Deardorff

Company history

Model history

• 1923 saw the first model, the V8 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 5⨉7 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"⨉10" 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

• 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

Publications showing Deardorffs

The cover shot with the lens in the shape of the state of Texas, mounted on an 8⨉10 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.