[LargeFormat] Noba 5x7 Studio Camera - Shen-Hao Copy?

[Les Newcomer]

Actually the Noba could be a direct predecessor to the Shen Ho at least 
within this definition:
Build a large format studio camera using technology, esthetics and 
finishes at least 50 years old.

 From what I remember, the Noba company was based in the US but by only 
about 1 mile. The factory was in Mexico and I'm pretty sure they came in 
went in the 50s.

Earlier models were finished in the 2D fashion.  This one may have been 
painted when the owner found some left overs from the house painters.

The models I've seen were only 5x7  with either 5x7 or 4x5 back.  These 
are fairly well built, no Raja but no Gandolfi either.

Les


On Thursday, November 7, 2002, at 05:32 AM, Hornford, Dave wrote:

> As a self appointed fashion nabob I feel compelled to offer a
> suggestion.
>
> The 5x7 camera in question provides interesting, yet functional,
> directions.
>
> The basic pine construction using 2x4 for the stand and what appear to
> be birch plywood for the back & left-side film holder point one towards
> practical self-sufficiency. Then the use of higher-grade wood (note the
> clear knot free look) and clear efforts towards a quality finish (note
> the rounded edges, the sawn corners on the trolley & the overall look of
> waxed pine) points to a sense of pride. The cast iron rise points toward
> a sense of adventure & the unknown black box with  levers visible in the
> second photo points towards a sense of mystery. The use of a 'fair' B&L
> triple convertible lens points towards an inner confusion (why would one
> go to the work of building this camera and the use of 5x7 film without
> also providing for the image quality available to 5x7)
>
> I see something from the heroic worker fashion of the early Soviet
> Union. I struggle between the basic uniform of boots, coveralls & cap
> exemplified in the poster at
> http://www.iisg.nl/exhibitions/chairman/sov21.html, and the more
> advanced fashion demonstrated by the statute of Sergie Kirov at
> http://www.geocities.com/sovietart/.
>
> Without the mysterious black box I would go with the simpler worker
> costume; with the mysterious black box the more dramatic image portrayed
> by Sergie with functional tunic set off by high books and a sweeping
> coat provide the right image. In both cases, the boots do support
> following in the footsteps of Uncle Dick.
>
> Dave
>
> Dave Hornford
> "Even within the limits of the possible, the possibilities are
> limitless."
>    --- Jules Deelder
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clive Warren [mailto:cocam@blueyonder.co.uk]
> Sent: November 7, 2002 3:39 AM
> To: largeformat@f32.net
> Subject: [LargeFormat] Noba 5x7 Studio Camera - Shen-Hao Copy?
>
>
> Here is a camera that clearly may be of interest to anyone wanting to
> follow in Uncle Dick's footsteps - if that's possible. Advice on
> suitable attire would of course be essential.
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1395753288&ssPageName
> =ADME:B:SS:US:1
>
> Cheers,
>         Clive
>
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