L.F. Deardorff & Sons Inc. was a manufacturer of wooden-construction, large-format 4"x5" and larger bellows view camera from 1923 through 1988. They were used by professional photographic studios.

Company history

Laban F. Deardorff repaired cameras for nearly 30 years before building the first 8x10 Deardorff. He had been employed by Rochester Camera Company in Rochester, New York, during the 1890s.

Model history

Almost all Deardorff cameras were made of mahogany.

General features

All of the Deardorff view cameras featured swing and tilt movements, and there were optional accessories such as stands and cases. The 8x20, 12x20, 11x14 All Deardorff model featured:

Photographers' experiences in using the camera

Photographer David Munson has related his experiences in restoring and using a Deardorff 8x10. Kevin Klazek also related his experience in restoring a Deardorff V8 in View Camera magazine.

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."