Antique, vintage and used digital
cameras/lenses price guide.
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Collection by Madd10.
One of my objectives is to collect Single Lens Reflex cameras that illustrate the SLR development but at the same time I can not resist acquiring other interesting cameras, not necessarily SLR, therefore you will also find a number of attractive miniature and other cameras in my collection.
I also have a small collection of Nikon lenses that you'll find at the bottom of the page.
Contact Madd10
Cameras
| Manufacturer:Model | Manufacture years | Serial Number | Date acquired | Price Paid | Comments | |
 | 3 early reflex cameras: 3 Pre war cameras | These three cameras illustrate the development of the SLR camera before WWII. The Ihagee Exakta A from 1933 is the first small focal plane plane SLR to be ever produced, The Exakta Kine from 1936 is the first 35 mm SLR camera and the Praktiflex from 1939 was a lower priced alternative to the Exakta Kine. The Exakta Kine was priced at 200 Reichsmark (with Exaktar 3,5/5,4 cm) while a 1939 Praktiflex with a 3,5/5 cm Schneider Kreuznach Xenar lens was priced at 98 Reichsmark. | ||||
 | 6 early reflex cameras: 6 early postwar cameras | These are 3 early postwar SLR cameras. The Contax D is, together with the Rectaflex considered one of the first SLR with penta prism. Both cameras were produced in the early 1950\'s. The Asahiflex I is from 1951 and the first Japanese 35 mm SLR. | ||||
 | 9 early reflex cameras: 3 Japanese post war cameras | The Nikon F from 1959 and the Canon F-1 from 1977 illustrate the dominance of the Japanese producers after WW II and the success with professional photographers for the 35 mm SLR. The Minolta SR-M from 1970 is the first 35 mm SLR with a built in motor drive. | ||||
        | Adams & Co: Yale No.1 | 1895-1910 | 24 Feb 2023 | 1895 - detective camera with plates | ||
 | Adox: Juka | 1950-1952 | 26 May 2016 | 1950 -- Just after WWII both Japan and Germany produced a range of miniature cameras. The Juka is a typical example and actually a close copy of the "Junka" which Adox produced in the 1930's. The camera uses proprietary paper backed rollfilm and takes 3X4 cm pictures. My camera still looks unused to me and has a black "hammered" metal surface. There is a film inside and the speeds still work. The bottom of the camera even has a tripod connection. | ||
 | American Advertising: Cub | c1940 | 30 April 2015 | 1940 -- This tiny plastic camera was sold in 1940 for 15 Cent to customers who also bought a carton of any Pepsodent product. It made 28×40mm exposures on type 828 film rolls. There is also a very similar looking camera with a white instead of a red winding knob which was marketed under the Scenex name and produced by Earl Products Co. (Chicago IL, USA), the same camera was also produced in the UK with the name snappy (source: (http://submin.com/large/collection/scenex/index.htm\">\"Snappy) The shutter of my camera does not work and the camera is warped so that it does not close properly. The camera has still the original box that was used to ship it. | ||
 | Ansco: Memo (wood body) | c1926 | 13 june 2014 | 1926 -- Early small 35 mm camera from around 1926, the shutter works but the film transport system is jammed. | ||
 | Ansco: Semi Automatic | c1924 | 3743 | 23 May 2016 | 1924 -- this is a 1920's camera with a motor drive !!! It was one of the first automatic advance camera for paper-backed rollfilm. Ansco also introduced the "Automatic" one year earlier which therefore can be considered the first automatic advance camera for paper-backed rollfilm but none of these cameras were a big success which makes them rather hard to find today. It is not the first attempt to a motorized camera this was probably the "Le Pascal" box camera from the French company Japy 24 years earlier in 1900. Surprisingly enough, motorized film advance did not seem a feature that a lot of customers were expecting in a camera. In this camera, there is a spring motor that advances the film when one presses a lever on the left side of the camera. So taking a picture and moving the film to the next frame are still two separate actions. the camera is in quite nice cosmetic condition, the spring motor still operates and the shutter still fires all be it every time at the same speed. | |
 | Argus: Argus K | 1939-1940 | K2451 | 14 July 2014 | 1939 -- This camera is probably the rarest of the Argus models, around 1,800 were produced, the camera was sold for less than a year. The strange thing about this camera is the viewfinder which is near the bottom, not the top. The idea is that you use your forehead to steady the camera while aiming and shooting. Another feature is the coupled extinction exposure meter. You first select the time and then move a knob with diaphragm readings while looking at the subject through the meter tube, If there is enough light, there will be a light visible through the tube which extinguishes once the correct aperture is selected. The Model K was manufactured in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Daguerre process and very different from other Argus models. It was a complete failure in the market place and therefore this camera is now quite hard to find. | |
 | Asahi: Asahiflex I | 1952-1953 | 27549 | 20 Sept 2014 | 1951 -- The Japanese are coming !! This is quite an important historical reflex camera in that it was the first Japanese 35 mm SLR reflex camera. Only some 7,500 cameras were produced and only for the Japanese market. The camera is certainly \"inspired\" by the Praktiflex from 1939. The lens is a Takumar 50 mm 3.5 with SN 28247 | |
 | Asahi: Asahiflex IA | 1953-1954 | 34401 | 15 Jan 2015 | 1953 -- After its introduction, there were quite a number of changes to the design of the Asahiflex (this seems to have been the case with many of the first SLR reflexes - look for instance at the Exakta VP and Exakta Kine as well as the Praktiflex cameras). This camera is the same as the Tower 23 camera sold in the US. In total only 11,500 Asahiflex IA and Tower 23 cameras were produced. The quality of the chrome of this camera is better than that of my other Asahiflex cameras. The lens is a Takumar 50 mm 3.5 with SN 37622. | |
 | Asahi: Asahiflex IIA | 1955 | 55958 | 15 Feb 2015 | 1955 -- Next iteration of the Asahiflex with a major improvement of the \"quick return\" mirror. The quick return mirror was introduced with the Asahiflex IIB which was produced between 1954 - 1956 the Asahiflex IIA was produced between 1955 - 1957. The main difference between both cameras is that the IIA has a slow speed dial (clearly visible on the front of the camera). The flash synchronization has F and X. My model has a 58 mm 2.4 Takumar with SN 76411. Many minor changes appear and one could probably have quite an extensive collection of only early Asahiflexes. | |
 | Asahi: Asahiflex IIA | 1955 | 77383 | 15 March 2015 | 1955 -- Also an Asahiflex IIA - the difference with the other Asahiflex IIA camera is that in this case the flash synchronization has F and X markings. This model is also not working any more (the mirror is stuck, the shutter still fires). The lens is a 50 mm 3.5 takumar with SN 86184. The Asahiflex IIA is much more common compared to the previous versions, in total some 21,700 IIA cameras were sold. | |
 | Asahi: Pentax Auto 110 | 1979-1983 | 2057451 | 2012 | 1980 -- This is the smallest real SLR camera ever produced, an Auto 110 probably from around 1980. The camera uses 110 film cartridges. The Auto 110 was replaced around 1982 by the Auto 110 super. This camera can relatively frequently be seen on Ebay. My set (so far) consists of a winder and 2 lenses the standard 24 mm 2.8 (equivalent to 50 mm in the 35 mm format) and tele 50 mm 2.8 lens (eq. to 100 mm in the 35 mm format) | |
       | Asahi: Pentax Auto 110 Safari (brown) | 1979 | 1366202 | 7 April 2020 | 1979 -- This version was only produced in 1979 and was a limited edition presentation item offered to selected dealers and company officials. The official name is maroon but the camera is more often referred to as \"safari\". I also have the original suede pouch and two lenses, the tele 2.8 50 mm (equivalent to 100 mm in a 35 mm format) and a wide angle 2.8 18 mm lens (equivalent to 35 mm in the 35 mm format) | |
 | Asahi: Pentax ME F | 1982 | 3964557 | 2011 | 1981 -- This Pentax ME F is the first mass market 35 mm SLR that could be fitted with an autofocus lens. Not many times can one buy really mint equipment, so I consider myself very lucky to have been able to buy the first autofocus zoom lens for a SLR on Ebay. I also have the box which still has the original price of 595 $. The camera and winder are not in mint condition but still quite presentable. | |
 | Asahi: Pentax SFX | 1987-1989 | 3984651 | 2012 | 1987 -- First Autofocus SLR with built in Flash, was produced between 1987 and 1989. The serial numbers I have seen are in the 37XXXXX to 40XXXXX range so this is probably a model produced in 1988 or 89. In size it is very close to my current digital SLR (Nikon D90). | |
 | Automatic Radio: Tom Thumb Camera Radio | c1948-1960s | 24 Dec 2015 | 1940's -- The Tom Thumb is a combination of a radio and a camera. The front of the Radio-Camera folds forward and then reveals a radio based on four tubes. The camera is a simple bakelite twin reflex camera with two time settings (inst. and time) there is no distance setting or possibility to change the diaphragm. | ||
      | Beier: Beierflex Model 2 | 1938 | 30 Oct 2021 | 1939 - Second version of the Beierflex camera which was introduced in 1938. This is the only reflex camera that was produced by the German camera manufacturer Beier, quite hard to find, and was only produced until 1941. The camera uses 120 film and produces 6X6 images as well as 4.5X6 (when using a mask). the camera was sold at 98 to 172 RM depending on the lens. The lens on this camera is a standard Schneider-Kreuznach Radionar 3.5/7.5cm No.1537728. | ||
 | Bell & Howell: Foton | 1948 | 19 August 2016 | 1948 -- This is really a classical beautifully designed camera and a proof that Americans could indeed build German quality cameras. The camera was priced at the time at 700 US$ so it is not a big surprise that it did not sell very well despite being a unique piece of engineering. The camera has a built in mechanical motor drive that has a speed of 6 fps !! (we are talking 1948 - it would take at least another 50 years for cameras to have built in motor drives as a standard). Around the camera a range of lenses and other accessories were designed making it a full system camera. The camera is quite hard to find (only 500 cameras were sold).. | ||
 | Bentzin: Favorita Primar | c1930 | 8 Oct 2014 | 1930 ? -- This camera does not really match 100% the description for the Bentzin Favorita. It is a double extension folding plate camera and on the back it says \"BENTZIN PRIMAR\". However the lens/shutter combination (normally compur shutter and Helioplan or Tessar) is a extra rapid aplanat Helios F1:8 13 cm and ICA written on the front. ICA was a producer of cameras that became part of Zeiss Ikon in 1926. | ||
 | Bolsey: Bolsey C | 1950-1956 | 157140 | 26 Sept 2016 | 1955 -- One of the very few 35mm TLR's and the only one with both rangefinder and viewfinder and also one of the smallest full frame 35mm cameras ever made. Wollensak Anastigmat 44mm f: 3.2 Taking and Viewing Lenses and Wollensak Synchro-Matic Shutter with Speeds from 1/10 sec. sec. to 1/200 sec. T.and B. My camera is in excellent condition and shows hardly any use. Although not that hard to find, these cameras are often heavily used. | |
 | Bolta (Photavit): Photavit III | 1946-1947 | 3105 | 5 Sept 2016 | 1948 - One of the smallest 35 mm cameras hardly taller than a 35 mm film cassette. The first of the Boltavit/Photavit range of cameras was produced in 1938 but this is a Photavit III which was introduced after WWII in 1946. My camera is probably from around 1948 based on the serial number of the Compur shutter (6337542). The Photavit uses a proprietary 35 mm film (my camera still has two original cartridges). The shutter fires but the shutter release on top of the camera is jammed. Cosmetic condition of the camera is very good, the lens is a Schneider Kreuznach Radionar 37.5 mm F: 3.5 with SN 1889556 which is also from 1948. | |
        | Butcher & Son: Reflex Carbine | c1925 | D6814 | 3 Dec 2020 | 1920\'s - an early wooden leather covered reflex box camera. There are two shutter buttons on the front of the camera (one for T and one for I). There are a film winding key and a focusing knob on top of the camera. The shutter is cocked and the mirror put in place by handling a large lever that is also situated on top of the camera. The film is 120 rollfilm andthe picture size is 6X9cm. The lens is a simple Aldis Uno Anastigmat 7,7 / 4,25 inch lens. | |
     | Butcher & Son: Watch Pocket Klimax | c1913-1920 | 17 Feb 2020 | 1910's - Very small folder camera using 1¾x2½ plates. The exact same camera was also produced by ICA under the Victrix brand name. The Watch Pocket Klimax seems to be less common. | ||
 | Camerette: Super-camera | c1935 | Sept 2016 | 1930\'s - A Japanese simple box camera that used so ,called no-need-darkroom film. The film was sold in light-proof paper sheaths, with a sliding paper cover. The sheath was loaded into the camera, and the paper cover was slid out to take the picture, then put back before unloading the camera. After the exposure, the sheath was immersed in developer and opened again. Complete darkness was not required, because the developer fluid contained a desensitizing agent (source: Article by Yoshikawa Hayao in Asahi Camera May 1931, reproduced in Awano, pp.16–8 of Camera Collectors\' News no.316). | ||
 | Cameron Surgical: Color Flash Clinical Camera | c1950 | No serial n° | 1 March 2019 | 1950's -- This "Color Flash Clinical Camera" (name listed on the back) was sold by the Cameron Surgical Specialty Company during the 1950's. The Cameron Surgical Specialty Co produced a range of surgical equipment and was in existence between 1915 and 1959 This camera was used for dental and medical use and uses 35 mm film. There are two compartments, one for the film and a second one in which a flash bulb has to be inserted, several lenses can be fitted on the camera, there are two speed settings, "Time" or "Instantaneous". I believe this camera to be quite rare. here are a few more pictures | |
 | Canon: Canon F-1 | 1971-1981 | 532635 | 1 March 2015 | 1977? -- The F1 was Canon's first professional SLR camera and positioned to compete with Nikon's F camera. Based on the features (for instance film reminder at the back) I believe my camera to be a F-1n. The date code is hard to read but I think it is R406 which would date the camera in 1977. This link provides information on how to determine the age of your canon camera. I think that my camera is still in a very clean condition including the bottom plate, a little bit of brassing and some small bumps on the prism but the inside is still extremely clean. I doubt that the camera has been used professionally. | |
 | Canon: Canon F-1N | 1981 | 154992 | 22 April 2017 | 1981 - This is the "New" Canon F1 introduced in 1981. The strange thing about my camera is that the lettering is in black. I don't think that the lettering has been removed so I believe this to be intentional by Canon but so far I have been unable to find a reference to this specific version. | |
 | Canon: Canon T70 | 1984 | 1059699 | 2011 | 1981 -- A T70 fitted with Canons very first Autofocus lens, the canon zoom FD 35-70 mm 1:4 AF | |
 | Canon: Pellix (black) | 1965-1966 | 149984 | 22 April 2017 | 1965 - When Canon introduced the Pellix in 1965 it was considered a very advanced SLR camera and the first Canon camera with TTL. It uses a semi transparent FIXED mirror behind which a CDS cell can be moved to do a Through The Lens (TTL) light measurement by using the self timer lever on the right-hand side of the camera front. After only one year, there were a couple of minor modifications including a quick loading feature. These cameras are recognized by their QL logo on the front. The Pellix is not uncommon but quite sought after by collectors. | |
   | Carpentier, Jules: Photo-Jumelle | c1890s | 26 April 2014 | 1891 -- This is not what it looks like - it is not a stereo camera. One of the lenses is for taking and the other for viewing. The camera was developed by Jules Carpentier, a French engineer. Jules Carpentier worked for the \'Ateliers Ruhmkorff\', a producer of scientific equipment. Carpentier had initially only developed the camera for his own use but then decided to bring it into production through the company Ruhmkorff (which he later on acquired). The idea was to have a very simple small camera that could easily take snapshots. The camera produced 4,5X6 cm negatives on glass plates. The camera could be loaded with 12 plates. There is no distance setting, the camera produced sharp results from 7 m to infinity. There was also only one fixed time of 1/60th of a second. Carpentier also developed a simple enlarger that produced 13X18 cm reproductions. In 1914, the camera sold for 75 FRF with the rectilinear lens and for 165 FRF for the camera with Zeiss lens. Carpentier also produced a larger Photo Jumelle With 6,5X9 cm negatives. again with either rectilinear ((125 FRF in 1914) or Zeiss lens (215 FRF in 1914) this model could also be supplied with focusing device for the price of 265 FRF (1914) | ||
 | Chinon: Chinon CE-4 Memotron | 1979 | 368686 | 2014 - 2017 | 1979 -- It took me many months to cobble this camera together, it is probably the weirdest SLR of my collection and an example of the frantic technology explosion of the 1970\'s. The strange looking autofocus lens is a 35-70 mm f3.3 - 4.5 zoom with a standard K-mount with a built-in infrared autofocus system and motor, powered by three AAA batteries. It operates independently of the camera, so it can be fitted to any camera with a K bayonet. There is also the Power winder PW 545 which takes 4 AA batteries (winding speed is 0.5 sec) and the data back operating on a 9 V battery and of course the body itself that requires three small LR44 batteries. Definitely a Power house !! By the way, I also have the standard 50 mm Auto Chinon 1.9 lens but the autofocus zoom definitely gives the camera more character. | |
 | Chinon: Chinon CE-4 Memotron | 1979 | The back of the same camera (without Power winder). Showing a very sophisticated data back powered by a single 9 V battery. Traditional data backs automatically imprint date and time, but Chinon wanted to add more \'functionality\': you can type a message up to 30 characters on its alphabetical keyboard and, with a series of switches and button presses, imprint it on the film with a dot-matrix light printer built into the pressure plate. No idea why anyone would like to have 30 Characters printed on its pictures but hey - if we have the technology, why not build it in. | |||
 | Cinescopie: Photoscopic (focusing) | c1924 | 12 Oct 2018 | 1924 - Early 35 mm camera, the camera uses 35 mm film that has to be spooled onto proprietary cartridges. One cartridge has enough film to produce 50 pictures of size 24X24 mm. There are 9 speed settings, 1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/150, B and T, and two versions were produced a fixed focus or this model which has a distance scale of 35 cm to infinity, diaphragm can be changed from f3.5 to f28, but different versions were produced with different speeds and diaphragm settings. The camera was invented by the Belgian André van Remoortel and only around 100 cameras were produced (source, Van Remoortel in the trade journal Cyclope n° 13 page 26), The camera is very similar to the Austrian OTAG Amourette camera which was introduced in 1925. During the 1920\'s there was an increased interest in smaller cameras which was driving the use of 35 mm as a film format. Around the same time (1923, 1924) Leitz was also selling their first Leica cameras that obviously became a huge success. | ||
 | Concava: Tessina 35 | c1957-1996 | 62877 | 2 Feb 2017 | The Tessina is really a \"must have\" camera for the serious collector. It is a miniature Twin Lens Reflex camera that produces 14x21mm images on 35 mm film with a built-in, spring motordrive. The camera is well built and has a unique design. This is the automatic version, there is also a standard version. The camera was produced for a very long time. My camera has serial number 62877. Most cameras that I have seen have 6 digit SN so I believe that this must be a rather early version. So far I have not been able to find a list with serial numbers, if you know of such a list I would be interested hearing from you. My camera comes with the original carry on case and has normal traces of use. Here is a link with lots of information on this interesting camera. | |
