Laban F. Deardorff repaired cameras for nearly 30 years before building the first 8x10 Deardorff.[4] He had been employed by Rochester Camera Company in Rochester, New York, during the 1890s.[5][6]
All of the Deardorff view cameras featured swing and tilt movements, and there were optional accessories such as stands and cases.[11]
The 8x20, 12x20, 11x14[12]
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[13]
Photographers' experiences in using the camera
Photographer David Munson has related his experiences in restoring and using a Deardorff 8x10.[14] Kevin Klazek also related his experience in restoring a Deardorff V8 in ''View Camera'' magazine.[15]
Publications showing Deardorffs
The February 1998 25th anniversary edition of Texas Monthly featured a Deardorff on the cover and said:
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.[16]
