Laben Deardorff  (known to his family as gramps) was a late 19th-early 20th century camera repairman. He ran the Eastman Kodak store in Rochester, in the late 19th century. It is said, but not proven, that Mr. Deardorff suggested the idea of rollfilm to George Eastman.  In 1923 he came out with his first line of cameras. They were strikingly innovative, bringing the wooden camera into the 20th century. He introduced a long bellows and the extensive movements we expect with a field camera today. He also designed the folding system which is used on most modern field cameras. In fact, most of the wooden cameras made today are based on his design: brands such as Ebony, Wisner, Lotus, Osaka and a dozen others. Many well known photographers have used the Deardorff including Clyde Butcher, Nicholas Nixon and Richard Avedon.  The family sold the brand in 1988.  Just over 6300 numbered 8x10 cameras had been built, plus quite a few before they started using serial numbers. The Deardorff is still the best solution for a photographer or artist who wants a good working 8x10 at a reasonable price.  The later models have front swings, and all movements except rear rise/fall and front and rear shifts. They have a second front rise/fall which extends the range of the camera. Deardorffs are available  from approx. $1000 to $4000. A mint Deardorff goes for $3500-4000., a mint minus for$2500-3500., an excellent from$1500-2000.  They also made 4x5,  5x7 and 11x14 cameras. The 4x5 and 11x14 are prized more by collectors than photographers because they are heavy and bulky and there are better choices for the price among contemporary cameras.  The 5x7's are still viable users, but hard to find with front swings. For a list of cameras currently available go to http://stores.ebay.com/brucesfieldcamerastore