      | Contessa-Nettel: Sonnet Tropen (Tropical) (6.5x9) | 1920s | 260307 | 8 July 2023 | 1920 The Contessa Nettel Tropen Camera was a popular camera produced by the German camera manufacturer, Contessa Nettel. It was designed for use in tropical climates, hence the name \"Tropen\". The camera was known for its durability and was built to withstand the harsh conditions of tropical environments. It was produced in the 1920\'s. It was considered a high-end camera for professional and serious amateur photographers. The Tropen Camera was available in various models and formats, including 6.5x9cm and 9x12cm. My camera has a Tessar 4.5/12cm No.375544 in Compur 1-250 shutter. The serial number is stamped in the teak body and not very legible. Contessa Nettel was founded in 1908 by Curt Bentzin and Heinrich Nettel in Stuttgart, Germany. They were known for producing high-quality cameras and were one of the leading camera manufacturers in Europe during their time. Contessa Nettel continued to produce cameras throughout the early 20th century, but the company was eventually bought by Zeiss Ikon in 1926. The Contessa Nettel brand continued to be used by Zeiss Ikon for several years, but eventually, the brand was phased out in favor of the Zeiss Ikon name. | |
 | Continental: Insta-Load II | c1965 | 15 March 2016 | 1960\'s -- This US made camera is extremely hard to find and was only produced for a couple of years by the Chicago based Continental Camera company. The main feature of this unique camera is that you can either use the \"drop-in\" 126 cartridge or standard 127 roll film. I have not seen any other camera that has this feature. The roll film cost less and produced 16 half-frame pictures from an 8 frame roll. With the 126 cartridge you would get 12 full-frame pictures from every cartridge. My camera still has a (damaged) original blister package and one unopened cartridge. The camera looks hardly used and has another cartridge inside. I guess someone took a couple of pictures with it and then put it in a cupboard. | ||
 | Corfield: Periflex (original) | 1953 | 2236 | 4 Nov 2019 | 1953 - The Corfield Periflex is quite an interesting camera in that it takes Leica lenses it does not have a coupled viewfinder but instead has a \'persicope\' on top of the camera that can be lowered into the camera to help with focussing. Therefore the camera can be used with a variety of lenses with different focal points. The initial idea was to sell only the body but as the camera was quite successful, it was quickly decided to also supply it with a 50 mm lens. There is also a removable ring around the shutter release which allows for a Leitz cable release. This is the very first model with pigskin covering. Between 200 and 400 cameras with pigskin were produced, later models have a more traditional black leather covering. Another easily recognizable feature of this first version is the protruding flash synchronization contact which in later models is worked into the camera. There have been sales of cameras where the black leather was replaced by pig skin. Identified serial numbers for the pig skin version range from 1971 up to 2401. My camera also comes with an original coated lens with serial number 2311. Overall the camera is in a very nice and working condition. Here is a link with more information. The camera was sold in 1953 for 32.19 GBP with a coated 50 mm lens, 29.18 GBP for the camera with uncoated lens and 19.19 GBP for a body only | |
 | Coronet Camera: Midget black | c1935-1936 | 5 Nov 2014 | 1935? -- The camera is from the mid 1930's and in very good condition, no oxidation and no damage to the Bakelite. The camera came with one original spool. These cameras are not that rare but often the front plate is very oxidized. Before I had one of these cameras I thought they were much bigger. As you can see on the picture the camera is about the size of a 35 mm film cartridge. The Midget sold for "$2.85 (including delivery) in the US in 1939". | ||
 | Coronet Camera: Midget brown | c1935-1936 | 14 July 2018 | 1935? - Another Coronet Midget in attractive brown bakelite. The bakelite is still intact the shutter fires but the back red window is missing. The camera came with its original leather pouch. | ||
 | Coronet Camera: Midget red | c1935-1936 | 16 May 2015 | 1935? -- This is a reddish brown version of the Coronet Midget, I have seen many different hues of red and brownish red. Condition is not as good as my black camera but still quite presentable, the shutter fires, there is a small piece of bakelite chipped off the back. | ||
 | Coronet Camera: Vogue | c1936 | 23 Dec 2015 | 1936 -- Tiny bakelite folder camera from 1936. It requires special "Vogue 35" film for images of 3x5cm. The lens is a simple f/10 meniscus and there is no exposure adjustment besides a "Time" exposure option. The bakelite still looks quite nice and the camera snaps open easily. The brown coating on the bellows has deteriorated somewhat. | ||
       | Debrie: Sept II | 1923-1927 | 5 Juni 2020 | 1923 -- André DEBRIE 35 mm Camera with mechanical motor. Lens Roussel Stylor 3.5/50mm The Ciné Photo Sept is a camera with a unique design and is relatively rare. The camera uses perforated 35 mm film. The body is made of aluminium and the motor is made of brass. The name refers to the seven functions that the camera performs. 1) Camera in frame by frame mode, 2) Camera in burst mode, 3) Sequential shooting (cartoons) with a lamp 4) Slide projector (still or animated films), 5) Film projector, 6) Printer from negatives to positives and 7) Enlarger. This is the second model with a bulkier reinforced engine, slightly rounded on the front (the first engine is cubic and the corresponding body has a rectangular opening, obscured by a sliding flap). The second model, has a rear window, obscured by a screw cap. | ||
       | DeVry: QRS Kamra | c1928 | 14 July 2020 | 1928 - The QRS Kamra is an early 35 mm camera. Initially it was produced by QRS, a company producing player pianos and piano rolls and also motion picture projectors and cameras. the camera was sold for $22.50. In 1929, Q.R.S.merged with the DeVry Corporation to form the Q.R.S.-DeVry Corporation. This company lasted less than three years, it produced a number of cine cameras and projectors. Soon after the merger the company stopped the production of the Kamra. The camera uses 35mm cinema film stock that has to be loaded into special cassettes. One cassette has enough film for 40 frames. The frame size is 24mm x 32mm, contrary to the frame size of the Leica cameras (24mm x 36mm). The Kamra has a fixed-focus Graf 40mm f/7.7 lens and a single speed shutter operated by a crank that also advances the film. The crank is often broken (missing). and also my camera has no crank any more. | ||
 | Ducati Mailand: Ducati Simplex | 1950s | 15998 | 12 June 2017 | 1950's - exact production date seems to be uncertain. The camera produces 15 "half frame" (18*24 mm) pictures on a 35 mm mm which has to be loaded on proprietary cartridges. Shutter speeds are B 25 50 100 and 250. The lens is a fixed, uncoated, collapsible 35 mm f/3.5 Ducati Etar which can be focused to 1 m. My camera has a metal front plat while all other models that I have see are covered with dark grey which is also covering the rest of the body. It surprised me how small this camera really is. It also feels very solidly built. All shutter speeds on my camera still function properly and the camera still has an original cartridge inside. | |
 | Durst S A.: Duca | 1946-1951 | 8 Sept 2016 | Late 1940's - Durst is an Italian company probably best known for its enlargers but the company also produced a range of cameras and currently focuses on producing and selling professional ink jet printers. The Duca is a uniquely styled metal camera that uses 35 mm film. The camera takes 12 24 by 36 mm pictures and uses 35 mm film cartridges (so called AGFA Karat cartridges). My camera is in a reasonable cosmetic condition with some rust specs visible on the film transport handle. The camera has two empty cartridges. The shutter can be cocked but does not fire properly any more. | ||
 | Eho-Altissa: Eho Box (3x4, baby-box) | c1932-1939 | 2010 | 1934 -- Not surprisingly this camera is referred to as a Baby box it is much harder to find compared to the Zeiss Ikon Baby box. The camera weighs only about 180 g. It has a Duplar 1:11 lens and two shutter times (1/125 and B). The camera dates from 1934 and is still in excellent condition. It uses 127 film. | ||
      | Eichapfel: Noviflex (Model 1) | 1934 | 2 Feb 2019 | 1934 - Eichapfel was a camera maker in Dresden, Germany. The firm is known only for two models of the Noviflex, a rigid, metal-bodied single-lens reflex camera for 6x6 cm exposures on 120 roll film. This camera is significant, being widely acknowledged (for example by McKeown) as the first 6x6 cm SLR, from 1934. The better-known Reflex Korelle followed in 1935. This first Noviflex, from 1934, has a fixed lens. The camera has a cloth focal-plane shutter, travelling horizontally, with speeds 1/20 - 1/1000 second, plus \'B\'. The speed control is a knob at the right-hand end of the top plate. The film advance knob is at the other end; winding the film tensions the shutter. There is a red window in the bottom right hand of the back. The camera has a folding viewfinder hood on top, with a hinged focusing loupe. The camera also has a focusing a knob on the left side of the lens housing. The, camera is in a nice cosmetic condition but the shutter needs to be fixed. | ||
 | Eiko: Smarties | c1980s | 14 April 2016 | 1990\'s ? -- Novelty camera, Smarties are quite popular coated chocolate sweets in Europe. Eiko produced a number of \"can cameras\" this Smarties camera is somewhat harder to find and quite colorful. | ||
 | Eiko: Tire | c1977-1983 | 5 April 2016 | 1987 (?) -- Eiko was a Taiwanese producer of novelty cameras producing in the late 1970's through 2000, most of their production were "can cameras" such as for Coca Cola or Budweiser or other drinks and some paint companies as well as Duracell but they also produced this harder to find 'Tire camera' which uses 110 film cartridges. There is also a "Happy Clown" camera that was produced by Eiko. Not sure if the production date for my camera is right (source) The latest datable model that I could find is the Mil-Looney -Um 110 camera (obviously produced in 1999 for the year 2000) which can be found relatively easily on Ebay. | ||
 | Eliott: V.P.Twin | c1935 | May 2016 | 1935 - This is a small bakelite camera using 127 rollfilm to give 16 exposures each 1 5/8" x 1¼". The lens is a f12.5 bloomed British Optical Company (BOLCo) lens. The camera was sold in different colors (black, green, red or marbled brown). The camera is an example of the first VP Twin version which was produced between 1935 and 1940. A very similar model with a metal front plate was introduced after WWII in 1952. The Eliott plant was located very close to the Coronet plant (see above) and Eliott produced bakelite and plastic bodies and parts for many of the Coronet cameras, including the Midget and Vogue, BOLCo, a subsidiary of Eliott made many of the lenses. Coronet made the shutters and assembled the cameras. (source) | ||
 | Erac Selling: Mercury Pistol I | 1931-1938 | 23 Nov 2018 | 1930's - The Erac Mercury Pistol 1 Camera was sold (manufactured?) by the London based E.R.A.C. Selling Co. Ltd. It is basically a Bakelite shell that resembles a hand gun and which houses a miniature metal Merlin camera (see United Optical - Merlin entry). It was advertised as "ERAC - The camera which is always ready, the only real snapshot camera in the world, no film winding, just pull the trigger, the camera does the rest". The Merlin camera was manufactured by United Optical Instruments Co. The Merlin camera takes 18x18mm pictures on sub-miniature camera film. The Erac's trigger fires both the shutter and the moves the film forward. The camera has a fixed-focus f/16 lens. Various names are used for this camera including ERAC Automatic Pistol Camera, the Coviland Steward ERAC, and the ERAC Merlin. | ||
 | Ernemann: HEAG 0 A | c1917-1922 | 2010 | 1917 -- The reason why I keep this camera is because it is really in mint condition, if you open box, you can still smell the varnish. Unbelievable that this camera is from just after World War I. I am sure that it has never been used to take pictures and has just been stored away for over 100 years. | ||
      | Ernemann: HEAG XII (Model III) | 1912-1925 | 7 Jan 2022 | 1912 This large Ernemann HEAG XII (Model III) Horizontal model was built between 1912 and 1925. Picture size is 9x12 cm and the camera has a rare roll film back (Rollex). The lens is an Ernemann Ernastigmat 13.5 cm / f: 6.8 Glass without scratches with a little dust. The shutter triggers, but needs to be adjusted. The Shutter speed adjustment moves only from 1-50. The spirit level filled and functional. The camera has a Double extension. The bellows appear visually in very good condition. The camera has overall minimal signs of usage. | ||
          | Ernemann: Miniature Klapp | 1913-1925 | 1021209 | 8 June 2023 | 1920 The 4.5x6 Miniature Klapp was in production from 1920 to 1925. As the name implies, it is a miniature version of the Klapp camera. My camera has a focal plane shutter with max speed of 1/1000. The speed has to be selected by setting the slit width of the shutter curtain and the tension. There is a button on the right side of the camera to set the slit width in mm. On the left side, there is a button to set the tension. On the front of the camera, there is a copper medal with the slit settings at a tension of 12. For instance 40 mm gives a speed of 1/65 and 2,5 mm gives a speed of 1/1000.The shutter is not operational on my camera. The lens is a Ernon 1:3.5 7.5 cm. The camera was offered with other lenses and shutter combinations. This is quite a sophisticated and solidly build folding strut camera that because of its small size (10cm X 4cm X 7.5 cm) was also competing with the Vest Pocket cameras of the 1920\'s/30\'s. My camera is in a cosmetically very good condition. I also have the leather carry on case. | |
 | Ernemann: Unette (22x33) | 1926 | 11 Dec 2014 | 1926 -- An early 35 mm camera. This small, quite sophisticated and not so common box camera used special nonperforated paper backed rolls of 35mm film. The exposure size is 22mm x 33mm. There is a much rarer version which was introduced in 1925 and has 18mm x 24mm exposures. | ||
       | Ettelson: Mickey Mouse Camera | c1956 | 3 March 2023 | 1956 - This camera was produced by Ettelson corporation (858 N. La Salle St. Chicago) and sold in Disneyland in the late 1950\'s (Disneyland opened on July 17th, 1955). The box has graphics for the 4 Lands of Disney - Adventure Land, Frontier Land, Tomorrow Land, and Fantasy Land. The bakelite of this camera is very clean with no scratches and only some slight marks due to the handling of the camera. I don\'t think that many pictures were take with the camera. The box is in acceptable condition and contains, in addition to the camera also a flash, two batteries, an expired 127 film and a manual. The camera uses 127 film to produce 4 x 6,5 cm negatives. | ||
 | Expo Camera: Expo Watch | c1905-1935 | 11 Feb 2017 | The Expo is a camera disguised as a watch. I have both the Expo watch as well as the Houghton Ticka which is exactly the same but has different engraving and was produced under licence in the UK in the period 1905-1914. | ||
 | Fallowfield: CXR Stamp Camera | c1890s | 4 May 2017 | Around 1890 - A so called Postage Stamp camera which has 9 lenses and produces 9 images from one postcard sized picture. As this camera has no inscriptions it is somewhat difficult to identify. I bought it as a Holborn Postage Stamp Camera but believe it to be a Fallowfield based on the Collectiblend picture. These cameras were somewhat popular from the late 1880's through 1910. Probably the first company to produce these cameras was Hyatt who took a patent in 1885 and poduced several versions. Similar stamp cameras were sold by Sichel, J. Lancaster, Butcher and others. Here is an advertisement for a Hyatt Stamp Camera | ||
       | Foth C.F.: Plate Camera Deluxe | c1930 | 27 Nov 2020 | 1930 - Special \"Luxus\" version of the foth plate camera for 6.5X9 cm plates. The camera is mostly in wood (covered by brown \'reptile\' leather) apart from the metal bed. The bellows are in brown leather. The shutter is a Foth shutter with max speed of 100. The lens is a Foth 105 mm f4.5 anastigmat. | ||
       | Fotofex-Kaftanski: Minifex | 1932 | 8 May 2020 | 1932 - This is a \"Volks-minifex\" (see last picture). The Minifex is considered the first subminiature camera. It has a regularly sized shutter which results in the very strange design of the camera. The camera was sold with a very wide range of lenses with the top of line being a Tachon 25/0.95. My camera has the entry level lens Victar 25/4.5 and a Vario dial set shutter with T-B-25-50-100. Pictures are on 13X18 mm negative format. The camera was designed by Fritz Kaftanski who later also invented the SIDA and Stylophot cameras. | ||
           | Fotofex-Kaftanski: Visor-Fex | c1931 | 12 Jan 2021 | 1931 - A very rare Visor-Fex, one of the few cameras that can use rollfilm as well as plates. The camera was designed by the German born Kaftanski who started up his own company (FOTOFEX KAMERA), in 1927 where he produced the Minifex as well as the Fotofex. In 1939 he moved to the Czech republic to escape Nazism and finally in 1945 to France where he produced a number of interesting Plastic molded cameras such as the SIDA and Stylophot. The Visor-Fex, combined the best of two worlds. The speed and ease of use of roll film camera for instance used in sports photography and the sharpness and ability to exactly focus on the subject of the plate camera for instance required for architectural or portrait photography. My camera has the Pronto shutter and a 4.5 10.5 cm Rodenstock Trinar Anastigmat. The camera was offered with many lens/shutter combinations (see copy of the pricing leaflet of the time quoting Meyer Trioplan and Schneider Xenar lenses with | ||
       | Fotofex-Kaftanski: Visor-Fex | c1931 | 27 May 2022 | 1931 - my second Visor-Fex with the same 4.5 10.5 cm Rodenstock Trinar Anastigmat.but different shutter (Vario) and a nice leather carry on case. | ||
 | Foxtechna: Lord Super | c1948 | 19 March 2017 | 1948 - Post war Czech camera from the late 1940's produced by Foxtechna. The body is in aluminium, the finishing is quite crude. Still I like the styling of this little camera there are two diaphragm settings (F16 and f11) and two time settings (B and M). The camera opens by removing the bottom/rear part of the camera and uses 127 film. The company Foxtechna was based in Bratislava and only operated for a couple of years from around 1947 to 1949/1950 | ||
 | Franceville: Franceville | c1908-1910 | 4 Nov 2019 | 1908 - 1914 - This is the version N° 1 Bis of this very simple camera consisting of two boxes that slide into each other. In the previous versions (Franceville N°1 and Franceville N°1 lacquered body) the camera has to be loaded in the dark by placing a sensitive plate in the back of the camera and then close the camera. The shutter is a metal piece that has to be pulled up and down. The second version has a lacquered surface and in the N°1 bis the plate can now be loaded through a slit in the back of the camera. The camera was sold at the time for 1 French Franc (N°1 bis sold for 25% more). My camera comes with a viewfinder (not complete) as well as a box of 4X4 cm plates. | ||
 | Futura: Efka 24 | 1947 | 16 Sept 2018 | 1947 - In 1947, Fritz Kuhnert designed and produced this camera under his own brand name. It is an easy to use, small viewfinder camera with quite some use of aluminum (as you can see in the picture). Shutter speed goes from 1 sec to 1/500, the lens is a 4 cm 2.8 lens (Elor). There is a small fold out \"rapid winder\". The film format is 24X24 mm. Fritz Kuhnert\'s company was later sold and renamed to Futura Kamerawerk GmbH but he continued to design high quality 35 mm Futura range finder cameras. The Efka 24 is quite rare and sought after. | ||
 | Futura: Futura P | 1952-1955 | P 10931 | 29 July 2018 | 1952-1955 Futura Kamerawerk GmbH was operational between 1951 and 1956 and a producer of high quality 35 mm range finder cameras. The Futura P was the \"economy\" model with a Prontor - SV shutter. The other models (Futura Standard and Futura S) had the Synchro Compur shutter. Futura also offered a range of lenses to go with its cameras. My camera comes with the standard Futar, 3.5 45 mm. Other options for standard lenses were the Elor 2.8 50 mm, the Evar 2.0 50 mm or the powerful Frilon 1.5 50 mm. In addition, a wide angle Ampligon 4.5 35 mm and a fabulous (and still incredibly expensive) Frilon 1.5 70 mm as well as a Tele - Futar 3.8 75 mm and a Tele - Elor 5.6 90 mm were offered as Long Focus lenses. In 1952, a Futura P with 3.5 45 mm lens sold for 98.75 US$ while a Futura Standard with 1.5 50 mm was priced at 197.25 US$ \"according to a price list in this link\". The link also has an interesting historical discussion as to how prices dropped in 1956 when the company was close to bankruptcy. The cameras and lenses were solidly built. Unfortunately the company only existed for a couple of years. | |
.jpg) | Futura: Futura S (f/1.5) | 1952-1955 | S 12252 | 29 Jan 2016 | 1952-1955 The Futura S was the top of the line camera with a Synchro compur shutter with speed range going from 500 to B. My camera came with the very fast 1.5 50 mm standard lens. Some sources indicate that only 9,000 cameras were produced between 1952 and 1955. In 1956 an improved version Futura SIII of which two variations exist were introduced as well as a Futura \"Tower\" which was marketed in the US by Sears Roebuck. The company closed down in 1956. | |
