooting it!
The coverage was a big point of contention and honestly, I still don't know how it covers the frame. I've even tried it with movements (rear tilts/swings, front rise/fall) and it still seems to be fine. I post most of the photos over on my Instagram but I've been considering adding some on here in some posts. I'll also add that I'm going to ATTEMPT a portrait session with the camera tomorrow of a knifemaker friend of mine. Hopefully it will work out and I can get enough footage for an entire video of the session. We'll see how it goes!
They are indeed wonderful machines. I haven't shot with Winston since getting the 11x14 last summer. I've contemplated selling it but I just don't think I can bring myself to let it go.
other than the click bait, great video. Title says 100 year old camera you state it was made in 1934...2034? LOL, LOL, I have a 4x5 field camera and the bellows have a flat spot, they don't leak light and I've never had a problem with it. But, have you ever made your own bellows? I'm thinking I may want to replace the current one, foolish or not?
@@AdamWelch Sorry you missed my sense (poor as it) of humor. It was completely a joke. I love your channel and enjoy your approach to the art of photography, keep up the good work and again, sorry you thought I was being a jerk.
@@craigallenphotography Ah, after re-reading your comment I see it was hasty words on my part. Blame it on my constant en garde from working in this sess pool too long. As for your bellows, the flat portion could likely be "popped out" as if repairing a dent by carefully applying pressure from the inside of the bellows. If you've already tried this to no benefit but it's not affecting the performance I would assume a stance of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". However, well-made bellows aren't as astronomical as you might think (I've never made my own). I actually have a set of 5x7 on the way to Keith at custombellows.uk. he came highly recommended by some friends of mine. And thank you for the kind words btw. Sorry I mistook your original meaning.
@@AdamWelch No worries Adam, I could learn that vocal inflections don't translate through written words. I look forward to hearing about the bellows you have coming because my issue is purely cosmetic, so your "it it ain't broke" has been my MO and will probably continue. But, it seems I'm always looking for a project. Take care and I look forward to your next adventure.
@@craigallenphotography Sorry Craig I'm ridiculously behind on comments. Bad news on the bellows front I'm afraid; I sent the bellows off at the beginning of the year and the tracking shows no movement since I dropped it off at the post office...so they may be lost. At any rate, I'll update you if/when I receive my new set.
As a fellow collector and restorer (I own approximately 400 cameras), I took great pleasure in watching this. I rebuild wooden parts that are missing and use brass to replace or recreate when needed. As an old fart, I take my time. The therapy of a job well done has no description to the satisfaction level I enjoy. Wonderful work on your part. You have a new subscriber.
I completely understand your sentiment about the satisfaction which comes from using a camera you've personally restored/repaired. There's an inherent zen. I have come to the realization that a large part of my love for older cameras comes from the restoration process itself. I'm the same way with old typewriters. Living full time on the road now has limited my ability to take on larger restorations but I still tinker. I'm glad you're here and thanks for subscribing.
I did the same thing with a 4x5 about 11 years ago. I bought it on eBay, had a leaking bellows, so disassembled it to the bones. Replaced the bellows, and every screw, cleaned and polished nickel and brass. Cleaned and refinished wood, and had to make lens boards for 4 lenses. Love rescuers!!!
I'll likely be passively shopping for a longer lens here in the coming months so I'll be hacking out some lens boards myself haha
So enjoyable to watch, I didn't want it to end. It should be on continuous loop at every photography museum. A few things: After learning that the camera had been exposed to years of smoke, and naming the camera Winston, I wondered if there was a connection. Also, the sound of the shutter actuation, that "thwump," was dreamy. Lastly, love the use of the blood pressure cuff. Anyway, brilliant all around.
...you know...I hadn't really thought about that but you might not be far from the mark. The name came to me while I was watching "Darkest Hour" and seeing Churchill speaking to Parliament. Churchill and his cigars??? Maybe some unconscious connection ha And yes, this Packard #6 has a sound I never knew that I needed. It's sort of it's own brand of clap. I'm going to have a video lined up for the entire shutter/lens restore as well. It was just too much to include in with this one. Thanks for the kind words as always, btw. It's genuinely appreciated.
That's one great camera with fine history enjoy sir.
I liked the cigar and the saw 😮
Very nice I really did enjoy how you did the project. Have fun shooting with it.
Thanks, Chuck. Currently about to develop 6 sheets I shot in the Organ Mountains here in New Mexico.
Fantastic video! Really enjoyed watching it. I’ve just finished restoring an 1870 Watson & Sons plate camera back to shooting condition. You’ve inspired me to do a video about “Watson” 😀👍
Haha well that's fantastic! I have to admit I didn't know about Watson & Son's cameras so I gave it a quick Google. I'd love to see the video, man. If you don't mind shoot me the link when you have it up. Watson and Winston; can't miss.
