Kodak 2D - approx. value, parts sources, etc.

[2F/2F]

Hello,

I have been offered for $200 a Kodak 2D 8x10 with extension and 14" lens (Ilex). It was offered by an employee of a funky camera shop that I stopped into on a recent road trip. Fun store, it was. All sorts of old junk everywhere, at reasonable prices. The camera was not on hand in the store, as it is his personal camera. I know nothing about the specifics of these cameras; only that they are old and made of wood. Bellows have been neatly taped over with gaffer tape to cover leaks. Any thoughts on the usefulness and value of this baby? Experiences, problems, drawbacks, advantages? Owner says he has used tape-rigged bellows and they are ugly but keep light out just fine. I go to see it in about a week, probably with cash in hand, so want some input beforehand.

Movements, or lack thereof, are not a problem for my intended subjects. I will likely be shooting for both contact prints and 11x14 and 16x20 enlargements (rental darkroom, as I have no 8x10 enlarger).

My largest concern is film holder compatibility. Will modern film holders work, or will I need to hunt down period ones?

[Steve Smith]

I don't know what its value is but if it was offered to me for that price I would definitely take it.


Steve.

[Ian Grant]

It's a modern camera in some ways so takes standard holders. At $200 its an absolute bargain, the lens alone is worth that if in decent condition.

Buy it, use it, restore it. Even restoring bellows isn't too difficult or you could buy or make a new set.

Ian

[B&Jdude]

Ed Romney (now deceased) published a zillion manuals on repair of all known types of cameras, and among those manuals was a nice one on bellows making. Ed's wife still sells his manuals, and you can track her by Googling his name: Ed Romney. By the way, he lived in Pennsylvania and operated from there, but his wife is now in North Carolina.

$200, with that 14" Ilex lens? Buy it!

[eddie gunks]

the lens it self is worth more than $200. the next part that is worth the most is the rear rail. many people need the rail and will pay handsomely for it. i once sold a rail and threw in the camera.....

if you do not want to buy it please pass on the info to me and i will

eddie

[Barry S]

Sounds like a great deal to me as long as the bellows are useable. I have a 2D and they're excellent well-made cameras. A decent condition 8x10 kit with lens for $200 doesn't come by too often.

[JBrunner]

It's a sweet deal. Modern film holders fit. Movements are a bit lacking, but you do have front rise, and some back tilt and swing. Enough to get the job done on portraits, still life, and the strait forward landscape.

[jimgalli]

Roughly 85% of the images posted at my web site have been made with one of these. It is a work horse. Not pretty. One thing no one has mentioned that fits very well with my style of shooting is that a 6 1/2" Packard shutter will fit inside the camera up at the very front tucked in front of the first bellows fold. That gives a 3 1/2" opening ready for most old barrel lenses. With practice you can get everything from 1/25th second on down nicely with a Packard. There's a page about Packards at my web site.