Busch Pressman Miniature Press Camera (6x9cm)
Photo thanks to Ursula!
[email protected]
Side View:
View of Graflex Lens
Related Local Links:
Press and Mini-view Cameras
These photos provide a good look at this 6x9cm medium format view camera,
including a closeup of the view camera lens and shutter mounting.
Produced by the Busch Camera Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. A related
Pressman 4x5 model using the f/4.7 Ektar, Optar, or Raptar lenses are
also frequently found. Like many press cameras, these models drew some of
their inspirations from the Graphic press cameras.
The nice thing about a 6x9cm press camera is that you have the features
of movements (see below) to control perspective and other optical
factors, assuming sufficient lens coverage. Sheet film isn't as
readily or cheapily available as in the past. Ed Romney has suggested
cutting rollfilm into the desired 6x9cm sizes as an economical
alternative. However, many of us would prefer to modify a rollfilm
adapter to fit our camera, providing greater convenience in rollfilm usage.
The key advantage of these older 6x9cm press cameras is lower price
compared to the more highly regarded press cameras, such as the Horseman
series in 6x9cm format. You can find a 6x9cm Busch Pressman model for
circa $150 US, depending on condition (slightly more for the 4x5 models,
depending on lens and condition too). That's a lot less than the fancier
but more pricey 6x9cm press and view camera style cameras such as the
Horseman, Sinar, Technika, and so on. As you would expect, the 6x9cm
cameras are a good bit lighter than the 4x5 inch press cameras too.
If you are looking to do a lot of building and cityscapes, where control
of vertical lines is desired, but you want the convenience and smaller
size of medium format, look into a 6x9cm press or mini-view camera. I
suspect these cameras explain why you see so few perspective control
lenses in medium format - it is just much easier and cheaper to get a
6x9cm or similar press camera, or a view camera with a rollfilm back.
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2000
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT Busch-Pressman 4x5
Having owned and used a Busch Pressman 4x5 model D, I can give you a few
facts. The revolving back and the additional movements certainly give you
more flexibility than say a Crown Graphic. However, you pay for this in
weight. The camera is much heavier. I don't know about the lens, but
Linhof name should insure best quality of that particular design. The
Busch will not accept roll holders, except for the slide in type, as it
does not have a Graflok type back. Also, additional lensboards of their
unique design may be hard to come by and restrict your use of additional
lenses. As to the used Busch you're looking at, ask whether the leather in
the pop-up viewing hood is still intact as well as condition of the
bellows. I think the last of these were manufactured in the late 50s or
early 60s. Interestingly, I once saw one with the Tower (Sears) brand
name. probably had something to do with the fact they were built in
Chicago.
Email me direct any questions.
John Kendig
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2000
From: William Robinson [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT Busch-Pressman 4x5
In addition to the other comments on the Pressman:
Positive: I found the front had easier movements than the Super Graphic
types.
Easier forward tilt.
Negative: Shorter bellows of about 10" than Super Graphic which allowed
use of
12" lens.
Traded mine in for a Super Graphic.
-William F. Robinson
Just found your site and would like to comment on the 2-1/4 x 3-1/4
"Busch Pressman". I believe that the 1955 date of manufacture stated is
in error. It predated the 4 x 5 which was manufactured starting 1948/49.
I'm still have mine, which was one of the first to be manufactured.
In fact, in the process of locating a Polaroid adapter (4 x 5) to take
pictures at a Highschool reunion in October. Have a model 500 adapter,
and Polaroid does not recommend using it. But going to get some film for
it and try anyhow.
This model "D" has the top mounted, "Vue-Focus" rangefinder, and the
"Wollensak Rapax" lens.
Any questions, I'll try to answer them.
Thanks,
Ron Boschelli
[Ed. note: thanks to Mr. Boschelli for this update; oftentimes the EBAY
seller/owner's info may be wrong, as seems to be the case here...]
[Ed. note: a followup post to share...]
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000
From: "RONALD A. BOSCHELLI" [email protected]
To: Robert Monaghan [email protected]
Subject: Re: Busch Pressman 2-1/4 x 3-1/4
Robert:
Thanks for the response.
