Simple and quick to put up, take down, and operate, sturdy, movements stay in place when locked, nothing jiggles around or moves, has most movements (mine has front swing which I almost never use; front shift is the only movement lacking that on rare occasions I''d like to have), all in all there''s a reason why this camera has been as popular over the years as it has been

The same wing nuts that control front tilt also control front rise and fall, which can make it difficult, though not impossible, to move one without also moving the others; heavy - about 12 pounds - making it and the associated sturdy tripod, film holders, lenses, etc. quite a load to use on longer hikes; unless you''re careful when folding and unfolding the camera, the two struts on the front standard will rub against the bellows (though it''s not hard to be careful and eliminate this problem). I feel that except for the weight these "disadvantages" are really more minor irritants than significant disadvatages.

An excellent camera, beautifully made and designed

Customer Service

Deardorff hasn''t been in business for quite a while so there is no factory service. Ken Hough, and former Deardorff employee, provides excellent service though it takes a while.

Similar Products Used:

Linhof Technikardan 4x5; Linhof Technika V 4x5; Tachihara 4x5; Agra Ansco 5x7

The Deardorf, in any size is an extremely
precise field camera.
Everything in this
country should be produced with the care
of this camera.

Bellows wear from
opening and closing.
Extension bed knobs
lock irradically

I have used Deardorff, 4x5 special through 11x14,
for 25 years without any significant problems.
Being a involved with woodworking, I have been
involved with the restoration of these cameras
and have found insignificant camera wear on
this camera.

Customer Service

Self serviceable for
anyone capable of
simple mechanics.

Similar Products Used:

Linholf.
Kodak.
Resekamera.
Wisner.
Tackihara.
Etc.

Well built. Smooth operation as long as you give at least minimal care. It does just what it is designed to do and does it well. No extra bells & whistles, they aren't needed. It doesn't fail. If a mishap occurs,can be field repaired easily.

Not as precise as an all metal camera such as a Linhof or Sinar.

Excellent value for the money. It is designed to do a job and does it... year after year after year. And it looks good while doing so.

Customer Service

You can do it yourself or most good LF repairmen can work on it easily. Very simple camera.

Similar Products Used:

Wisner 8x10. Canham, Kodak wood & metal, Linhof, Sinar, Calumet.

Beatuiful, easy to use, good range of movements, good for both long and short lenses, easy to carry into the field. User servicable if you have moderate mechanical/woodworking skills.

Old, stiff bellows need replacing (not the camera's fault, though), 1/4" mounting thread. No front shift or rear rise.

I have the version with front swings, but there's no category for it here. Anyway, a Deardorff V8 WFS is one of the most beautiful and functional cameras out there, new or used. Buy one as either an entry into 8x10 or as a replacement camera and you won't be at all disappointed. Determine whether you really need the front swings and then go from there. A classic and wonderful camera to be sure!

Customer Service

None, Deardorff has gone under 10+ years since.

Similar Products Used:

Linhof Kardan Bi, Wisner Traditional, Speed Graphic

This is a great upper-end 8x10 camera that can be had pretty cheap - usually under $1,000- for one in excellent shape. It's sturdy, not TOO heavy, fits in a Kelty pack, and has all movements except front swings. Very well designed and will last forever.

The Deardorff takes a little practice to use and sometimes the knobs can be aggravating by coming loose or getting too tight.

If you can't afford a Phillips or a Canham or a Wisner but want a camera that will perform fabulously and offer you movements not found in the typical less expensive 8x10 offerings like the Eastman 2d, the Deardorff is the obvious choice.

Customer Service

None - the company is long out of business.

Similar Products Used:

Eastman 2d, Burke & James Grover.