 | G.E.C.: Transistomatic | c1964 | 16 May 2016 | 1964 - The G.E.C. Transistomatic Radio and Camera combination came out in 1964 and was manufactured in Great Britain. It is a combination of a G.E.Transistor radio and a Kodak Instamatic 100 Camera. Of the radio/camera combinations, it is one of the harder to find cameras. | ||
 | Gallus: Derlux | c1947-1952 | 4839 | 13 dec 2013 | 1947? -- Another camera with a quite unique design from the late 1940\'s early 1950\'s Aluminium body, has a depth of field scale on the back. | |
          | Gallus: Derlux (Saphir-Boyer f2.8) | c1947-1952 | 4841 | 26 May 2021 | 1947 - This is a Derlux with the extremely hard to find Saphir Boyer f2.8 lens and original yellow filter. The camera was quite expensive, the version with this lens cost 26,115 French Francs (about 750 Euro in today\'s currency) in 1948 compared to 15,263 FRF for the version with the standard lens (Gallix 3.5 50) | |
 | Gaumont: Stereo (Spido, metallic) | c1906-1931 | 11549 | 29 June 2011 | 1920? -- A number of variations exist of this camera. This is a Model C camera from around 1920. Gaumont also produced wooden models. | |
 | Goldstein: Caves Sainte Marguerite | c1948-1950s | 10 Sept 2019 | 1948 -- Box camera produced by the French camera manufacturer Goldstein and based on their Goldy camera but with a different faceplate referring to the French wine merchant "Les Caves Sainte Marguerite" which was located in St Pol sur Mer in the North of France. The camera has never been used and comes with instruction pages and cardboard box. There are many different versions of Goldstein box cameras. | ||
       | GOMZ: Leningrad | 1956-1968 | 31 Jan 2020 | 1968 -- uncommon export model of the GOMZ Leningrad with Roman script. The Leningrad is considered by many to be the most advanced of all Soviet made rangefinders. It is featuring a clockwork film advance motor and can shoot up to 20 exposures at max speed of 3 fps on a single wind of the large knob on top of the camera. The rangefinder uses a very unique system of prisms instead of beam splitters, that shows a very bright and precise combined image. My camera is in a very nice condition and works perfectly. | ||
 | GOMZ: S-13 (Aerial) | c1947-1970s | 21p540 | 22 March 2015 | 1940\'s onwards -- This is actually a C-13 camera. There are two versions of this aerial camera, the C-13 which was used by the USSR and the S-13 which was the export model (used by other Warsaw pact countries). The camera is equipped with a fixed focus 100 mm f:6.3 lens. There are three aperture settings 6.3 9 and 12.5. Inside the camera there is a cassette holding 5.2 m of special aerial b/w 35 mm film. This was a fast (around 1000 ASA) film called A1000. The cassette has a permanently attached label for recording the Name, Excercise number and the date. Another model with a 300mm f/4.5 with aperture stops 4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 also exists. The camera was installed in Soviet and Soviet-Bloc fighters and helicopters to record a pilot\'s success with his machine gun and rocket fire. The camera was apparently produced for a very long time period from the 1940\'s and I could not find any list of serial numbers - anyone that can shed some light on the age of my camera is welcome to let me know. Here is a link with some more detail. | |
        | GOMZ: Sport | 1936-1941 | B760 | 14 Feb 2022 | 1936 - Important camera in that it is one of the first (or \"the\" first depending on the source) 35 mm SLR cameras. The Exakta Kine was introduced around the same time. The camera is solidly built and has a vertical metal shutter curtain. Everything is operated through the knob on the side of the camera. Speed setting, shutter cocking and at the same time the mirror is put in place. Shutter speeds are 1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, 1/200s, 1/500s and B. The lens is a Industar-10 3.5/50. The film is loaded in special cassettes and is moved from one cassette to the other, there is no rewind button. My camera is an earlier version (top plate being held by 6 screws, in later models there are only 2 screws). | |
 | Hermagis: Velo Jumelle | c1896-1898 | 15 Feb 2016 | 1897 -- Hermagis was a French lens and camera maker operating from the late 1850\'s to the early 1950\'s. The Vélo-Jumelle is quite a rare camera holding 18 6,5 cm by 9 cm plates. Shutter with variable speed from 1/20 to 1/200 sec. Hermagis claimed that the camera could take up to two pictures per second, the plates were stacked vertically in the camera and after each exposure were falling flat. A very novel feature is also that the shutter tensioning and plate changing mechanisms are coupled which prevents double exposure of the same plate, quite unique at that time !! A similar system was used in the Vélocigraphe which seems to be more common (at least the Vélocigraphe is offered more frequently on auctions and on Ebay). The Vélocigraphe was produced between 1892 and 1900 while the Vélo-Jumelle was only produced between 1897 and 1899. The main advantage of the Vélo Jumelle over the Vélocigraphe is that it is a much smaller and lighter (1.400 gr with 18 plates) camera. A description of this camera in Photo-Revue from 1897 lists a price of 180 French Francs. Another catalog from the same period lists 115 and 150 French Francs depending on the lens. The camera that I have does not have any plates and does not function any more but still looks in a very nice condition for its age, there are no indications on the lens. | ||
 | Houghton: Ticka Watch | 1905-1914 | 9 June 2015 | 1910 -- Camera disguised as a watch. The pictures are taken through the "winding stem", the winding knob serves as lens cap. The Ticka was produced between 1905 and 1914 under licence from the Expo Camera Co New York and is similar to the Expo Watch which was produced between 1905 and 1935. 25 exposures 16X22 mm on special cassette film. The lens is a fixed focus f16 30 mm lens. My camera is very complete and includes the view finder, lens cap and carrying pouch as well as a cassette, the original box and manual. I think it would be hard to find a similar complete set. | ||
 | Hunter: Gilbert | 1953 | 19 June 2017 | 1953 - Quite attractive English made camera from the 1950's. The viewfinder can be turned which makes it easy to take horizontal as well as vertical pictures. The camera uses 120 film and produces 6X9 photographs. There are two apertures called "sunny" and "dull" and two speeds "fast" and "slow" which can be set by two small sliders on top of the camera. The camera also has a double exposure prevention. If the camera hasn’t been fully wound, a red disc will appear when looking inside the lens of the camera. This turns to green when the photographer winds the camera and cocks the shutter. Originally, this camera sold for around 3 pound in 1953. | ||
 | Hüttig: Trilby | c1905-1907 | 209820 | 3 Oct 2015 | 1906 - A so called "detective" or falling plate camera.made by Hüttig and sold in Russia before the revolution. Many versions of the Trilby exist, initially produced by Hüttig and later, following the 1909 merger by ICA. This Hüttig is an early Trilby 33 which sold at 50 German Mark in 1916. The label on the front has the name of the shop/studio I.K.Gek (Иван Карлович Гекъ) in Moscow. This studio was operational during (1896?)1902-1918. The camera is still in a very nice condition with a front compartment that opens and reveals a nice mahogany interior. The camera had 12 numbered plates (Six are still in the camera). The lens is a Persicop Aplanat. The shutter can be released either by a lever at the side of the camera or using a rubber "pear" - on can see a small hole near the bottom on the right side of the camera where the pear could be connected. The large winding knob is used to set the distance. | |
 | Idam: Belco | c1951 | 2011 | 2011 | 1951 -- A simple metal cast camera from around 1951 made by the French company Idam. The camera uses 127 film | |
 | Ihagee: Duplex | 1925-1933 | 29 Oct 2014 | A late 1920\'s folder camera from Ihagee, metal body. Ihagee is best known for its Exakta reflex cameras but they produced also a range of other camera types. | ||
 | Ihagee: Exa I | 1962-1964 | 148355 | 8 Sept 2012 | 1962 -- Exa I with Meritar 50 mm 2.9. The shutter does not fire properly but the camera looks in a very clean condition and came with its original box (worn) and manual. | |
        | Ihagee: Exakta 66 (horizontal) (1939) | 1938 | 553810 | 30 Oct 2021 | 1939 -- This camera which produces 6X6 pictures on roll film was unfortunately introduced just before the start of WWII at the 1939 Leipziger messe and was only produced for 4 months between August 1939 and end November 1939. The camera is therefore quite hard to find. My camera is still looking quite nice but the transport mechanism is jammed. The film transport is quite unique. A large handle at the bottom of the camera is used for transporting the film, at the same time, the shutter is being tensioned, the film counter is being advanced by one number and the mirror is put in place. There is a security button built into the viewer so that the shutter can only be released when the light shaft is open. My camera has the 8 cm 2.8 Zeiss Tessar with SN 2246869 which was at the time the highest spec \"standard lens\". This camera sold for 267 Dutch Guilder back in 1939 which compares to around 2,000 USD in today\'s currency. Other standard lenses offered with this camera are the 8cm Xenar 3.5; the 8.5cm exaktar 3.5 or Primotar 3.5. There is also a Berthiot 9 cm 2.8. The camera with the Exaktar lens sold for 207 guilder back in 1939. In addition there were some 25 other lenses in the 6.5 to 36 cm range. they were also sold as so called \"night\" versions with a 10 cm Biotar f2 (552 Guilder) or Primoplan 1.9 (423 guilder). Some sources mention that a pre series of this camera were produced in 1937 with a transport handle that uses two movements instead of one to transport the film. | |
 | Ihagee: Exakta 66 (vertical) (1948) | 1953-1954 | 601453 | 4 March 2013 | 1953 -- Who needs a Hasselblad when you can have this camera hanging around your neck ? In my opinion this is one of the cameras with the nicest design ever made. Unfortunately the quality of the cameras was quite poor, Apparently only 7,500 were produced and quite a number were taken back by Ihagee and destroyed, so not that many cameras remained. | |
 | Ihagee: Exakta A (Original) black | 1933-1938 | 406277 | 23 Jan 2015 | 1933 -- The first Exakta !! This is a historically important camera in that it is the first small focal plane plane SLR to be ever produced, the camera uses 127 roll film. This model then developed to the Exakta Kine in 1936 which is the first 35 mm SLR camera in the world. This Exakta model is often referred to as the VP or \"Vest Pocket\" and many different versions were produced between 1933 and about 1939 when the war started. My model is an early Vest Pocket Model A from 1933. There is no logo on the hood (only Ihagee name) and the red window on the back does not have a sliding cover which would indicate that the camera is from the first batches of cameras produced in 1933 (a later model, referred to as Model A Type 2 does have a sliding cover for the red window). Most cameras came with either a 7 cm 3.5 Exaktar or Tessar lens. This camera has a Schneider Xenar lens with SN 575974. The distance scale is in m and starting at 0.8. | |
 | Ihagee: Exakta A (Original) black | 1933-1938 | 408573 | 16 March 2015 | 1933 -- This is my second Exakta A with serial number also in the 400000 range according to Peter Longden\'s book on Ihagee history: the Exakta range started with Serial number 400,000. However, Ihagee had no seperate serial number sets for each camera brand that it produced so it is difficult to estimate how many VP\'s were actually produced in 1933. This camera has the \'standard\' Exaktar lens 7.5 cm 3.5 with serial number 601415. The distance scale is in m and starting at 1m. | |
 | Ihagee: Exakta A (Original) black | 1933-1938 | 408775 | 24 Oct 2015 | 1934 -- The main modifications on this camera are lever winding instead of knob winding. The camera also has the Ihagee sun/moon logo on the hood. The red window at the back of the camera does not yet have a sliding window. The lens is interesting as it is a \"fast\" (at least for that time) Tessar 7cm 2.8 with serial number 1430763 from 1932/33 which is coated (probably later coated). | |
 | Ihagee: Exakta A (Original) black | 1933-1938 | 403560 | 27 Oct 2016 | 1933 -- This is my third (and so far oldest) Exakta A with serial number in the 400000 range. The camera is in a poorer condition compared to the other two and has a CZJ Tessar lens 7 cm 3.5 with serial number 1369590 (therefore from 1932). The distance scale is in Meter (starting at 0.8 m) the diameter of the winding knob on this camera is smaller (22 mm instead of 27 mm) compared to the later models. A flash synchronization was added later. | |
 | Ihagee: Exakta Junior black | 1934-1939 | 469929 | 24 Oct 2012 | 1936 - 1939 This is an Exakta Junior type 4.1 with lever wind knob and two-hole Vacublitz flash socket. This version was produced between 1936 and 1939. The lens is a 7.5 cm 1:3.5 Jhagee anastigmat. Compared to the VP (Vest Pocket) Exaktas, the Jr. Exaktas were lower priced cameras with fixed lenses and no slow speeds. Because they are less frequently found compared to the Exakta VP, prices are often higher. | |
 | Ihagee: Kine Exacta I (square viewfinder) (after war edition) | c1946 | 625096 | 2011 | 1947 -- Post war edition with Exacta written with C probably from around 1947. The lens is a very nice early coated Biotar 5.8 cm 1:2 T lens with SN 2826589 | |
 | Ihagee: Kine Exakta I (round viewfinder) (before war edition) | 1936 | 482519 | May 2012 | 1936 -- This is one of the first 35 mm Reflex cameras ever produced. Its serial number indicates that it is indeed from the first batch of 1400 cameras produced in 1936 with a round magnifying glass. The lens is a Tessar 5cm 1:2,8 with serial number 1913803 which also dates it in 1936. | |
 | Ihagee: Kine Exakta I (round viewfinder) (before war edition) | 1936 | 482191 | 18 Jan 2016 | 1936 -- Although this camera has a square magnifier, it has an earlier serial number compared to my other Exakta Kine from 1936. This camera was probably later modified by fitting a rectangular magnifier. The camera also has 3 synchronization holes and the lens is a 5 cm 3.5 Zeiss Tessar with SN 2666861 - dated 1940, an intriguing camera in my opinion. | |
 | Ihagee: Kine Exakta I (square viewfinder) (before war edition) | 1937-1940s | 547366 | July 2011 | 1938 -- Pre war edition from around 1938 or 1939 with three synchronization holes in front of the camera. The lens is a Tessar 5 cm 2,8 with SN 2350776 from 1938. | |
 | Ihagee: Kine Exakta I (square viewfinder) (before war edition) | 1937-1940s | 518308 | 2012 | 1937 -- This camera is a version from 1937 with two synchronization holes and a square window. It is still in very nice condition and has the E. Ludwig Meritar 2.9 50 mm lens (SN 1328392) which was originally designed to go with the Exakta Kine. The camera also has a second number stamped in the leather on the bottom (725362) I have no idea what it means. | |
 | Ihagee: Night-Exakta | 1935-1939 | No Serial n° | 13 June 2015 | 1938 (?) - This is quite a unique camera, it is a late Night Exakta type 6. The camera has speed setting of 1/400 instead of 1/600, there is also no serial number on the body. The lens is a Zeiss Biotar 8cm f2 with Serial number 2075466 which dates it in 1937. The camera is in working condition. | |
      | Ihagee: Parvola (Klein-Ultrix) 1450 (3x4cm) | c1931-1939 | 371986 | 9 Oct 2020 | 1932 This is an early Parvola for 3X4 cm format. This model was produced between 1932 and 1939 with serial numbers starting at 343,199 and ending at 560,990. The lens is a 2.8 5 cm Tessar with SN 1,319,506 which dates it in 1931. The shutter is a S pronto shutter (other shutters were Prontor II and Compur). The Parvola\'s most striking feature is its thread-in-thread screw-out lens barrel which was later also used for the Exakta reflex cameras. | |
             | Ihagee: Patent Duplex 740 | c1914-1939 | 23 Jan 2022 | 1920\'s Wooden body and double extension, the lens board has also horizontal and vertical adjustments. | ||
       | Ihagee: Photoknips No.1 | 1918-1921 | 25 June 2021 | 1918 This is a small metal Ihagee, Photoknips 1 compact 4x6.5 cm plate camera. The front folds out and is supported by cross-swinging struts. The camera has a wire frame finder. When folded, it is smaller than a packet of cigarettes. The camera is quite hard to find and in excellent cosmetic condition. | ||
 | Ihagee: Plan-Paff Reflex 3 | 1921-1932 | 59370 | 18 Feb 2016 | 1925 (?) - This is not a box camera but actually a real reflex camera which was developed by Johan Steenbergen the owner of Ihagee. The camera itself is a wooden leather covered box. The shutter mechanism is very simple (a similar mechanism was later also used in the Exa reflex cameras). A hinged mirror is lowered by pressing a lever on the front of the camera. When pressing the release button on the side of the camera, the mirror rises and light can get through to the sensitive film. A second metal plate rises from the bottom cutting off the light again. The camera is very quiet only producing a very light plopping noise when the shutter is depressed (hence the name \"Paff\"). The camera was produced for about 10 years between 1922 and and 1932 and a number of versions exist a 4,5 cm X 6cm with fixed focus achromatic lens referred to as n°3 - my camera. Other versions have a fixed Trioplan 6.8 8 cm (N°4) or focusing trioplan 6.8 8 cm (4H) or also the larger 6.5X9cm with fixed focus achromatic lens (N°7) or focusing Trioplan (N°9)6.8 10.5 cm. My camera looks very clean with hardly any traces of use and still works. (The smaller cameras seem to fetch higher prices as opposed to the larger versions). | |
    | Ihagee: Varilux | 7 Oct 2020 | 1957 - This is one of the first, if not the first TTL metering system for a reflex camera, it was first presented at the Leipzig autumn fair in 1957. It was commercially available as of October 1958 for a price of 97.50 DM. The system was specifically developed for macro and micro photography but not developed further by Ihagee for normal photography. It has a movable selenium cell inside. To work with it you need connect it with standard micro-ampere meter with internal resistance 1000-1500 Ohm and calibrate it. The item is quite hard to find, specifically in a not used condition with original box and instruction leaflet. | |||
 | Ihagee Westberlin: Exakta Real | 1966 | 17 March 2018 | 1966 - The last reflex camera made by the man that was so influential for the development of the 35 mm reflex camera (and subsequent digital reflex cameras). After the second world war, the Ihagee factory which was located in Dresden (East Germany) continued to produce cameras. Ihagee owner Johan Steenbergen made many attempts to try to get his company back and move the production to West Germany. Therefore he created a new company Ihagee West which produced one camera in West Germany, the Exakta Real which was a commercial failure and therefore quite hard to find. Ihagee West still marketed a number of other cameras that were produced by other manufacturers. Ihagee West closed in 1976. | ||
 | Ilford: Advocate (I) | c1949-1954 | 1919 - 4527 | 30 June 2014 | 1950\'s -- Very clean example and in perfect working order of this beautiful 1950\'s camera. Enamelled body, was quite popular, specifically in the UK, often sold on Ebay but nearly always in very poor condition | |
 | Indra Camera: Indra Lux | c1949 | 26 sept 2015 | 1949 -- nicely designed plastic camera from Germany. Pictures 4 x 4 cm on 127 film, lens: Optik-Rau in Wetzlar 7,7/5 cm, shutter M + Z (in need of servicing). Very hard to find camera. Marketed as unbreakable and apparently came with a one year insurance against theft and breakage. Indra Camera was only in business for a couple of months therefore this camera is very hard to find. | ||
         | IOR: Orizont | c1960 | 02393 | 19 Feb 2021 | 1960 - The Orizont was the first 35 mm Rumanian built camera. Serial number is 02393, the lens is a rumanian Trioclar 1:3.2 f=50 mm, serial number 02800. Reportedly only 2000 of these cameras were built and it is quite hard to find an example of this nicely styled camera. The body is made out of aluminium and shows some oxidation because of its age but has limited sings of use. The plastic \"leather\" covering is in excellent condition (a lot of the Orizont cameras have damaged leathering) The film advance works (there is a double exposure prevention and a frame counter). There are 4 shutter speeds T -25-50-100,The styling of the camera is similar to the East German Altissa Altix IV camera which went out of production around the time that the Orizont was being produced. There are two versions of this camera, one can be seen at http://www.cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk/altix/altix1.html This camera does not have a film reminder in the rewind knob, has a black shutter and black leather covering closer to the lens. My camera also has a flash synchronization. | |
