Hello,

I recently bought a vintage Agfa Ansco view camera and lenses. I'm
hoping someone can give me an idea of when the camera was made, the
model and information on the lenses.

The camera is a 5 x 7 Agfa Ansco with a 5 x 7 back. The metal plate on
the front of the camera reads: AGFA ANSCO CORP'N Binghampton NY
The finish on the camera is stained cherry, with a high gloss lacquer
finish. The hardware is finished with a bronze or gold gilt paint. I'm
not sure if it is brass underneath the paint or some other metal. The
various knobs on the camera are metal rather than the later Bakelite.
The camera has rear focus only, the front standard is stationary. The
front standard has rise and fall and shift only, no tilt. A brass L was
inset at the bottom of each side of the front standard for added
rigidity. Unlike some photos I've seen of 5 x 7 Universal Views, the
front standard vertical supports do not taper at the bottom. A Packard
shutter was installed behind the lens panel at some point in its
history. The bellows and handle are the original leather.

The camera has a built-in bed extension and could extend out to a
maximum length of 21 inches if the bellows were supple. A key lock
handle locks the front and rear beds together.

Any idea what age the camera is? I was thinking it had to be post 1926
(after Agfa Ansco merged). I also question whether this is could be a
Universal View because it does not have front focus. I don't think it
is the Standard model because of the finish, the excellent hardware and
21 inch rear extension. When did Ansco introduce front focus on its
view cameras?

It also came with four lenses:
1. 12 inch f/ 5.5 Goerz Celor in brass barrel with US stops.
US stops from 2 to 256 No shutter

2. Bausch & Lomb Protar Series VII 16 1/8 inch for both cells.
Cells mounted in a Wollensak Optimo shutter. F-stops f/6.8 to f/64

3. 8 1/4 inch Goerz Dagor f/6.8 Series III No. 3
In aluminum barrels mounted in a Koilos compound shutter

4. Bausch & Lomb Zeiss Protar Series V 6 1/2 x 8 1/2
In small brass barrel with US stops 20 to 256 No shutter

Any information on the camera and lenses would appreciated.