What a cool video! I enjoyed your explaining how you lovingly restored Winston. And I look forward to seeing him in action in the future.
Thanks a lot, Gilbert!
Very well
Loved the video Adam. Thanks guy...
Hey Wayne (I assume this is the Wayne from eBay) I really appreciate the kind words.
@@AdamWelch I had a look at "Finding Markus" also. Great videos.
I'm getting ready to start a similiar project with a Seneca competitor 5x7 I found at an antique store. My camera did not come with a lens, and the bellows will need to be completely replaced. The rails were sticking in spots and I tried to sand the brass down a bit thinner and lubricate the wood slots with graphite lubricant but those attempts aren't getting me quite there. The rail won't sit at the correct angle, and cause a bind. I wish I would have watched this video before I dived in maybe I just needed to put a little furniture polish.
Yes the rail systems on these sort of cameras can be very problematic. I hope you can make it work for you. That sounds like a great camera.
Beautiful restoration
Hey Chris, thanks a lot. I really enjoyed this one and actually have done a few more modifications since the original restoration; namely adding felt light seals to the film back and adding a bamboo shim to the rear track articulation. I've put Winston into storage ever since I received my 11x14 camera and had every intention of eventually selling the entire kit once I got used to the ULF...but I just don't think I can.
@@AdamWelch I used to sell my hasselblad when film photography was dead around 2002 for a ridiculous price and I regret so much. Think twice. Winston has a soul.
@@chriscard6544 Very much so. I'll be hanging on to him for the foreseeable future. I'm slowly but surely transition to wet plate and I've got a feeling that once I stop travelling I'll make Winston a dedicated studio camera.
And I certainly empathize with you and your Hasselblad. I actually picked up my 500 C/M about a year ago. Prices for 500 series had nearly doubled across the board since before Covid and seem to only be rising. That was one of the reasons I went ahead and pulled the trigger when I did.
Fantastic rebuild dude
Thanks, man! Already covered most everything in our other convo but I'll add that I'm going to be doing some portraits with it tomorrow. No pressure ha
Very nice - look forward to seeing images from it. Watching that other video, I had wondered if that lens would cover an 8x10 since it had the 5x7 reducing back on there. Glad to see that it worked out and you're out shooting it!
The coverage was a big point of contention and honestly, I still don't know how it covers the frame. I've even tried it with movements (rear tilts/swings, front rise/fall) and it still seems to be fine. I post most of the photos over on my Instagram but I've been considering adding some on here in some posts. I'll also add that I'm going to ATTEMPT a portrait session with the camera tomorrow of a knifemaker friend of mine. Hopefully it will work out and I can get enough footage for an entire video of the session. We'll see how it goes!
i have had many of these cameras i love them
They are indeed wonderful machines. I haven't shot with Winston since getting the 11x14 last summer. I've contemplated selling it but I just don't think I can bring myself to let it go.
I bought an 8X10 Kodak D4 for $40.00 at the swap meet and will restore it by using your video, thank you so much.
Oh wow! That's fantastic. Best of luck. Feel free to share how it turns out.
other than the click bait, great video. Title says 100 year old camera you state it was made in 1934...2034? LOL, LOL, I have a 4x5 field camera and the bellows have a flat spot, they don't leak light and I've never had a problem with it. But, have you ever made your own bellows? I'm thinking I may want to replace the current one, foolish or not?
Click bait? I make a video restoring something in a completely honest and straightforward way and it's clickbait?
@@AdamWelch Sorry you missed my sense (poor as it) of humor. It was completely a joke. I love your channel and enjoy your approach to the art of photography, keep up the good work and again, sorry you thought I was being a jerk.
@@craigallenphotography Ah, after re-reading your comment I see it was hasty words on my part. Blame it on my constant en garde from working in this sess pool too long. As for your bellows, the flat portion could likely be "popped out" as if repairing a dent by carefully applying pressure from the inside of the bellows. If you've already tried this to no benefit but it's not affecting the performance I would assume a stance of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". However, well-made bellows aren't as astronomical as you might think (I've never made my own). I actually have a set of 5x7 on the way to Keith at custombellows.uk. he came highly recommended by some friends of mine. And thank you for the kind words btw. Sorry I mistook your original meaning.
@@AdamWelch No worries Adam, I could learn that vocal inflections don't translate through written words. I look forward to hearing about the bellows you have coming because my issue is purely cosmetic, so your "it it ain't broke" has been my MO and will probably continue. But, it seems I'm always looking for a project. Take care and I look forward to your next adventure.
@@craigallenphotography Sorry Craig I'm ridiculously behind on comments. Bad news on the bellows front I'm afraid; I sent the bellows off at the beginning of the year and the tracking shows no movement since I dropped it off at the post office...so they may be lost. At any rate, I'll update you if/when I receive my new set.