 | Ising: Puck | c1948 | 7397 | 29 July 2016 | 1948 - early postwar German camera using 127 film. When I received the camera (which I bought on Ebay) it surprised me how small this camera is. Ising produced the Puck in several versions with different lens and shutter combinations. My camera has a Prontor II shutter and 5 cm 2.9 Steinheil cassar lens. The shutter still fires but always at the same speed. Cosmetically, the camera is still in very nice condition. | |
 | Isoplast: Filius | c1954 | 26 May 2016 | 1954 - The Filius is a not so common miniature camera produced by Isoplast and distributed by Kunik Walter (see further). Isoplast was a German plastic molder producing electrical sockets and plugs and who also developed a line of small plastic cameras during the mid 1950's (although this camera is often referred to as made out of Bakelite - to me it seems to be a thermoplastic material).The Filius is an exact copy of the Photo-ette which was produced in 1951 by Victory Mfg. Co. of Chicago. | ||
           | Japy & CIE.: Le Pascal | c1898 | 13832 | 29 Feb 2020 | 1900 -- This is the second version of the Pascal, with this version the whole back can be removed. The first version has a hinged back. This is probably the first "motorised' camera. There is a spring motor that allows speeds of 3-4 picture/sec. The camera is loaded with a film that is wound onto a spool which is tensioned. When taking pictures, the film is spooled back in its cartridge. When the front visor is moved back it prevents the shutter from firing. In total 12 pictures could be taken on a roll of film. The camera was designed and patented by François Pascal and produced by the watchmaker Japy. | |
      | Jeanneret: Monobloc (Stereo-Panoramic) | c1922-1930s | 10439 | 1 April 2022 | 1922 -- Jeanneret was a French camera producer that only made the Monobloc cameras, there are several models of Monobloc. This camera has the capability to produce stereo pictures as well as panoramic pictures on 6x13cm plates | |
 | Kalos: Kalos | 1950 | 19 March 2016 | 1950 -- The Kalos (Greek for Beautiful) is a rare miniature camera from the 1950\'s. It was built by Kalos Karlsruher-Camera Bau Otto Seidel KG (Kalos-Kamerabau) a German camera manufacturer that only produced this specific camera (several versions exist). The Kalos was distributed by Glock & Co. Glock is believed to be the oldest photographic distributor in Germany. The camera shop was located in Karlsruhe and was operating from 1861 until 2003 (six generations). Glock had the sole distribution rights for the Kalos which is probably the main reason why the camera is quite hard to find. The camera is quite sophisticated and uses unperforated 16mm paper backed film. Picture size is 9X12 mm. The body is from cast aluminium with a leather covering. The lens is a micro anastigmat f4.5, 2 cm lens. Shutter speeds are B, 1/30, 1/50 and 1/100 and there are 2 diaphragm settings (4.5 and 6.3). The camera was sold at the time (1950) for 36 DEM. My camera still has two spools inside and is in good working condition with different speeds still working. | ||
 | Kambayashi: Homer Nr 1 | c1960s | 2012 | 1960 -- Camera made by Kambayashi. Grey metal color is most prominent, but apparently also black and brown versions exist. The lens is a Meniscus with 2 stops for sunny and cloudy weather indicated with red symbols above the lens. The shutter speed is fixed (1/50 second), fixed focus. A thumbwheel advances the film until the next frame number on paper backing is visible through a green window on the camera's back. the camera uses 17.5mm film typically used in HIT cameras. | ||
 | Kemper: Kombi | c1892 | 28077 | 9 June 2015 | 1894 -- Tiny box camera. Takes 25 pictures on one film loading. Back then, the camera cost 3.50 $ and a roll of film 20 cents. Cost for developing was 15 cents and cost for printing one print 1 cent (Information from advertisement from that time). | |
 | Kiev Arsenal: John Player (Kiev 303) | c1960s | 11 Dec 2014 | 1980\'s? -- My camera is a metal camera (some models are plastic). The camera looks hardly used but the box is quite battered. There are different opinions as when these cameras were produced I found references on the internet varying from the 1960\'s to 2001. I have taken 1980\'s from the following web site. | ||
 | Kiev Arsenal: Notebook (Kiev 303 Speccam N-B) | c1990s | 0112 | 31 Oct 2016 | 1986? - some sources say that these cameras were made in a KGB workshop in 1986. 6 cameras are known, my camera has SN 0112 (other known serial numbers are 0117, 0119, 0121 0127 and 0131). The camera is a Kiev 303 camera using 16mm film in special cassettes (same as Minolta 16). The camera has been adapted to fit in a fancy notebook with dark red leather cover with gold trim and with pages and a pen to write notes with. The pen holder opens up the camera ready to shoot and the shutter release is under the note book pages. You can\'t set shutter speed, aperture or focus without removing the casing. The casing is fastened by a single screw. The camera is tensioned by sliding the golden “pencil”. | |
 | Kochmann: Korelle 4.5x6 | 1933 | 2573430 | 2013 | 1930's -- Kochmann is primarily known for its Reflex cameras which are often found on Ebay. the strut-folding models are less common. this camera is also from the 1930's and slightly different from the model shown in the Collectiblend database. | |
 | Kochmann: Reflex Korelle (Preproduction) | 1935 | No Serial N° | 14 April 2016 | 1935 -- Extremely rare preproduction model of the Reflex Korelle. The Kochmann Reflex Korelle was one of the first SLR reflex cameras for 6X6 cm pictures, taking 12 photos on one roll of 120 film. The shutter is a focal plane shutter. The shutter and mirror release are coupled whereby the mirror returns to its position after taking a picture. This was a very popular camera and several versions exist. The preproduction model distinguishes itself from the production model by its shutter up to the 1/1000 as opposed to 1/500 for the production model. Only a couple of preproduction cameras were produced, the exact number is not known. The lens is a Schneider Kreuznach Xenar 75/2.8, with SN 741731 which dates the lens in early 1935. I believe it would be very hard to find a similar camera. | |
 | Kochmann: Reflex Korelle (Preproduction) comparison | This shows the main differences between my Preproduction model and Reflex Korelle II model. Top view: Speed settings go from 10 to 1000, the spool to wind the film is different, there is no window with film counter. Bottom view: Different tripod connector,different system to unlock the film spools so that they can be taken out of the camera. Back of the camera: two red film windows instead of one. The lens on the pre production model is a fixed lens, the lens on the other camera can be removed. | ||||
 | Kochmann: Reflex Korelle II | 1936-1939 | 2011 | 1936 -- This is a Korelle II which can be identified by the second dial on top of the camera to set the slow speeds and the self timer (under the shutter release). The lens is a 8 cm f2.8 Tessar with serial number 2,051,193 which dates it early 1937, I see no serial number on the camera. The shutter on my camera is very slow and although the camera has no major bumps or scratches it has obviously been heavily used. | ||
           | Kodak Eastman: Autographic Special No.1A | 1914-1917 | 8975 | 25 March 2021 | 1917 -- Kodak Autographic Special 1A. The very first camera with \"Coupled Rangefinder\" focusing. The camera is in incredible original condition. It was never used and always kept in its original double box. The Autographic Rangefinder camera was Patented in 1912 by the inventor Henry Gaisman. Kodak purchased the Patent for a one time payment of $300,000-! The equivalent of about $5 Million today. To use it the camera is held horizontally and the eye close to the rangefinder window then focus until the split images come together. You can also use it Vertically. Interestingly, Kodak still used the same Gaisman Patented system on the Legendary Kodak Super 620, Kodak Ektra, Bantam Super and Medalist. The image is much brighter than the superimposed rangefinders of other cameras! Kodak held the patent for many years. The rangefinder works. It has a fine Kodak f:6.3 173mm lens and a fantastic \"Dial-Set \" shutter with speeds from 1 sec. - 1/300th sec. | |
 | Kodak Eastman: Autographic Special No.3A (rangefinder) | 1917-1933 | 8 Oct 2014 | 1917 This is the larger Autographic Special No 3A also with automatic rangefinder. My model has a Wollensack Optimo N°1A shutter and Bausch & Lomb Tessar lens.The GOERZ \"Double Anastimat\" version with Kodamat Lens was the Most Expensive model costing $135. The standard model with Kodak Anastigmat lens and Optimo shutter cost only $75. It surprises me how large these n°3 cameras are, using 122 roll film which gives huge postcard sized negatives (8.25x14cm). | ||
 | Kodak Eastman: Bantam Special | 1936-1948 | 7423 | 7 June 2019 | 1936 The serial number of this camera (found on the small pull out stand) is quite low (7423) compared to other serial numbers that I have seen for this camera but I have not been able to find a table connecting the serial numbers with the years of production. The shutter is a compur rapid shutter and the lens an Ektar Anastigmat 45 mm f2 which all point to a pre war production, unfortunately, the serial number of the shutter is not readable. The Bantam Special camera was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague, a famous designer that designed a number of other cameras for Kodak including the Beau Brownies, the Vanity Kodaks and the Gift Kodak, all beautifully styled Art Deco cameras. What surprised me most was the very small size of this camera. It feels very solidly built as well. The camera uses 828 paper backed rollfilm which produces 8 pictures of 28 x 40 mm. The camera also has a coupled rangefinder which works much better compared to the range finders that are used in most 35 mm cameras and where one has to superimpose two images (See my description of the Kodak Autographic Special No.3A with RF). When the camera was introduced, it was sold at 110 US$ which was quite expensive, the price was later reduced to 87$50. | |
    | Kodak Eastman: Brownie No.1 | 1900 | 8 May 2023 | 1900 The series of Brownie cameras is undoubtedly the most popular series of cameras produced by Kodak Eastman. The Brownie was produced as of 1900 with the first model (Brownie Original) only between February and May 1900. In May/June, an improved version was launched with a different back. The camera comes with a finder and many times this accessory finder was lost, my camera still has the finder, my camera also still has the name of \"Brownie Camera\" printed on the inside, on later versions this was changed to \"No. 1\". The No. 1 was replaced by the No. 2 in 1901, this camera was very successful and was produced for more than 30 years (up to 1933). | ||
           | Kodak Eastman: Cartridge No.4 (1900) | 1900-1907 | 30 Jan 2022 | 1907 - The No 4 Cartridge Kodak was introduced in 1897. It is the first model in the cartridge series using Kodak\'s 104 film taking pics of 4 x5 inch (10x12.5 cm), but the camera could be transformed into a plate camera by exchanging the rollfilm back panel with a plate back. The larger No 5 Cartridge Kodak followed a year later and the smaller No 3 Cartridge Kodak appeared in 1900. The easiest of the Cartridge Kodaks to find is the No 4 Cartridge Kodak; the No 5 Cartridge Kodak is not quite so common but turns up from time to time. The No 3 Cartridge Kodak is the more difficult size to find. My camera has a Metal baseboard which dates it after 1900. It has nickel fittings which were introduced in 1899, older cameras have brass fittings. More than 90.000 were produced during the period from 1897 to 1907. My camera has serial number 82940 and is therefore probably one of the latest cameras produced. Opening the back of the camera was not that easy to find. One has to open the front of the camera and then pull out a small bolt situated in the right bottom corner. This unlocks the back which can then be slided up. | ||
 | Kodak Eastman: Cartridge Premo No.00 | 1916-1922 | 15 Sept 2016 | 1916 - Early 35 mm camera. Smallest Kodak box camera and made from wood and cardboard covered with leatherette. the camera used No. 35 rollfilm (unperforated paper backed 35 mm film). It measures only 5 cm by 6 cm by 7.5 cm. It has a simple rotary shutter and a meniscus lens (behind the shutter) there is no viewfinder. Instead, the top and one side of the camera have a X shape stamped into the leatherette to show the approximate angle of view. The camera was sold at 75 cents. Cosmetically this camera still look nice for being 100 years old. The shutter still operates and has a time setting and Instant (1/25th ?) settings (shutter is fired by the little handle at the top of the camera, time settings are set by moving the metal knob on the front of the camera up or down. | ||
         | Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.0 | 1902-1906 | 2051 | 5 Nov 2021 | 1902 - Smallest of the folding pocket cameras only produced for 4 years and therefore quite hard to find compared to the Model 1 which was produced for a much longer time (this camera is a Model A of which only 5000 cameras were produced, my camera has SN 2051). The shutter works and there are two tripods built in for vertical and horizontal photos. Dark red bellows. Negative format only 4.1 x 6.4 cm on roll film (so called 121 size film). The original wooden film reel is still present. The camera opens from the back (see pictures) as opposed to the Folding Pocket n°1 where the back and bottom of the camera is pulled out from the main body. On the right side of the extended lens area is a protruding shutter release for time exposures. You click once to open the shutter and a second time to close it. On the left side of the extended lens area is the sliding mechanism, which changes the aperture setting. There are three different aperture settings set by moving the slider out to get to the desired aperture. At its introduction, this camera cost 6$. | |
       | Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.1 | 1899-1915 | 83117 | 25 Oct 2021 | 1989 - This is a historical important camera in that the Folding Pocket Kodak is considered the forefather of all “folding cameras”. Introduced August 1897 and manufactured until April 1899. Film size 105 which later became 120. The camera does not yet have a name indication on the camera, just Folding Pocket Kodak on the bottom inside. The camera has the original wooden 105 film spool. Two built in tri-pods for horizontal and vertical pictures and two separate shutter buttons for T and I. Serial numbers: 83117 in the aluminum body (second SN in wood but difficult to read). This model has a latch on the bottom plate which has to be pulled to the left to open the camera, earlier models do not have this latch. The camera was sold for 10$. | |
      | Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.3A Mod B | 1903-1915 | 19782-A | 27 May 2022 | 1904 As with many Kodak cameras, the No 3A Folding Pocket Kodak camera underwent a series of design changes during its production. The Model B was produced between Sept. 1903 - June 1904. The camera uses 122 or so-called \'postcard\' film which was introduced with this camera. | |
 | Kodak Eastman: Gift No.1A | 1930-1931 | 26 oct 2013 | 1930/31 This camera in typical Art Deco style was designed by the Walter Dorwin Teague who designed a number of cameras for Kodak from the 1920\'s through the 1950\'s. My camera does not have the original box, the bellows are discolored but the outside still looks very attractive. | ||
         | Kodak Eastman: Petite | 1929-1933 | 6 August 2021 | 1929 - This is the lavender version of the Petite, a camera launched in 1929 by Kodak and also designed by Walter Dorwin Teague. The camera was offered in 5 different colors: Blue, Grey, Rose, Lavender and Green. Pricing was $6.50 (about $100 today only counting inflation) without case and $7.50 with case. This Petite has the original pink colored bellows and an original box. It also still has the autographic stylus pen (right side just behind the lens board). The shutter works well and the meniscus lens is behind the diaphragm. A lot of the Petite cameras that are on sale had their bellows replaced by black bellows as the colored bellows are of poor quality and often have pinholes but the camera is of course much more attractive with its original colored bellows. | ||
 | Kodak Eastman: Pocket Kodak Box | 1895-1900 | 22 dec 2013 | Early 1895 version of the Pocket Kodak box camera (first camera to use the 102 rollfilm). The camera is covered with red leather and comes with the original leather carrying box which has embossed on the top the name of the shop where the camera was sold. Surprisingly small camera ! (10 cm by 7.5 cm by 6 cm). | ||
 | Kodak Eastman: Portrait Brownie No.2 | 1929-1934 | 2011 | 1930's -- Two colored Portrait Brownies N°2 from around 1930, made in the UK. | ||
 | Kodak Eastman: Retina I (117) | 1934-1935 | 445951 | 27 feb 2014 | 1934/35 Historically important camera as it was the first camera to use the 35 mm Daylight Loading Cartridge. This camera has a Schneider Xenar 5cm f/3.5 lens and a Compur shutter. It is very similar to the 118 model which was introduced shortly after. The quickest way to distinguish the 117 from the 118 is to look at the top of the camera. If you see a small knob next to the wind knob (the knob is used to release the wind knob after each exposure) then it is a 117. The 118 has a small lever at the back to release the wind knob after each picture, | |
        | Kodak Eastman: Six-16 (US) | 1932-1934 | 83417 B | 18 July 2021 | 1932 Rare \"Art-Deco\" Style KODAK SIX-16. One of Walter Dorwin Teagues First Beautiful designs for Kodak; Teaugue was an internationally known designer and best known for the legendary Packard Pan America. With KODAK \"Doublet\" (Actually a Triplet) f: 11 126mm Lens and Rim Set Kodak \"Kodon\" Shutter with speeds from 1/25 sec.- 1/100 sec. T. & B. Camera still looks Close to New. | |
        | Kodak Eastman: Super Six-20 | 1938-1944 | 2326 | 26 July 2023 | 1938 The exact name of this camera is \"Super Kodak Six-20\". It is an iconic camera that is on the wish list of many serious collectors. Because of the limited number of cameras produced selling prices for these cameras are at least 1,000 US$, even when they are in quite poor condition. Technologically, this camera was miles ahead with its automatic exposure and its superb coupled split field rangefinder. My camera is in an excellent condition, hardly been used and the light meter is still working, I have not seen so far any other Super Kodak six-20 with a working light meter. The person that sold me the camera claimed that it was previously owned by the Brownell family and was never used. (Frank A. Brownell was probably the most influential camera designer ever. He was Kodak\'s chief designer who designed the Kodak No. 1, the original Kodak camera that used roll film and was introduced in 1889. He also designed the Kodak Brownie as well as a range of other Kodak cameras including the Bullet, the Cartridge Kodak, Eureka, the Flexo, Panoram, and Pocket Kodak.) | |
 | Konishiroku (Konica): Konica FS 1 | c1979-1983 | 154994 | 2011 | 1979 -- First SLR with built in motor drive. The lens is a 50 mm Konica Hexanon AR 1.7. Surprisingly how small this camera is with its built in motor drive. | |
 | Kowa: Ramera (KTC-62) | 1959 | 21317 | 31 July 2015 | 1959 -- A rare combination of a transistor radio (still working) and a small camera. The Camera accepts 16mm film cartridges for 10 X14mm images and is actually a Minolta 16 with Prominer (Minolta) coated f:3.5 23 mm lens and shutter with speeds from 1/50 to 1/200 sec. & B. diaphragm stops from 3.5 to f:11. The radio is a six transistor 1 diode with large permanent dynamic type speaker by KOWA (one of the first Japanese transistor radio manufacturers). The same camera was also marketed by Bell under the Kamra brand name. | |
 | Krasnogorsk: F-21 (KGB-camera, Zenit case) | 1951-1980s | 8 June 2019 | 1950's - 1980's Russian F-21 spy camera hidden inside a Zenit ever-ready case, a built-in sophisticated mechanism allows taking photos through a masked window in the buckle of the strap fitting, shutter release is hidden in the base of the case, it has apparently seen a lot of action but is still in very good working condition. | ||
 | Krasnogorsk: F-21 (KGB-camera) | 1951-1980s | T80134 | 2011 | 1950's - 1980's And from how this camera looks - it is obvious that it has taken quite a lot of pictures. With the camera is a cable release with a button behind which the camera can be concealed. Obviously one needs to wear one of these heavy Russian coats to properly hide the camera. | |
