Eastman View No. 2

[bob_rief]

I recently picked up a Eastman View No. 2 Improved Model of Century View and

Empire State No. 2 camera. The camera is in 8 x 10 format. It's a totally

beautiful piece for my collection. I don't know much about it. Can someone give

me a little history on this monster? What year was it born? How much are these

worth currently?

 

I'd appreciate any and all information.

[alex_hollmann]

I have one of these, and it works fine, but can be a little wobbly. What I would like to get is the sliding tripod block mount for it - this enables you to balance the camera better. It often gets lost, and so you don't often see them for sale with the camera. I was lucky enough to get the additional extension rail that fits behind the camera (illustrated in link below). I think I paid about $300 for mine off ebay four years ago (came with four film holders, bellows had to be replaced).

 

See here for dates of manufacture (c.1914-1920) and references: http://www.fiberq.com/cam/ekc/2.htm