Also the 4 x 5 came with a top mounted "Vue-Focus" ranger finder; or
optional top mounted, "Kalart" rangefinder and also optional side
mounted "Kalart".
It made (makes) an excellent view camera by virtue of its dropable bed
and adjustable vertical and horizontal lens board.
Its only drawback for day to day use as a press camera is its weight.
When mounted with a "Heiland" flash unit with its batteries and
reflector, it started to weight little more than the wooden "Speed
Graphic". But because of it metal diecast body would take a lot more
abuse, and mine did.
Still have mine, and does seem heavier that it used to. Of course I was
physically younger then {G}.
Regards,
Ron Boschelli
--
Busch Pressman Roll Back Modifications
Photos courtesy of Marc Lathrop - Thanks!!
This has often been the subject of posts in this newsgroup over the years.
I bought a really nice Busch Pressman C 2 1/4x3 1/4 for the purpose of
entering medium format photography. The quality of Busch cameras is really
outstanding. I lamented after that there was no practical way to shoot
roll film with it. The only manufactured roll film holders for this were
for 620 film, which is no longer manufactured.
Well, I've devised a modification for the Busch that allows the use of
Graphic roll backs and does no permanent alteration to the camera.
In brief, it involves removing the standard back pieces and replacing them
with a new frame fashioned from hardwood - using the original mounting
screws and hardware. It can be constructed by an above average
hobbyist/craftperson in a couple of hours using basic tools. The prototype
works fine but has room for improvements. The original focusing screen
back can be interchanged with the roll back, so sheet film holders can
still be used too. The clips that retain the roll holder are plastic
window screen clips. I would have really liked to use clips like a graflok
back, but could not find any readily available.
If anyone has an interest in making this modified back send me a note and
I'll send you some jpg's of the project and try to answer questions.
[Ed. note: thanks to Raymond for sharing these observations and tips!]
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002
From: Raymond Muise [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Busch Pressman Model 'C' - 2 1/4 x3 1/4 Camera
Hi....
I have and use a BUSCH PRESSMAN, MODEL 'C' - 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Press Camera.
Buying it used about 14 years ago, it came with a Schneider-Krueznach 105mm
f 4.5 - f 32 lens sitting in a Synchro-Compur shutter. The speeds are from B
to 1/500th, and synchronized for bulb and electronic flash.
I'm still fascinated by the enlargements I get from colour and black and
white 120 print films. Transparencies in either Fuji or Kodak could make me
park my 35mm cameras if the Busch was a bit more convenient to use. It only
took one roll of 620 film to convince me to have the TA-MAR ADAPT-A-ROLL 620
modified to accept 120 film. This feat was accomplished by a camera magician
in Toronto.
A few years back, (1988) soon after purchasing the camera, I took photos of
a family re-union with more than 100 people from babies to family patriarchs
in a group family outdoor photo. The setting was outdoors at a beautiful
Ontario cottage in late summer. A lot was riding on the camera (and
photographer) as this was their first family re-union since the 1950's.
I was indeed fortunate to be able to take three shots before the many
children began to scatter.
The camera and film adapter performed flawlessly on Kodak Vericolor Pro
film, and the client was tickled upon viewing the 16 x 24 and 24 X 36
enlargements. I still am!
I would appreciate some specs on my Schneider-Krueznach 105mm lens from
anyone out there, and also interested in buying defunct (or working)
adapt-a-rolls for parts. Especially the long slides.
To anyone interested, I have the small "Manual of Care and Operation" for
the Busch Model 'C' Press Camera, along with an information brochure:
'Freidrich Deckel Munich 25' for the synchro-compur shutter.
I also have the INSTRUCTIONS and PARTS LIST for the Adapt-a-Roll 620.
Someone on another site indicated they had difficulty sourcing information
for these film adapters. I will offer them free in JPEG and PDF to your site
and/or to anyone by email, upon request, as soon as I'm able to have them
scanned.
Raymond B Muise
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Canada
[email protected]
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