      | Krasnogorsk: FT2 Panorama | 1958-1965 | 64972 | 2 Dec 2021 | 1958 - The FT Panorama camera was designed by a personal friend of Stalin, Fedor Tokarev, hence the reference to FT. Mr Tokarev also designed the TT30 and TT33 self loading pistols and the SVT38 and SVT40 self loading rifles which were produced in huge quantities during WWII. The camera produces a 24x110mm size negative on 35mm film with a 50mm lens and achieves a 120 degrees horizontal angle of view. As can be seen on the pictures, my camera is still in close to new condition and comes with the original box and manual. Also the leather case is in a \"hardly used\" state. | |
 | Krasnogorsk: Horizon Panoramic (Gorizont, Horizont, Revue) | 1967-1973 | 7205201 | 2011 | 1972 -- Russian made Panoramic camera. Based on serial number this camera is from 1972 (First two digits indicate the year). | |
        | Krügener: Delta Cartridge Camera (horizontal, 9x12) | c1898-1905 | 769 | 29 April 2023 | Around 1900 -- Many versions of the Delta camera exist. My camera is in very good condition and also has a small label with the description Ottomar Anschütz, Berlin W. Ottomar Anschütz (1846 - 1907) was a well-known photographer (He specialized in taking photos of fast-moving objects, animals, and sportsmen and was the personal photographer of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II). He was also an inventor (He invented the focal plane shutter, which made shutter times possible up to 1/1000 sec, and developed several motion picture devices). He worked together with Carl Paul Goerz on several cameras and shutters. According to McKeown\'s 12th Ed. page 54 \"Anschütz never made any cameras, but was involved with a retail firm cashing in on his name.\" A catalog from Ottomar Anschütz (1896) has the following address for this company: Berlin, Leipziger Strasse n° 116. | |
 | Kunik Walter: Ompex | 1960 | 2012 | 1960? -- camera produced for Kunik Walter -shutter speed 1/50 with a very strange label around the lens -- F=25 / x2 RJ OMPEX 1:9. The camera is basically the same as the Petie and exists in a red or black body and gold with green or pink crackle effect enamel. It is not clear if this camera was also produced as of 1956 or later. | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Ompex Gold | 1960 | 17 March 2018 | 1960? -- Ompex with golden crackle effect body and golden bottom and top plate. | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Petie Gold | c1956 | 17 March 2018 | 1956 -- Petie with enamelled green/gold body and golden bottom and top plate. | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Petie I | c1956 | 26 Sept 2015 | 1956 -- Camera with one shutter speed 1/50 and 16 exposures of each 14X14 mm on 16 mm film. f9 25 mm lens. I also have the case. This camera was originally sold for 14,70 DEM (about 3.75USD at the time). | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Petie Vanity (leather, brown) | c1956 | 28 Oct 2016 | 1956 -- A number of different housings exist for the Petie camera,such as a a lighter and a music box as well as this vanity case which, in addition to the camera houses a a tube for lipstick and another for extra rolls of film. A small button that, when pressed, reveals the powder compact section. The door of the powder compact section is housing a mirror. The camera has not been used in my opinion, there is a film still inserted in the camera and a spare unused film roll is included in the tube. This vanity camera is quite rare but can be found in many different versions (black, red, green or blue enamel with chrome or gold/gilt metal trim as well as leather finished in different colors, black, green orange, brown. | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Petitax | 1962 | 17 March 2018 | 1962? -- This camera is very similar to the Petie I camera but has a 25 mm f:11 lens. The shutter speed is the same at 1/50 and the camera also uses the same film format. It is not clear if this camera was also produced as of 1956 or later. | ||
      | Kunik Walter: Petitux IV | c1960 | 8 July 2023 | 1960 - Top of the range camera from Kunik Walter. Solidly built metal camera with exposure protection and speeds from 1/2 – 1/250 of a sec. The lens is from the company Will in Wetzlar, a Wilon f 2,8/28mm (other lenses are aslo seen on this camera). Kunik Walter was a distributor, this camera has a lot of similarities with the Kalos so it is not unlikely that it was produced by Kalos. The camera was sold in small volumes and is quite hard to find. I also have the case. | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Tuxi | c1956 | 6 March 2015 | 1956 -- Postwar German camera from around 1956. Similar to Petie but with a better lens and flash synchronisation socket it has B (bulb) and M (1/50) settings. The lens is an achromatic Roeschlein 25mm f7.7. My camera also still has an original film in it. A good site for identifying sub miniature cameras is submin.com. | ||
 | Kunik Walter: Tuximat | 1959 | 3 June 2016 | 1959 -- One of the more advanced cameras distributed by Kunik (according to McKeown's the Kunik cameras were produced by different camera makers and Kunik was only distributing them). The camera is similar to the Tuxi but has a built in light meter. (not surprisingly not functioning any more on my camera). I also have an original film box for this camera. | ||
     | KW (KameraWerkstatten): (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v5) Red leather | 3462 | 21 Sept 2019 | 1939 -- First generation Praktiflex version 5. A very nice example with red leather covering and a Biotar 5.8 cm f2. Although only a couple of hundred version 5 cameras were produced, in addition to the standard black with chrome body, there are several different color combinations including red with chrome body, brown with chrome body, dark brown with chrome body and even green with chrome body (Ref: Alexander Schulz: \"Praktiflex\" page 23). The Zeiss Biotar lens was really the top of the line lens that you could buy for this camera. In 1939, a Praktiflex with this lens was setting you back 290 ReichsMark as opposed to the the same camera with the cheapest 3 lens anastigmat wich would cost 98 RM (Source: Alexander Schulz: \"Praktiflex\", page 36). | ||
         | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Patent Etui 6.5x9 | 1921 | 74228 | 17 Sept 2022 | 1920\'s Patent Etui cameras came in many versions. This is a Patent Etui SN 74228 with front lens focusing and Vario shutter. The lens is a Schneider Radionar 6.3/10.5 cm; The camera comes with focusing screen back, protective slide, box, case with 3 cassettes the condition is near-mint. | |
          | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Patent Etui Luxus (6.5x9) | 1921-1930s | 55984 | 17 Sept 2022 | 1920\'s Patent Etui cameras came in many versions. This is a top of the line Luxus model for 6,5 x 9 cm, SN 55984 red leather covering, red bellows, with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 4.5/10.5 cm SN. 2421076 and compur shutter. The camera comes with a red focusing screen back, red protective slide, manual (leaflet), case with 3 cassettes, filmpack cassette and original box. The camera is in close to new condition. Pricing for these cameras varied from 55 ReichsMark for the simple black Patent Etui with 6,3 Trioplan 10.5 cm and Vario shutter up to 155 RM for the double extension black version with 4,5 Tessar 13.5 cm. If you wanted the Luxus version (Brown, Red or Blue) then you had to add 15 RM to the price for the 6.5X9 and 20 RM for the 9X12 version | |
        | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Pilot Reflex | 1931-1937 | 3692 | 11 March 2020 | 1931 -- I believe this to be a very early \"Pilot\" or Pilot Reflex. A folding twin reflex camera similar to the Perfekta, Superfekta and Zeca-Flex cameras. The camera takes 3x4 cm pictures on 127 roll film. The difference with later Pilot Reflex cameras is that the name Pilot does not appear on the camera (it is stamped on the leather carry on case). The camera has a CZJ Tessar 5 cm taking lens with maximum aperture 3.5 with Serial number 1256038 which dates the lens in 1931. the viewing lens is unbranded. The camera has a folding waist-level finder. There is also a folding Galilean viewfinder on the left side of the body for taking landscape oriented photographs. There is a focusing knob on the right side of the body, above the advance lever, the camera has a Compur shutter so winding the film and setting the shutter are two separate actions. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939-1946, black body, black leather) | 1939-1940 | 9732 | 15 Jan 2016 | 1941-1942 -- Black first generation Version 9 Praktiflex from WWII. Some 1,500 series 9 cameras were produced (from approx SN 9000-10500). During the war a large number of different versions and relatively small numbers were produced of the Praktiflex camera which makes it interesting collecting them. The leather of the camera is still in very good condition. The camera also operates correctly, unfortunately the black paint has worn off which makes the camera to look in a poorer state than he really is. The lens is a Schneider Xenar 5 cm 2.8 with SN 1771571 which dates the lens at early 1942 or late 1941. The camera was modified later by adding a flash contact (quite a number of praktiflex cameras were modified). these are some interesting web sites Mike\'s Praktica collection and Photographica | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939-1946, chrome body, black leather) | 1939-1940 | 6507 | 10 July 2016 | 1940 -- First generation Praktiflex version 6 with straps on the body. this version was produced from April to December 1940, with a total of 3,500-4,000 cameras being produced. The leatherette is still in very nice condition and has a unique "ostrich" structure. The F3.5 5cm Zeiss Tessar lens (an upgrade from the standard Xenar) with SN 2543000 (produced in 1939) is in excellent condition, it is fungus free and scratch free and the optics are clean, there are just some small dust particles inside. The lens is also protected by an original B+W 32 filter in good condition. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939-1946, chrome body, black leather) | 1939-1940 | 9032 | 23 July 2016 | 1940 -- First generation Praktiflex version 6 with straps on the body. The strange thing about this camera is the Serial number 9032 - Most Version 6 cameras are in the range 3800 - 7500 with the Version 9 starting at somewhere in the 8900 to 9000 range (source: Photographica and also the reference book from Alexander Schulz on Praktiflex. The version 6 is the only version that has the (patented) special straps on the body. Unfortunately the camera was damaged when shipped to me, the mirror fell off and broke and the shutter does not wind the curtains. Cosmetically, the camera is still in reasonable shape. The lens is a simple anastigmat Victar 5 cm 2.9 without any serial number. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939-1946, chrome body, black leather) | 1939-1940 | 5982 | 2 sept 2019 | 1940 -- First generation Praktiflex version 6 with straps on the body. Lens is a 5cm Tessar 2.8 with SN 2405718. Structure of the leather is different compared to SN 6507. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939-1946, gray body, red leather) | 1939-1940 | 4991 | 10 March 2013 | 1940 -- First generation Praktiflex version 6 with straps on the body. The Praktiflex was a lower priced alternative to the Exakta Kine. The Exakta Kine was priced at 200 Reichsmark (with Exaktar 3,5/5,4 cm) while a 1939 Praktiflex with a 3,5/5 cm Schneider Kreuznach Xenar lens was priced at 98 Reichsmark (Source Alexander Schulz: Praktiflex book). My camera is a special version from 1940, apparently the German National Socialist government ordered some 150 cameras with brown leather covering and grey plating (source Alexander Schulz's book on Praktiflex). Known serial numbers were between 4042 and 4907 but in between different models were produced as well (4121 for instance has red leather). My camera has n° 4991 and is still in close to new condition. The lens is a Schneider - Kreuznach Xenar 5 cm 2.8 with SN 1609188. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v3) | 1939 | 1057 | 14 July 2016 | 1939 - This is a historically important camera as it is a very early first generation Praktiflex (Version 3). Version 1 and 2 are basically pre production cameras. The version 3 was the first production model and produced between August and November 1939, in total some 900 cameras were produced, the production range starts at 1000 or 1001 and this camera is 1057 - so really one of the first Praktiflex cameras. These cameras were very solidly built, most of the Praktiflex cameras that I have still operate and this one is no exception. Cosmetically also in reasonably good shape. The lens is the standard Victar 5 cm 3.5 with SN 443249 | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v3) | 1939 | 1832 | 2 August 2019 | 1939 - This is also a Praktiflex Version 3 with SN 1832. The lens is a Xenar 5 cm 3.5 with SN 1374895 which dates the lens mid 1938. The camera is in nice cosmetic condition and still works. Unfortunately, the lens has a nick in the rim. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v4) | 1939 | 2335 | 5 July 2016 | 1939 -- First generation Praktiflex version 4. The easiest way to differentiate this camera from the version 3 is by looking at the position of the frame counter which is now located under the film advance button. There is also a red B time setting on the speed dial instead of a black B time setting for the version 3 camera (although some version 3 cameras have a red B). In total some 500 version 4 cameras were produced (from around SN 2100 to SN 2600 - source: Photographica) so this is not a very common camera. The camera still functions and the speeds sound accurate to me. The leather shows quite some scrubbing and there are a few "Zeiss bumps" at the back of the camera. The camera has also later been modified with a flash synchronization connection. The lens is a Schneider Kreuznach Xenar 5 cm 2.8 with SN 1609206 which dates it in Sept 1939. All in all an interesting historical camera. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v5) | 2770 | 24 June 2017 | 1939 -- First generation Praktiflex version 5. Frame counter is still under the film advance button. The easiest way to distinguish the camera from the V4 camera is to look at the rewind button which has a much smaller diameter (14 mm instead of 24 mm for the V3 and V4 cameras). Some 900 v5 cameras were produced. The lens on this camera is a 5 cm Tessar 2.8 with SN 2541698 which dates the lens also in 1939. | ||
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v5) Brown leather | 2965 | 2 Nov 2017 | 1939 -- First generation Praktiflex version 5. This is probably one of the first colored versions that KW produced. According to Alexander Schulz\'s book \"Praktiflex\" (ISBN 3-89506-231-3), page 22 the range of colored cameras is estimated to fall within SN 3000 and SN 5500. My camera has a SN 2965. I bought the camera on Ebay from a collector who obtained the camera from the first owner who lived in Hungary. | ||
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1939, v5) Brown leather | 3421 | 24 Dec 2017 | 1939 -- First generation Praktiflex version 5. In somewhat battered condition and covered with a very dark brown leather. The lens is a Victar 5 cm 2.8 with SN 503902. The camera still functions | ||
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1946) | 1946-1948 | 23978 | 8 sept 2014 | 1945 -- Praktiflex 1st generation Version 11 from around 1945/46 with Victar 50/2.9, Ser. No. 3170829. Most Praktiflex cameras from this period look quite battered, probably because of the use of lower quality materials because of the war situation in Germany. My camera is no exception but still works. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1946) | 1946-1948 | 29195 | 7 Oct 2015 | 1945/1946 Praktiflex from the first generation, version 12 with Victar 50/2.9 without serial number. The main difference with version 11 is that this camera has a sign on the back of the camera which reads " KAMERA WERKSTÄTTEN NIEDERSEDLITZ - DRESDEN" my camera has a black painted front plate, there are also cameras with a chrome plated front plate. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktiflex (1946) | 1946-1948 | 5524 | 10 June 2017 | 1945/1946 Praktiflex from the first generation, version 12. The strange thing about this camera is the serial number 5524 which would date the camera before the war, the other features of the camera like the sign on the back with " KAMERA WERKSTÄTTEN NIEDERSEDLITZ - DRESDEN" all point to a later version 12 camera. The other interesting thing is the lens, which is an Exaktar 5.4 cm lens with bayonet mount !! The Exaktar is the standard lens fitted on the Exakta Kine. The Praktiflex normally has a thread mount. So obviously this camera was modified to have this lens fitted. | |
 | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Praktina FX | 1953-1958 | 71104 | 24 August 2014 | 1956 - The first \"system\" SLR with full interchangeability of lenses, finders, focusing screens, camera backs and motor/winder. It is also the first SLR camera with a \"Semi-Automatic\" Internal Aperture Controlled Diaphragm. This camera is a version FX-A type 6 probably from around 1956 and comes with an eye level finder with lightmeter, winder and Sonnar 135/4 lens. A very good web site to identify Praktina cameras is on Praktina.com | |
             | KW (KameraWerkstatten): Reflex Box | 1933 | 5689 | 3 Dec 2020 | 1933 - A leather covered metal reflex box camera for 6 x 9 cm exposures on 120 roll-film. This is one of the earlier types with clips at the front of the camera, later models have a different system to close the camera. there were several lenses available, the lens on this camera is an anastigmat f 4.5. There are 3 speeds 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 and B and T. On pressing the release button, the mirror rises exposing the film, attached to the back of the mirror is a bar which pulls up a metal plate and so closes the shutter. here is a video that shows how to operate the camera. | |
          | Lancaster: Instantograph (Brass) | 1886-1910 | 120 | 17 Feb 2021 | Late 1800 The Instantograph cameras from Lancaster were produced for quite a long time from 1886 to 1910 with small variations. My camera comes with the original camera bag and 3 plate holders (quarter plates - 83 × 108 mm). | |
 | Leitz: M3 chrome Double Stroke | 1954-1966 | 800865 | 1982 | 1956 -- Leica M3 - This is the first camera of my collection, a friend of mine had it and wanted a much simpler camera to use so he agreed for me to buy him a new simple to use range finder in exchange for his Leica. The camera has a Summicron 5 Cm 1:2 lens with serial number 1325662. | |
 | Logitech: Fotoman | 1991 | FAL24920759 | 18 Feb 2018 | 1991 - Logitech Fotoman FM1. This is the first mass produced digital camera. Logitech bought the rights from Dycam who had marketed the Dycam model 1 also in 1991. Fuji had created a digital camera as early as 1988, but it was never commercially available. The Dycam 1 had a grey body while the Fotoman has a white body color. The images are 8-bit (256-level) greyscale at 376x240 pixels, the camera can store 32 images compressed in its 1Mb of RAM. Later models were upgraded to 376x284 pixels. The memory is volatile, which means that, when the batteries run down or are removed, the pictures are lost. The camera was sold at a relatively high price of 995 USD therefore this camera is quite hard to find. Only real estate agents or other professions that needed quick pictures and accepted the low resolution were interested in the Fotoman 1. The camera connects to a PC running Microsoft Windows 3.0 or 3.1 via a cable to the serial port for uploading. The lens is a fixed focus 8.5 mm f4.5 lens which results in a picture equivalent taken with a 55 mm lens on a 35mm format camera, the shutter goes from 1/25 to 1/1000s, and there is a built-in flash. The CCD sensor is rated at ~200 ISO. ‘Here is an original 1993 review of this camera’ ‘and this is a very good link to the development of digital cameras’ | |
 | M.I.O.M.: Photax (original) | c1937 | 7 January 2016 | 1937 -- The first Photax from M.I.O.M. also completely made out of Bakelite apart from the metal ring which one has to turn to put the lens in place. Later models were completely in Bakelite and had a more original streamlined design but this version is much harder to find. The camera also comes with quite a unique carrying case which has a Bakelite front and leather back. | ||
 | M.I.O.M.: Photax IV | c1951-1961 | 18 January 2016 | 1950's Many different versions of the Photax exist. This is a later version with flash synchronization and small metal cap to protect the lens instead of the large bakelite protection cap. | ||
 | Mackenstein: Strut Folding Camera | c1884 | 26 Sept 2015 | 1884 -- This is a very early camera from Mackenstein, a Paris based producer of cameras who was active from the mid to late 1880\'s until around 1940 The camera is a so called \"Strut folding camera\" and when collapsed is very flat - an extremely portable camera for the 1880\'s. This type of camera was initially patented by the Belgian Dr. Ernest Candèze (1827-1908) and produced by Deyrolle (Paris) in 1875/1876. Similar cameras were produced by H.S. Arwin, Paris in 1889 (Photo-Sport Dubroni), a nearly exact copy is the Bardelli Alpina also from 1884 and possibly also produced by Mackenstein. This is the only Mackenstein Strut Folding camera that I have seen so far, if you have a similar camera or if you have a catalog describing this camera then I would be interested in hearing from you. The external silk tissue has deteriorated but the internal tissue (yellow on the outside black on the inside) is still original and not torn. The lens has no markings, the plate size is 13X19 cm. There is a mark on the inside which reads “collection Roux” again if there is someone that can shed some light on this I would be interested hearing from you. | ||
 | Mamiya: Mamiya-6 IV | 1947-1952 | 3 Oct 2016 | 1947 - Although the range of Mamiya-6 cameras ran from 1947 to 1952 there are some 12 sub types. This is a rare original Mamiya-6 Model IV from 1947. The Original Post WW II model with Automatic Film Counter). The camera was designed by Seichi Mamiya. It produces 6X6 cm pictures and uses 120 film . Serial n° is 37248. The lens is a Takatiho Zuiko (Olympus Original Name} Coated Lens with Serial n° 35196 and the shutter a Seikosha-Rapid (Compur-Rapid Type) shutter with speeds from 1 sec. to 1/500 and B. The camera has a combined coupled rangefinder/viewfinder and Automatic Film Advance/Counter ( the Very First Japanese Folding camera with this possibility). The camera is in very nice condition and still working. The camera has the Attractive Blind Stamped Mamiya-6 logo on the front cover and is blind stamped Mamyia-6 on the back. The Mamiya-6 cameras were designed just prior to WWII. They were produced with the highest precision construction. They are considered the best Japanese Folding cameras and comparable to the best German ones. There is a unique Internal \"Rack and Pignon\" focusing system where the Lens and mount are stationary and only the film plane advances or retracts. this system is believed to be more accurate than the Zeiss Super Ikonta cameras where only the front element moves. The camera also has its original Brown leather case in very good condition. The bottom of the camera has a CPO stamp. This was the stamp of the Central Purchasing Office established by Gen. MacArthur to assist the Japanese to recover their industrial production. The CPO provided raw materials and distributed the finished products subject to rigorous inspections and quality controls. This Mamiya-6 had a higher quality chrome finish, finer leather bellows and covering than subsequent cameras. Evidently, an effort was made to assure that the first Post WWII cameras would pass the inspection. These first Mamiya-6 cameras were sold exclusively at U.S. Military Post Exchanges and are very rare. | ||
 | Manhattan Optical: Wizard Pocket No.1 | c1900s | 18 Nov 2013 | 1900 -- Also not a reflex camera but such a beauty, the camera is from around 1900 and in extremely nice condition, I even still have the original box which has the name of the camera on it. | ||
 | Mentor Goltz & Breutmann: Mentor Reflex (1913, Klapp, Folding) | c1913-1925 | G.B. 1119 | 24 March 2016 | 1913 -- A folding reflex camera made by Goltz & Breutmann OHG Fabrik für photographische Apparate. A German camera manufacturer that was founded in 1898 in Berlin, later moved to Dresden and was after the war incorporated in VEB Pentacon in 1980. Goltz & Breutmann sold their cameras under the Mentor trade name and between the two world wars were quite well known producers of SLR cameras. The lens is a early Zeiss Tessar 135 mm 1 : 4.5 with SN 174414 which dates the lens in 1912. | |
 | Meopta: Mikroma | 1949 | 11 Feb 2017 | 1949 -- first version of the Czech made Meopta Mikroma sub miniature camera. Compared to my other sub miniature cameras, this camera is quite heavy. It is also a very sophisticated cameras it is possible to set distance and aperture (3.5 to 16) as well as the speed (200 - B). Film is transported by a lever at the back of the camera which at the same time operates the shutter, clever system. | ||
 | Meopta: Mikroma II 'World Expo' | 1958 | 7 Dec 2017 | 1958 - Special edition of the Mikroma II only produced for the Brussels World expo in 1958. The Mikroma II was introduced around 1957. The main differences with the Mikroma I are the release button on top of the camera that now fires the shutter (film loading is still done using a level at the back of the camera) there is a flash connector on top of the camera and the fastest speed is 400 instead of 200. My camera has never been used in my opinion. The beautiful gold colored leather covering is intact and the camera also came with a very nice green colored leather carrying bag. | ||
 | Meopta: Mikroma II (colored) | 1959 | 9 Jan 2018 | 1959 - Green Mikroma II, blue, brown and beige versions also exist (see for instance ). Camera looks very clean outside as well as inside. The shutter can be cocked and released but the shutter always stays open. | ||
     | Meopta: Stereo-Mikroma II | 1961 | 6901HZ.4 | 11 Jan 2024 | 1961 - Black Stereo Mikroma II with two Meopta Mirar 1:3.5/25 mm lenses with SN 11162 and 586. The camera uses 16 mm film. The two cartridges and film are still inside the camera. There is a flash synchronization contact on the top of the camera. The cocking of the shutter and winding of the film is done by turning the right dial on top of the camera which also advances the frame counter. Shutter speeds are B, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100. A number of accessories exist for the stereo cameras such as close up lenses for 1-3 m and 0.6-1 m focus ranges, a film cutter and stereo viewer. | |
       | Meyer Hugo Görlitz: Megoflex | 1550 | 21 July 2021 | 1933-35 Hugo Meyer was best known for its lenses, it was for instance an important supplier of lenses to Ihagee. However the company also produced a number of cameras as well as this interesting not very common attachment that you could fit on a Leica II or III and a small number of other cameras. to turn your Range Finder camera into a twin lens reflex camera. It is mounted on the accessory shoe and the pin under its lens must be attached to the camera lens. It can be used as a normal waist-level viewfinder with or without its magnifying lens, or as a half-mirror reflex viewfinder, with the mirror tilted 45 degrees. It can be used with 50mm Elmar or Hector lenses. The last picture shows the attachment fitted onto a Leica II (picture from the internet). | ||
 | Minolta: Minolta 16 MG | 1966-1971 | 180851 | 17 Oct 2016 | 1970's - The Minolta 16 range of cameras were very popular sub miniature cameras produced between 1955 and 1974. The Minolta MG is a quite small sophisticated and very well built version. An important advantage is also that the camera does not need batteries to operate. It measures 102.5 x 24 x 39.5 mm and weighs 156g. There is a built in selenium meter with a matched needle system, with a coupled aperture-shutter arrangement (still working on this camera). The shutter is variable from 1/30 to 1/250 s. The lens is a Rokkor 20mm four element f2.8 lens and there is a built-in sliding close-up lens, set to 1.2m. The ASA settings go from ASA 25 - 400. The MG is much smaller than the 16EE, 16EEII, 16P and 16Ps cameras. There is a flash switch on the back of the camera that sets the shutter at 1/30. The camera lacks a flash shoe adapter but an accessory flashgun was available that screwed into the tripod socket of the camera. | |
 | Minolta: Minolta 7000 AF | 1985 | 42024418 | 2011 | 1985 -- First SLR with integrated autofocus and motorised film advance enabling the use of non motorised AF lenses. The lens is a Maxxum AF 35-70 mm 1:4 zoom. The Minolta/Maxxum 7000 was a phenomenal sales success that catapulted Minolta into the technological forefront. It was subsequently followed by other 35mm AF SLRS such as the Nikon N2020 (1986) and later ('87) by the Canon EOS 650 (with AF motors in the lenses) and the Pentax SF-1 (with built-in pop-up flash). Today, virtually every 35mm and digital SLR has autofocus capability, a clear indication of the Minolta 7000's significant influence on the photo industry. | |
 | Minolta: Minolta SR-M | 1970 | 1002402 | 26 Feb 2015 | 1970 -- this is a hard to find, historically important SLR camera in that it is the first SLR with a built in motor drive. The motor drive enables single or continuous motorised use, with the continuous drive at a rate of 3 frames per second. The camera requires eight AA batteries which are stored in the attached handgrip. The handgrip has a shutter release. Strangely enough, the camera does not have a built in light meter (contrary to the SRT from which this camera is derived). The rationale for this is that CdS meters are slow to react to sudden changes in light levels. While later silicon meters are able to reassess the meter reading in the instant between exposures, a CdS meter does not measure correctly for subsequent frames due to the mirror blackout that occurs at the moment of exposure. The SR-M was designed for professional use, but was not really a big success which is the reason why these cameras are hard to find and often in very poor condition because of their professional use. My camera is still in fairly good shape, the black finish does not show any brassing but there is a dent and a scratch on the prism. | |
 | Minolta: Minoltaflex | 1936 | 21 January 2016 | 1936 -- This is apparently NOT the first Japanese built Twin Reflex camera, according to Camerapedia it is the SECOND Japanese TLR "The Minoltaflex is often wrongly presented as the first twin-lens reflex camera sold in Japan;[3] it was actually the second, released some months after the Prince Flex by Neumann & Heilemann. It is likely that the Minoltaflex prototypes came first, and it is said that the introduction in the market of the Prince Flex was prompted by the news that the Minolta camera would be released soon." The camera definitely was "inspired" by the Rolleicord. | ||
 | Minox: Minox TLX | 1995 | 2600115 | 2013 | 1995 -- There are many versions of the Minox camera, one could really develop a whole collection of Minox cameras. This is a rare titanium version of 1995. | |
 | Minox VEF: Minox Riga | 1937 | 15971 | 12 May 2019 | 1937 -- The Minox Riga was produced in Latvia between 1938 and 1943. After WWII production was moved to Germany and the company name was changed to Minox GmbH. The body of the Minox Riga is made out of stainless steel and the dials are from chrome plated brass. The camera is therefore quite heavy. The later models have an Aluminum body. Based on the serial number, my camera is a late model produced during the war, from either 1942 or 1943. My camera is also in excellent condition (a lot of the cameras on sale are in quite poor condition and the brass of the dials often shines through). The Minox Riga is a fully mechanical camera. The shutter allows exposure times between 1/2 and 1/1000 sec to be selected with the speed dial. Longer exposure times are possible by opening the shutter manually (B or T). The lens allows focusing from 20 cm to infinity. At close range, the viewfinder is moved in tandem with the focusing dial, in order to eliminate parallax errors. Above the viewfinder, is a filter bar, that allows a yellow filter (to improve contrast on B&W film) to be moved in front of the lens. | |
 | Misuzu Trading: Midget Jilona | c1937 | #0.1233 | 23 sept 2016 | 1937 -- This is a tiny Japanese sub miniature camera. Japan (as well as Germany) produced quite a number of sub miniature cameras just after the war until the early 1950's but this camera is much older from around 1937, making it one of the first Japanese cameras using the 17.5mm roll film format. There are black and colored versions of this camera, mine is a red version. The camera has a fixed focus 22mm (f6.8) two-element lens and shutter speeds of B and I (1/25). The viewfinder is a small pop-up viewfinder. | |
        | Miyagawa: Boltax I | c1938 | 585 | 20 Dec 2023 | 1938 -- Small Japanese camera using the \"Boltax\" film format. This rollfilm was developed for the Boltavit/Photavit camera range it is a paper-backed unperforated 35mm film wound on specific spools which became quite popular in Japan until the late 1940\'s. Lens is a Picner Anastigmat f4.5 40mm. Shutter is a Picny-D 25-100, B shutter. Viewfinder is a prominent barrel shaped finder. The top plate is removable using a lever on the top plate to open and lock the plate. The SN 585 indicates that this is probably a very early model. | |
 | Montanus (Potthoff): Plascaflex V45 | 1952 | 25 August 2016 | 1952 - Potthoff, a German producer of plastic moldings created a subsidiary under the name of Montanus to produce cameras. The first camera that they produced was the Plascaflex of which there were 2 versions, the PS35 which had a Prontor S shutter and a Plascanar 3.5/75 mm lens and the V45 which had a Vario shutter and 4.5/75 mm lens. A \"unique\" (but in my opinion somewhat useless) feature was the presence of a magnifying glass which could be stored in the bottom of the camera (see the picture). A number of name variants exist of this camera like the Amplion Reflex which was sold in the UK and the Raluflex I. Initially the cameras that Montanus produced were made out of Bakelite but later models were in metal. Camera production ended somewhere around 1960. My camera is still in a nice condition but has a small screw missing to hold the name tag, there is also a small crack in the bakelite magnifier. | ||
 | Morita Trading: Kiku 16 Mod I | 1954 | 23 Sept 2016 | 1954 -- First version of the Kiku 16. A miniature camera with a simple shutter with two settings (I and B). The camera came with its leather carry on case and a Yellow filter. | ||
 | Morita Trading: Kiku 16 Mod II | 1956 | 19 June 2014 | 1957 -- Version II of the Kiku 16. The only improvement is that the shutter needs to be tensioned (small handle on the front of the camera) before it can be released, thus making it more difficult to have double exposures. I have the camera with its original instruction sheet and the box. | ||
 | Murer & Duroni: Murer (strut-folding, 4.5x6) | 1909-1916 | 24 March 2014 | 1910 - Probably from around 1910. Lovely small Italian folding camera, came with plates. There seem to be several versions around. Still looking for more detail on exact year of construction. | ||
 | Musashino-Koki: Rittreck IIa | 1956-1960 | 8661 | 14 Aug 2019 | 1956 - The RITTRECK IIA is an historically important camera that is quite hard to find, it is the first Japanese 6x9 SLR and is an extremely versatile camera produced by Musashino Koki in Tokyo Japan. the Serial N°8661 is stamped on top of the camera. The camera is in Exceptional Original Physical Condition but the Shutter does not work correctly (camera was bought in the 1970's as new old stock, because of long storage, the shutter needs revision but the camera has never been used). Excellent f:3.5 10.5cm. Coated MKK lens Serial No. 11489. Focal Plane shutter with speeds from 1/2 sec. to 1/400 sec. and B.). Here is an interesting link with more information | |
 | Nagel Dr. August: Pupille (Elmar) | 1931-1935 | 2340029 | 20 May 2013 | Early 1930\'s -- Very solidly built and rather small camera from the 1930\'s. The company only existed between 1928 and 1932 when it was acquired by Kodak. Dr. Nagel was also the designer of the famous Kodak Retina series. The Pupille continued to be sold after the takeover by Kodak and therefore this camera can be found with Nagel or Kodak brand names. The Pupille was mostly offered with a Schneider Xenon f2, Xenar f2.9 or f3.5 mm and a Compur shutter. My camera has the less common Leitz Elmar f3.5 50 mm. Leitz did not produce many lenses for other camera makers and this is an exception. See also the comparison with the Wirgin Gewirette. | |
        | Nagel Dr. August: Vollenda No.70 (6x9) | c1929-1932 | 84020 | 10 Dec 2021 | 1931 --This camera was one of the models in production when Kodak took over the Nagel factory in Stuttgart at the end of 1931. Both the brilliant (the viewing window) and the bellows are in mint condition, the lens is clean and clear, the Pronto shutter (original Gauthier) works in good order and the body has no scratches or damage. The camera uses 620 roll film to produce 6X9 pictures. The lens is a Nagel-Anastigmat 4.5/10.5mm, Dr. August Nagel Stuttgart. 70/0 is punched on the top strap, the see-through (folding) window is on the right and the name “Nagel” can be found 3x on the camera; on the metal support leg, on the catch to open the back and on the top of the bottom plate. The original film reel is also present. A very special feature that was promoted in advertisements is that the back opens on the side \"like a book\". | |
 | Nefotaf: Glory | 1949 | 20 May 2017 | 1949 -- This box camera has a nice front with the word Glory in art deco letters on the front. The camera was produced by Nefotaf. Nefotaf is derived from the Dutch \"NEderlandse FOTografische Apparaten Fabriek\" (translated as Dutch photographic devices plant) and was founded in 1949 by W. Vlijmene and P.C. Bertels. The Glory box was the first camera that they produced, the name of the camera was changed in 1949 to NEFOX because the name GLORY already existed. Check the De Nederlandse Camera web site for more detail | ||
 | Nemrod Metzeler: Siluro | c1960s | 6 Sept 2019 | 1960-1966 -- The Siluro is an underwater camera produced by the Barcelona based company Nemrod. Nemrod started off in the 1930\'s as a producer of under water equipment and in 1967, the German rubber processing company Metzeler took a 50% share in Nemrod which was renamed Nemrod Metzeler. Cameras produced after 1967 therefore have the name Nemrod Metzeler. The Siluro camera is very similar to the older Mako Shark from the late 1950\'s. The camera has a fixed focus 70 mm f/16 lens, with focus distance of 1 to 2 1/2 meters, a flash bulb unit can be screwed on the camera, and there is a single speed shutter (1/60th second). A special feature is the pressurizer valve on the front top of the camera. You can use a bike pump to pump air in the camera. This causes a positive pressure inside and, if some gasket is leaking, the diver will see a stream of bubbles, giving him time to take the camera out of the water, before any damage occurs. The camera uses 120 film to take 6x6cm images. Basically, the camera is an underwater Brownie Box camera. The selling price was quite high, around $100 for the full kit including the flash. | ||
       | Newman & Guardia: Baby Sibyl | 1912-1935 | 89 | 9 Oct 2020 | 1912 This is an early Baby Sibyl with serial number 89 and Zeiss lens with serial number 178505 which dates it in 1912. The Baby Sibyl was the smallest of the Sibyl range of cameras. It uses 4.5 x 6 cm plates and has rising front and cross front adjustments, so quite a sophisticated small camera that could easily be kept in one\'s pocket. The body is also of aluminum which makes the camera very light. Newman & Guardia is known for producing relatively small numbers of cameras but with very high quality. | |
 | Newman & Guardia: Nydia | c1900 | 63134 | 2 June 2016 | 1902 - The Nydia is a very portable camera produced from 1900 onward. 3 different numbers appear on the camera The serial number 63134 is actually the number of the Ross lens, another number - 352241 is stamped into the metal frame and the wooden box has a number 87. Through its lifetime, many different modifications were made and my camera can probably be dated to the year 1902 based on the shutter (a good web site for identifying these cameras is early Photography the camera can be collapsed by detaching the bellows from the shutter/lens combination which can then either be removed or folded up to a very compact size. The changing box has 12 one quarter plates and a pressing plate. Once the plate has been exposed it is moved through a changing lever (with counter) at the back of the camera into the leather bag on top of the camera and then manually pushed towards the back of the stack of plates inside the camera. A very portable system at the time. My camera still has the 12 plates and pressing plate, the lens is clean without scratches, the shutter does not work and the bellows are quite deteriorated but it is still a very attractive camera as one can judge for oneself on the picture that I have taken. | |
 | Nichiryo: Nicnon (binocular) | 1968-1978 | 703380 | 1 March 2019 | 1968 -- This is a pair of 7X50 binoculars on which a 35 mm half frame Rico Half E has been attached on the side. The camera has a spring wound mechanism to advance the film. ASA settings go from 32 to 400. Speed settings are 60, 125 and 250. There is an optional external selenium lightmeter which can be mounted in the accessory shoe. Aperture settings go from 3.5 to 11, the taking lens is a Nicnon 165 mm which would be equivalent to a 250 mm telelens on a full frame 35 mm camera. Other combinations of a camera with binoculars such as the Toko Teleca often have the camera mounted on top of the binoculars. This camera is more sophisticated in that the binoculars are fully integrated, the right binocular has a semi transparent mirror that directs the light to the camera. This binocular also has a collapsible sun shade and each of the binoculars has a separate dioptry regulation. Nichiryo trading sold this model also under the name of Teflex. In 1971 distribution was taken over by Ricoh and the camera was renamed Teleca 240. | |
 | Nikon: D1 | 1999 | 5026605 | 3 Feb 2013 | 1999 -- First professional digital SLR from Nikon and so far the most recent camera of my collection | |
 | Nikon: Nikon F (eyelevel, chrome) | 1959 | 6423083 | 2012 | 1960/61 -- According to the serial number this camera is either late 1960 or early 1961. The lens is from a later date (SN 768689). The Nikon F is really the camera that replaced the professional range finder cameras and made Nikon the leading supplier of professional SLR\'s. The body is very similar to the Nikon SP Range Finder camera. | |
 | Nikon: Nikon F (eyelevel, chrome) | 1959 | 6407440 | 11 May 2019 | 1959/1960 -- This is my oldest Nikon F camera. The serial number dates it early 1960. The lens with SN 528564 is also from late 1959 early 1960. The camera still works but has been heavily used. | |
 | Nikon: Nikon F Photomic | 1962 | 6476212 | 2012 | 1962 -- Black Nikon F, the lens is a 50 mm Nikkor SC Auto 1.4 with SN 1281743 (therefore much younger i.e. 1973) and Photomic cell. I like it that the brass is shining through (but not too much). | |
 | Nikon: Nikon N90s | 1992 | 2013 | 1994 -- This is a Nikon N90S from 1994 with a Kodak DCS 420 back. Therefore an early 1.5 megapixel digital camera priced at around 12,000 US$ at that time. | ||
 | Nikon: Nikon SP | 1957-1964 | 6206553 | 20/12/2017 | 1957/58 -- Beautiful example of the Nikon SP with fitting 5cm Nikkor SC 1.4 lens with black barrel. This is an iconic camera and was marketed by Nikon as a professional range finder camera to compete with Leica\'s M3. Early cameras (such as mine) still have a silk shutter which makes the shutter release extremely silent. Later (after 1959) models were fitted with a titanium shutter foil. The main finder covers a 50mm lens, and as you turn the top dial around the rewind crank (marked 5cm, 8.5cm, 10.5cm and 13.5cm), frames for 85mm, 105mm and 135mm lenses appear. The SP was used as a base on which the later Nikon F Reflex was modeled. The shutter, layout, controls, and camera back are all the same between the Nikon SP and the Nikon F SLR. The Nikon SP was also the first Nikon camera to offer a motor back. | |
 | Nikon: Nikonos I (Calypso) | 1963 | 934638 | 20 Oct 2012 | 1963 -- This is also one of my non reflex Nikon cameras, a very clean Nikonos I underwater camera from the mid 1960\'s. Most cameras that you see are heavily used and maltreated, this camera looks hardly used at all. I am still searching for a list of Serial numbers to determine the exact year of production. Nikon bought the Calypso camera design from the French diving equipment company Spirotechnique in the early 1960\'s and started selling the Nikonos I as of 1963. The Nikonos I series starts with 900001 and Nikonos II introduced in 1968 starts with 960001. | |
       | OIP Soc.: Nivax | c1929-1932 | 19 Feb 2021 | 1930 -- This is a very nice metal Nivax camera from the company OIP located in Ghent, Belgium. OIP was founded by André Callier in 1918. Initially OIP mainly produced lenses but in the late 1920\'s the company also started selling cameras which were probably German made bodies that were assembled and fitted with a lens in Belgium. The company is still operating but does not produce or market any cameras any more. The Nivax was sold as a Tropical camera because it was made out of metal. The lens is an OIP anastigmat MAJOR 150 mm 6.3 with serial number 3016. The camera has a simple Pronto shutter with 25 50 100 B and T settings. Plate format is 9X12 cm. Film packs were also available. | ||
        | OIP Soc.: Nivotex | 1930 | 12 Aug 2022 | 1930 - As can be seen on the front plate, this camera is called Nivorex (not Nivotex). The Nivotex camera is listed in McKeown\'s without picture, there is no mention of a Nivorex. Also on the Web site Collection appareils there is only a mention of Nivorex with a promotion stating that the camera takes 6.5X11 cm pictures. My camera takes rollfilm and produces 6X9 cm pictures. The lens is a OIP Major f6.3 with serial number 6543. The shutter has the following setting: 25 75 B T.. The camera looks like new it does not have any traces of being used. | ||
 | Olympus: Olympus M-1 | 1972 | 150678 | 14 Nov 2017 | 1972 -- First Olympus reflex camera. When it was introduced in the market it was seen as quite an advanced consumer camera which was much quieter and lighter compared to the Canon and Nikon reflex cameras of that time. In order to avoid a conflict with the Leica M system, Olympus soon re-branded the Olympus M1 to Olympus OM1. The Olympus M1 was primarily sold in Japan which makes it hard to find this camera in the rest of the world. The lenses are also original M system lenses In total around 50,000 M1 cameras were produced. | |
 | OTAG: Amourette | 1925 | 002873 | 23 June 2016 | 1925 -- OTAG (Österreichisches Telefon AG) was an Austrian producer of telephones that only produced one camera, the Amourette (sold in France under the \"Lutin\" brand name). It is a special camera in a sense that it is a very early 35 mm camera using perforated 35 mm film in special cassettes which allowed the photographer to take 50 pictures. The Amourette was produced around the same time as the first Leica cameras and looks very similar to the Photoscopic which was launched one year earlier in 1924. What surprised me was the very small size of the camera. The camera also feels quite solid with its metal body and unique film advancement. The film is advanced by pulling a tab at one end of the back of the camera, which activates a claw which pulls the film by the perforations. The lens is a 35 mm f/6.3 Double Miniscope, Extra-Rapidoptik with two diaphragm settings (6.3 and 11.6). The shutter has 3 speeds (25, 50, 100) and T. The camera was produced between 1925 and around 1930 (source McKeown 12th ed.). | |
        | Pathe Freres: Pathe Baby Motor 'Camo' | c1927 | 037542 | 4 Dec 2020 | 1920\'s/30\'s -- Pathé was a French company that launched the 9.5 mm film format in 1922 by selling a cine camera as well as projector for this format. The 9.5 mm format was quite popular with amateurs before the second world war. Initially, the film transport in the cine camera (Pathé Baby launched in 1922) was done manually using a handle on the side of the camera. as of 1926 a spring motor was added, different versions exist (Motrix, Camo) this model was produced until 1937. | |
 | Philips: Camera-Eclair | c1950s | 17 Feb 2017 | 1954 -- It is quite obvious that Philips's main objective was to sell flashlights. The camera has a very nice 1950's styling and is made from Bakelite. With my camera, there is still the original invoice of 25 Guilders + 1.12 Tax. The camera was bought in 1954. It is exactly the same as the "Flits camera" (translated as "Flash camera"). There is no name tag on the camera so there is no way to distinguish the "éclair camera" from the "Flits camera", I would suspect that initially there was also a Dutch manual with the camera but I only have the French manual. I also have the leather carry on pouch and 2 green/blue flashlights. | ||
       | Photo See Corp: Photo See (100 Model A) | c1938-1940s | 16 Feb 2023 | 1938 -- On the carboard box it says \"Snap the picture and get the photo in five minutes, outdoor or indoor\". It is therefore a pre polaroid camera. The camera was patented by Herman Casler around 1935 (source: http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk), it takes images on positive paper. Casler was an American inventor who was also involved in for instance the development of the miniature Photoret watch camera (1893). | ||
           | Photographie Vulgarisatrice: Incroyable (tailboard) | c1894-1897 | 18 Jan 2021 | Late 1800\'s The incroyable was a very affordable camera that was promoted to help increase the number of amateur photographers towards the end of the 19th century. The camera was sold with a set of chemicals to develop the pictures. The company Photographie Vulgarisatrice also offered a free lesson to teach how to use the camera. | ||
 | Photographie Vulgarisatrice: Photolet | c1930s | 23 sept 2016 | 1932? --- This camera is nearly an exact copy of the more widely known ULCA cameras and marketed (produced ?) by the French company Photographie Vulgarisatrice (according to McKeown\'s 2005/2006). According to Collection Appareils Sylvain Halgand the camera was produced by the company Photolet in 1932. The camera is in cast metal and makes 20 exposures measuring 20x20mm on roll film. The lens is a simple Meniscus f/8 31mm and the shutter, a single speed rotary shutter. | ||
 | PIC: Pic | c1950s | 9 June 2015 | 1945 - 1950 This uniquely styled camera was produced in the UK between 1945 and 1950 by the company Pressure Sealed Plastics Limited and is rather hard to find. It is a a circular plastic camera for 16 images on 127 rollfilm. Fitted with a simple lens of fixed aperture and focus. there are 2 shutter release buttons and a tubular viewfinder. the camera was marketed by PIC Distributors Limited. My camera is still in very good condition has a film inside and still has the original box which is in a good shape. | ||
        | Pierrat: Drepy (1946) | c1946-1950 | 22 Aug 2023 | 1947 - Pierrat was a French camera maker operating after the war from 1945 to the early 1960\'s. The quality of the cameras was quite good. The Drépy was the first camera produced by Pierrat. Production started in 1947. It is a metal camera with a simple viewfinder that opens by pressing a button on top of the camera. I am not able to find any serial number. The Drestop shutter was developed in house and has speed settings of B, 10, 25, 50 and 150, the shutter still fires and seems to be accurate (based on hearing). The shutter is cocked on the lens with the release button on the body. The lens is also an own branded \"Drestyl\" 10.5 cm f 4.5. Film format is 6X9. My camera came with the original box. | ||
 | Prinsen: Prinsen Box LP | c1948-1949 | 20 May 2017 | 1947 - The Dutch Prinsen camera producer was founded in 1947 by Mr Frits Prinsen. The Prinsen box LP camera was produced for only 2 years, several versions exist of this camera. check the De Nederlandse Camera web site | ||
 | Rectaflex Starea: Rectaflex 1300 (Standard) | 1952-1956 | 27223 | 2011 | 1952 -- I really love the styling of the camera but the quality is not as good as the German quality. This is not one of the first versions but a 1952 model. the lens is a Schneider Kreuznach with SN 3399423 which also dates from 1952 | |
 | Richter KW: Siforflex | c1937 | 17 June 2016 | 1937? - Richter was a German camera maker best known for their Reflecta TLR cameras. Richter also produced these cameras under other brand names for other companies including the Hungarian camera retailer SIFOR located in Györ Hungary. SIFOR was the third largest camera retailer in pre war Hungary. Reportedly the Siforflex was produced between 1937 and 1939 and only 3,500 cameras were sold which make the camera quite hard to find. The camera has a taking lens 1:4,5 f 7.5 Anastigmat Triolar with serial number 213285, the camera takes pictures of 6x6 cm on 120 film. My camera still functions and is cosmetically in good condition. | ||
 | Riken: Steky I | 1947 | 4344 | 17 Feb 2017 | 1947 - First model Steky with 40 mm coated tele lens | |
 | Riken: Steky III | c1950-1955 | 952 | 1990 | 1950-52 Camera from between 1950 and 1952 still stamped \"Made in Occupied Japan\" therefore one of the earlier Steky III models. The Steky has interchangeable lenses a shutter with 25 50 100 and B settings as well as a frame counter. These cameras were well made and several models of the Steky were produced. My camera is still complete with the yellow filter as well as lens cap and two cartridges and the leather carry on case (it is quite rare to find a complete Steky with all its components). | |
           | Rochester Optical: Long Focus Premo | 1895-1904 | 22 Aug 2022 | 1900 - This camera was produced between 1895 and 1904 with some small modifications. As suggested by its name, this style Premo possesses an extra long bellows, adapting it for the use of very long focus lenses, as well the normal lenses. The extra length of draw is obtained by the addition of a folding back. By simply touching a spring at the top, the back of the camera will drop, forming a bed, upon which the rear portion of the camera carrying the ground glass screen will slide. The lens is a Victor Rapid Rectilinear lens that was also supplied with other Premo cameras. Being symmetrical the front combination may be removed, the rear lens alone approximately doubles the length of focus. The Long Focus Premo has Double Swing Back, Double Sliding Front, and a Rack and Pinion movement for focusing. There is a brilliant reversible View Finder mounted on the front board. Two tripod plates are fitted for both upright and horizontal pictures. The shutter is a Victor shutter which again was used on a number of other Premo cameras. The ground glass screen is spring actuated, and recedes to allow the insertion of the Plate Holder. Glass Plates, Cut and Roll Films may be used as well. There were 4 main versions the most common is the 15 Inch (4X5) but there are also the 19 inch (5X7), 22 inch (6.5X8.5) and 28 inch (8X10) versions. My camera is the 15 inch version which cost 35$ in the early 1900\'s (roughly 1,300$ now). Prices for the other cameras were: 45$ for the 19 inch , 55$ for the 22 inch and 65$ for the 28 inch camera. | ||
       | Rodolphe: Reproduction camera | 4 Dec 2020 | Around 1900 - A small reproduction camera sold by Maison Rodolphe from Brussels. Rodolphe was a distributor the camera is produced by another company. | |||
 | Rollei: Heidoscop (6x13cm) | 1925-1940 | 23 Sept 2017 | 1931 - The Heidoscop is the first camera produced by Franke & Heidecke. The Heidoscop was in production between 1921 and 1941. There are two types of film backs either for plates (like my camera) or roll film. Several versions were produced with minor modifications. My camera is the latest model 5 where the Lens caps are hinged to the camera front. A description of the different versions can be found at Early Photography | ||
 | Rollei: Rollei 16 | 1963-1967 | 2704406 | 25 Nov 2011 | 1963 -- A sophisticated miniature camera using 16 mm film. The Rollei 16 was presented at the 1963 Photokina and is a quite unique concept designed by Heinz Waaske who had developed the Wirgin Edixa (see insert) which was brought to the market in 1962. Waaske apparently fell out with Wirgin and then went to Rollei. The camera has a Shutter- Coupled Automatic Exposure Meter and a Carl Zeiss Tessar f:2.8 Lens (N° 3603685). Focusing is from .4m to inf. There is a "Pull-Out" Parallex Correcting Albada Viewfinder which advances the film and arms the shutter. The camera uses 16mm "single perforation" film in RADA cartridges. the camera has a Gossen Selenium Exposure Meter which still works (quite rare for this age). There are no shutter speeds indicated since the exposure meter Automatically determines the exposure from ASA 12- 200. A small prism "Extinction Meter" in the base of the viewfinder indicates if there is enough light to hand hold the camera. It turns "Black" when there is insufficient light. The Rollei 16 can be used on a Tripod for long exposures up to 3 seconds. | |
 | Rollei: Rolleicord I "Tapeten" (Wallpapered) | 1933-1936 | 1488124 | 21 May 2016 | 1933 - this camera was produced between 1933 and March 1936. In total over 32,000 \"Tapeten\" cameras were produced. The range of serial numbers (engraved in the taking lens) runs from 1.460.000 - 1.760.000 | |
 | Rollei: Rolleiflex 4x4 Post-War Baby (black) | 1963-1968 | 2064948 | 24 Feb 2014 | Beautiful 1960\'s \"Baby Rolleiflex\". This is the rare \"Black version\" which is much less common compared to the \"Grey version\" which was produced from 1957 to 1963. The black version was produced between 1963 and 1968, only some 4,930 cameras were produced. The camera is in very clean condition and does not show any traces of use. On one of the sides there is an emblem with 5 stars. | |
 | Ross: Portable Divided Camera | c1891 | 386 | 16 May 2019 | 1890 - The Ross Portable Divided Cameras are of the first twin lens reflex cameras that were produced on a relatively large scale. The earliest models were introduced in the late 1880' early 1890's compared to the large bellows cameras these cameras had the advantage that they could be used without a tripod by holding the camera steady to one's body. Earlier versions like my camera had one door, later versions had 2 doors. The taking lens is a 5X4 Rapid Symmetrical Ross lens with serial number 48807 which dates it between 1885 and 1890 and built in diaphragm from f8 to f84. The viewing lens is also a 5X4 Rapid symmetrical lens. | |
     | Roth Levy: Minnigraph | c1915 | 709 | 04 August 2023 | 1915 This camera was invented by the German inventor Benno Levy-Roth a pioneer/inventor in the field of photography and cinematography. The Minnigraph, is a pre Leica 35 mm camera that was also capable of projecting and enlarging the images The Minnigraph was the first European still camera to use cine film, and it made half-frame (18x24 mm) pictures on film held in special cassettes. The camera has a metal body with leather covering, a simple flap shutter, a folding frame-finder, and a lamphouse accessory that could be attached to the rear. My camera has a Pentagraph lens (some cameras have a minnigraph lens). The camera has serial number 709. | |
 | Ruberg & Renner: Ruberg Futuro (red) | c1933 | 15 Sept 2018 | 1927 - Very nice red marbled Ruberg Futuro. The camera is very clean and comes with its leather pouch (inside some text mentioning the year 1928). Very simple camera with two diaphragm settings that are selected by pulling a small handle near the bottom of the lens. and two speed settings (T and I) selected by the small wheel on the lens. The lens is a Rodenstock Periskop f11 lens. The body of the camera is in metal and the lens is from Bakelite and has to be screwed out.The camera takes 3x4 or 4x6.5cm exposures on 127 film. Film format is selected by a handle at the bottom of the camera. | ||
    | Sakura Seiki: Petal (round) | 1948 | 20 Aug 2021 | 1948 - Smallest camera of my collection - compare the size with the one Euro coin. Initially this camera was produced by St. Peter Optical Company of Japan in 1948. The camera has a fixed focus 12mm f/5.6 lens with a simple B and I shutter. A round 25 mm film disk is fitted into the back of the camera the film is put into position behind the lens by rotating the rear half of the camera. In total 6 images can be made. | ||
 | Sanwa: Mycro I | c1947-1949 | July 1 2014 | 1952 -- Stamped "Made in Japan", probably from around 1952. My camera does not have any engraving around the lens, not sure if this is original or not but the camera looks very clean without any scratches. There is still a film inside the camera. I also have the leather case which is still stamped "made in occupied Japan". | ||
 | Sanwa: Mycro IIIa | c1949 | 13 Oct 2013 | 1949 -- One of the more sophisticated Japanese miniature cameras that were produced just after WWII. The camera has a shutter with the following speeds: 25 50 100 B. My version still has its original yellow filter, lens shade and leather carry on case. | ||
 | Sawyers: View-master Personal Stereo | 1952 | 12869 | 24 March 2016 | 1952 to 1960. This is a very interesting camera that uses 35 mm film to produce view master size pictures that can then be mounted in a view-master reel. The camera lenses first are positioned so that the upper part of the film is exposed, once the film roll is finished the dial on the front of the camera is turned and the lenses move to expose the bottom part of the film. The camera was developed by 1952 by the Stereocraft Engineering Company and marketed by Sawyers (originally a producer of postcards). The camera was sold for around 180 US$ in the 1950's. | |
 | SCAT: Scat | c1950s | 25 May 2015 | 1950's -- Tiny Italian made 1950's camera with quite a unique design. Takes 7x10mm pictures on16 mm film in special cassettes. The lens is a f 3,5 /25 mm and can be focused from 1,5m till infinity. Very rudimentary viewfinder. When winding the only button on the camera clockwise, the film is transported and the shutter is cocked. Winding counterclockwise fires the shutter. There is only one shutter speed. I have not (yet) seen this mechanism on any other camera. My camera still works, the metal around the lens and button (Al) is somewhat pitted. | ||
   | Schaap: Senco Reflex | c1905-1911 | 16526 | 7 June 2019 | 1909 -- This camera is was sold by Schaap in the Netherlands in between the period when they sold their Hollandse Reflex (Pat. Loman) and SENCO reflex (made by Willem Brandsma). It is not clear who produced the Senco Reflex camera. (Huettig, ICA, Mentor/Goltz und Breutmann?) The lens is a Huettig Maximar 180 mm (SN 186504 ?). The negative has a plate size 9X12 cm. | |
 | Secam: Stylophot | 1955 | 22 Dec 2013 | 1950\'s -- Stylophot French camera from the 1950\'s. The Stylophot was designed by Fritz Kaftanski who was born in Germany but then moved to the Czech republic and around 1945 to France. He designed a number of cameras such as the SIDA, SIDAX, COMPAFEX and KAFTAX. The Stylophot range was produced between 1955 and around 1970. This is the simpler model without focussing capability. The camera comes complete with its lens shade (hard to find) and plastic case. | ||
 | Secam: Stylophot | 1955 | 16 march 2015 | 1950's -- A stylophot complete with film as well as a set of 4 filters - the camera has not been used and also comes with the box in which it was sold. | ||
 | Secam: Stylophot Deluxe | 1955 | 26 Dec 2011 | 1950\'s -- Another Stylophot, this is the more sophisticated focusing model with Roussel f 3.5 Lens which was produced from 1956 until about 1970. The shutter is 1/75 s and a full range of apertures can be set from f3.5 to f16. I also have the carrying case. | ||
       | Shackman: Auto Camera Mark 3 | 1953 | 3016 | 27 Nov 2020 | 1950\'s Apparently this special purpose camera was produced between 1945 and 1955 by the UK company D. Shackman and Sons. The camera takes 24X24 mm pictures on 35 mm film in 250-exposure casteetes. The camera is motorized (24 V) and was used for recording purposes. The camera was often supplied with a Dallmeyer lens but my camera has a Ihagee Exaktar f3.5 7.5 cm | |
 | Shincho Seiki: Darling-16 | 1957 | 10 March 2018 | 1957 - A somewhat larger sub miniature camera styled as a movie camera. The camera can take 14 pictures on 16 mm not perforated film. The size of each negative is 10x12mm. The film cartridge is similar to the Mamiya film cartridge. The camera is quite sophisticated with a fixed 35mm f8.0 lens which is equivalent to a 85mm lens in the 35mm format. Range goes from 0.9m (3 feet) to infinity. Aperture settings are f8, f11, f22. The viewfinder has a black line for framing short distances (within 1.2m - 4ft). The camera has only two speeds, B and I (1/50). This camera is an early version without flash synchronization and aperture setting on the front of the camera. Later models have flash synchronization on the front, with aperture selection on the lens. A number of variations exist. This camera has yellow lettering, other versions have red and green lettering. | ||
 | Showa Kogaku: Gemflex (I) | c1949 | 6910 | 17 Feb 2017 | 1949 - First Gemflex. The smallest real Twin Lens Reflex Ever Made!. A very nice piece of Japanese engineering. Measures only 3 X 3.8 X 6.5 cms. GEM f:3.5 25mm Lens with Iris Diaphragm closes to f: 11, Shutter with Speeds from 1.25 to 1/100 sec. & B. This camera has practically All the Functions of it's "Big Brothers". Still in Fully Working Condition. "Pop-Up" Top cover Springs open as New. Internally clean with no signs of use.This camera is difficult to find particularly in such a nice condition, The back of the camera has a metal logo with "Made in Occupied Japan" engraved. | |
       | Spencer, John: Tailboard Camera | c1865-1870 | 30 sept 2019 | 1860\'s small tailboard camera for 9X11 cm plates. and so far the oldest camera of my collection. John Spencer was a merchant/producer of camera equipment. The company was located in Glasgow (Union st 39) from the late 1850\'s up to 1869 when John Spencer retired, this camera is from that period. the camera has a Petzval-type lens with cap and is in good condition for its age. | ||
 | Spirotechnique: Aquamatic (I) | 1976 | 794 | 10 Sept 2019 | 1976 - first version of a hard to find Aquamatic, produced by the French company Formaplex. The history of this camera is quite interesting. Aquamatic I. First batch of 800 cameras had a concave front lens and could therefore only be used under water, so this camera is one of the last Aquamatic 1 cameras. The camera uses 126 film cartridges. 1978 Aquamatic II. Modification of the lens so that it could be used under water as well as above water. There is also the addition of a slide to receive a front lens to make close up pictures. Yellow as well as black versions exist Agfa insists in a name change because the camera’s name is too close to Agfa-Matic. Camera is renamed “Formaplex” The new name is simply glued on to of the old logo. Black as well as yellow versions exist 1980 - Jean-Louis Defuans, the inventor of the Aquamatic/Formaplex falls out with Spirotechnique and starts distributing under his own company’s name. The round Spirotechnique logo is replaced by the Formaplex Logo (again just glued on top). Jean-Louis Defuans also develops a 35 mm back that can be used on the Aquamatic/Formaplex. Here is an interesting link with more information | |
      | Spirotechnique: Aquamatic (II, yellow) | 1978 | 12 Feb 2023 | 1978 - Aquamatic II. Modification of the lens so that it could be used under water as well as above water. There is also the addition of a slide to receive a front lens to make close up pictures. Yellow as well as black versions exist | ||
 | Spirotechnique: Calypso | 1960-1961 | 6781 | 12 Oct 2015 | Early 1960\'s - This underwater camera was initially produced by Spirotechnique and the precursor to Nikon\'s Nikonos series. The first Calypso was introduced in the market around 1958 and sold at around 100 US$. It had a very distinctive grey \"Faux sealskin\" covering. Shutter speeds are B, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000. Around serial number 3500 some minor changes were made. The glossy black finish was replaced with a black textured paint. The Calypso logo, which had been imprinted in white beneath the lens at the front of the camera, was changed to a black logo on a silver colored plate. The serial number, originally imprinted in white at the rear of the camera to the right of the viewfinder, was relocated and stamped into the left rail of the accessory shoe on top of the camera. The shortest time was changed to 500. This camera is therefore a second generation Calypso. | |
             | Spirotechnique: Calypso | 1960-1961 | 2192 | 20 feb 2021 | Late 1950\'s - This is the first version of the Calypso with speed settings up to 1000, Glossy black finish, white on black logo and serial number in white at the rear of the camera. Quite hard to find | |
         | Spirotechnique: Formaplex | 2945 | 3 March 2024 | 1980\'s - this is the latest iteration of the Formaplex/Aquamatic camera after Jean-Louis Defuans fell out with La Spirotechnique and started marketing the camera under his own \"Formaplex\" brand name. The carry on bag and the manual still have the Spirotechnique branding (the manual even still refers to the \"Aquamatic\" brand name for the camera). The version of the camera that I have is in close to new condition and still in full operational condition. | ||
 | Standard Cameras: Robin-Hood-Stereo | 1930s | 2 June 2017 | 1930's - The box proudly refers to a 'Photographic Outfit comprising of a stereoscopic camera, film, chemicals, printing paper etc.' My box only has the camera a few sheets of film and one sheet of paper. On the side of the box someone has written " Presented to Antony Dooley 1952". This seems to indicate that this camera was produced for quite some time as I can not imagine someone buying the camera in the 1930's and giving it as a present in 1952. It is a fairly simple camera but because of its attractive speckled Bakelite rather well sought after collectible. shutter setting and tensioning is on the front, release button on the side of the camera. Although the camera was aimed at children, it had to be loaded in the dark. | ||
      | Steinheil: Casca I | c1948 | 53260 | 19 Jan 2021 | 1948 - Nice working Steinheil CASCA I with 5cm 2.8 Culminar lens. Because of its attractive styling, this camera is quite sought after by collectors. The camera has a very modern and easy to use bayonet lens mount which is released by a small button on the front of the camera (the CASCA I bayonet is incompatible with the CASCA II bayonet). There is a large finder and the back flips up for easy film loading (much easier to use compared to other film loading systems used at the time). There is a focal plane shutter, with speeds from 1/25-1000 + B. Unique for this camera is the time setting which is done by using a slider on the back, operated by the right thumb. The distance setting is done by turning a wheel on the front of the camera. The body of the camera is in aluminum which is more delicate compared to the chrome used on other top of the range cameras of that time. A very advanced camera at it\'s time but only produced for a very short period which makes it fairly hard to find but not as hard compared to the CASCA II. | |
      | Sugaya: Myracle II | c1950 | 8 july 2023 | 1950 Myracle Model II produced by Sugaya Koki, Sugaya optical Co., Ltd, Japan in the1950\'s. This is a Sub-miniature \"Hit\"- camera taking 14x14mm pictures on 17.5 roll film, with a Hope Anastigmat 4.5/25mm lens. Blue and chrome finish, with case. | ||
       | Sugaya: Myracle II | c1950 | 8 July 2023 | 1950 Myracle Model II produced by Sugaya Koki, Sugaya optical Co., Ltd, Japan, in the 1950\'s. This is a Sub-miniature \"Hit\"- camera taking 14x14mm pictures on 17.5mm roll film, with Hope Anastigmat 4.5/25mm. Red and chrome finish, with case and box. \"Made in Occupied Japan\".The shutter is defective. | ||
 | Sugaya (1970s): Minimax | 1978 | 52112804 | 5 June 2016 | 1978 - The Minimax is the camera in front, the reason why I also show the Pentax 110 is because both cameras were designed by the same person, in addition it gives a better idea of the size of the Minimax camera. The Minimax is a very solidly built metal rangefinder camera for the 110 format. The camera was designed by Mr Sugaya an engineer that left Nikon to start up his own company. The company only produced 200 cameras which were sold at a price of 250 US$, similar to a low range SLR camera. Mr Sugaya was working on another small camera, this time a reflex camera, and he even produced a prototype before he ran out of money and sold the blueprints to Pentax who successfully launched the Pentax 110 camera. Mr Sugaya unfortunately had to close down his business. More info to be found here | |
 | Suzuki Kogaku: Camera Lite (Model B) | 1956 | 9 June 2015 | 1955/1956 -- In 1953 the Suzuki Optical Company’s Echo 8 sub miniature lighter/camera played a key role in the romantic film ‘Roman Holiday’ featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The film increased demand which Suzuki could not keep up with. As a result they brought out the Camera Lite as a cheaper, simpler version of the Echo 8. My camera is still in a very nice condition but the box looks pretty battered. The camera also comes with two film cassettes. | ||
 | Suzuki Kogaku: Echo 8 | 1951-1956 | 23 Jan 2018 | 1951 -- Cigarette-lighter spy camera. It has a fixed-focus 15mm lens with variable apertures from f3.5 to f8.0. This is equivalent to a 75mm tele lens in the 35mm format. There are two shutter speeds of B and I (1/50). The shutter speed and aperture are controlled with tiny tabs under the lighter lid that are moved with your fingernail. The camera produces a 6x6mm format on 8mm film. the camera has a built-in waist-level-type viewfinder that is accessed by opening the lighter lid, sliding the nameplate-panel on the lighter lid upward, and then looking down. The Echo 8 was used in the movie ‘Roman Holiday’ In this movie, Eddie Albert used a Echo 8, to take pictures of Audrey Hepburn. There were several versions of the Echo 8. My version is a very early version with a square cutout window behind which the camera lens is hidden. Later models (introduced after the movie, based on increase in demand) have a round window. The camera uses 8mm film. In order to make the 8 mm film one has to take a 16 mm film which has perforations on both sides, and split it down the middle (the camera comes with a splitter). This film then needs to be loaded in the tiny cassette. Regular or Super 8mm can not be used as the sprocket holes are not the same as with 16mm film. The lighter in the camera really works and is a separate unit in the body. However, many cameras were damaged after being used because the lighter fluid tends to seep into the camera part. | ||
 | Tahbes: Populair | c1948 | 22 Sept 2014 | 1949 - 1950 This is a simple camera with a painted metal body and collapsible lens, The camera has a \"sports viewfinder\" but there are also models with an Albada as well as Newton Finder. I believe that this model is quite hard to find. According to this link there are a number of variations, the red version was reportedly developed for the Chilean market. | ||
 | Tahbes: Synchro | c1948 | 10 Sept 2014 | 1948-1950 -- Tahbes was a Dutch camera maker operating between 1948 and the early 1950's. Just after the war, there were quite a number of Dutch camera makers trying to take advantage of the lack of German competition but most of these operations closed down a couple of years later when the German camera production came up to speed. | ||
 | Tahbes: Synchro | c1948 | 18 March 2015 | 1948-1950 -- This is also a Tahbes Synchro with a metal finish, not covered like the other model. I really like the styling of these cameras - quite a uniquely styled camera with its huge Albada finder on top. | ||
 | Tahbes: Synchrona | c1950 | B 4702 | 11 Jan 2015 | 1948-1950 -- Tahbes was a small Dutch producer of cameras that produced some uniquely styled simple cameras in the late 1940's early1950's. I have two other Tahbes models (Synchro and Popular), this is the more sophisticated Synchrona which has shutter speeds of 25, 50, 100 and T. There are also 3 diaphragm settings: 11 7.7 and 9 | |
 | Tahbes: Synchrona | c1950 | B 7219 | 20 May 2017 | 1950 - This is a Synchrona with the not so common Newton finder. All cameras with Newton finder that I have seen have a Serial number in the 7000 range while the versions with an Albada finder have lower serial numbers. This makes me believe that the versions with Newton finder are probably the more recent ones and could be the last cameras that were produced by Thabes in 1950. This version also has a small foot so that the camera can stand horizontally on a flat surface. | |
       | Tahbes: Synchrona | c1950 | B 7540 | 3 March 2023 | 1950 - Boxed Synchrona (Newton Finder) with its original flash and Yellow filter in very clean condition. | |
 | Taiyodo Koki: Vestkam | 1949 | 23 sept 2016 | 1949 -- Subminiature camera with 3 shutter speeds 50 25 and B. Vestkam lens 25 mm f 4.5. The camera takes 14×14mm exposures on 17.5mm film. The bottom has "Made in occupied Japan" engraved. | ||
          | Talbot Romain: Errtee (Button) | 1912-1915 | 294 | 25 Feb 2021 | 1912 -- Definitely one of the more exotic cameras of my collection. This is a so called \"cannon camera\" that was used by street photographers. The camera uses the ferrotype or tin type process which enables to immediately produce a positive picture (Polaroid of course developed a very successful instant process in the late 1940\'s but the ferrotype process was initially developed in the 1850\'s and was used on a commercial scale until the 1950\'s). The images are produced on small metal disks, so called buttons. The camera can hold 100 25 mm buttons. Once a button is exposed it is dropped through the chute by pulling the handle on the top of the camera. The button then falls into a compartment filled with developer, after 15 seconds or so the button was removed from the tank (using a small magnet) and dropped into the second small tank containing potassium cyanide to fix the image, again the button is removed after a short time and dropped into the last tank which contains water. The lens is a Laack Rathenow Schnellarbeiter f 3.5 60 mm with SN 612. Romain Talbot was a German wholesaler of photographic equipment based in Berlin who had other companies manufacture cameras for them. Its brand name was Errtee (German pronunciation of R T). I have shown a developed button as well as a patent filed by Mandel one of the first people to produce ferrotype cannon cameras. These cameras were often used on fancy fairs and other such events as illustrated by the contemporary postcard. | |
        | Thornton Pickard: Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas' (Tropical) | 1920-1930 | 29 April 2021 | 1920\'s -- The Duplex started out around 1909 as a double extension version of the Ruby Reflex. This is an SLR Reflex whereby the viewing is also through the taking lens. The mirror is raised by pressing the release knob and pulled down by a spring when the pressure is removed. The shutter is a Focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/10 to 1/1000, the shutter is not working any more. There is a mirror lock when hood is closed. The lens is a Taylor Hobson Cooke Anastigmat 6 7/8 inch f/4.5 lens, black, serial no. 142704 which dates the lens to be between 1915-1923. On the side of the camera there is a patent sgn N° 6283.12 | ||
 | Thornton Pickard: Stereo-Puck | 1932 | 11 Nov 2015 | Around 1933 - A relatively simple wooden box stereo camera covered by leatherette. A number of versions exist of this camera (see for instance ). My camera has a set of magnifiers that can be put in place by a small lever on top of the camera, according to the above source this means that the camera is a later model probably from around 1933. The camera is in average condition with the leatherette being damaged and also the strap in a poor condition, the winding know is different from most of the other models that I have seen. | ||
 | Thowe KW: Reisekamera (Field Camera) | c1915 | 2011 | 1910-1920 -- I believe that this is a so called field camera (Reisecamera, chambre de voyage) , the leather strap on top of the camera has the brand name, Thowe embossed in it. The camera comes with a Rodenstock Rekti-aplanat with SN 138952 which dates the lens between 1910 and 1920. The company Thowe was founded in 1914 and operated until 1932. | ||
 | Toa (Toakoki Seisakusho): Gelto-D III | 1950 | 27926 | 2012 | 1950 -- Very nice Japanese post war Gelto DIII from around 1950. The camera has a removable back which is opened by a a lever on top of the camera - I could only find a serial number on the lens not on the body of the camera. | |
 | Toa (Toakoki Seisakusho): Gelto-D III (1938) | 1938 | 18890 | 9 August 2017 | 1938 or 39 - This is a prewar Gelto D III - recognizable by its rotating lever on top of the camera that is used to open the camera. With GRIMMEL"Four Element" f:4.5 5 cm. Lens N° 24348 and Gelto "DialSet" Shutter with Speeds from 1/5 sec. to 1/250 sec. T. & B. . Focusing from 0.5 m to inf. he Cameras' name, GELTO, probably derives from its resemblance to a Gold Bar (and very heavy Weight (around 0.5 kg) for such a small camera that "fits easily in the palm of the hand"). Only a few hundred cameras were produced before production was halted at the start of WWII. The design was "influenced" by the Nagel Pupille and Wirgin Gewirette (also designed by Dr. Nagel.) The similarity of design with the Pupille and Gewirette is only evident in the shape, size and Helical Focusing lens mount. Both the Pupille and Gewirette have the opening system on the top which lifts up for loading the film. This Model Gelto also has the lever on top. Unlike the Post WWII model where the opening is on the bottom and Entire back slides off. The camera is in perfect working condition. | |
 | Toa (Toakoki Seisakusho): Gelto-D III (black) | 1938 | 1833 | 14 Jan 2015 | 1938 -- This is also an early hard to find pre war Gelto probably from around 1938. The camera can easily be distinguished from the later post war models in that it has a rotating lever on top of the camera that opens the top of the camera. Post war models have a lever whereby the bottom and back of the camera can be removed. My camera is in very nice cosmetic condition, the shutter still works but does not fully close the diaphragm. | |
 | Toa (Toakoki Seisakusho): Gelto-D III (new gelto) | 1952 | 6584 | 14 Jan 2015 | 1952 -- This is a so called \"New Gelto\" from around 1952. The camera is similar to earlier Gelto versions but the lever for opening the camera has been moved from the top of the camera to the bottom. There is also a sign on the top with \"New Gelto\" and the serial number. The shutter on my camera is not working any more. | |
         | Tougodo: Meisupi II | 1937 | 2895 | 24 Feb 2021 | 1937 - The Meisupi II was introduced by Tougodo in 1937. The horizontal TLR concept is quite unique and has the taking lens besides the viewing lens. The Meisupi II has both a blue tinted tubular finder and a reflex finder. At the top right side is a bubble level that doubles as a hold for the removable close-up lens. My camera is in a very good state, with working shutter and diaphragm. It comes with 4 packs of Meiko film sheets and the original leather case (case can be opened on the side to replace film). This camera used so called \"No Need Dark Room\" film which was used primarily in Japan from the 1920\'s until post war. Tougodo was one of the camera makers that promoted this film. The film was sold in light-proof packs, with a sliding paper cover. The pack is loaded into the camera, and the paper cover is removed to take the picture and then put back before unloading the camera. After exposure, the pack is immersed in developer fluid and opened again. Complete darkness was not required, because the developer fluid contained a desensitizing agent. (source: Article by Yoshikawa Hayao in Asahi Camera May 1931, reproduced in Awano, pp.16–8 of Camera Collectors\' News no.316). | |
 | Tougodo: Minetta | c1950s | 2012 | 1950\'s -- A so called \'HIT\' camera from the 1950\'s. My camera still has a roll of original paper backed film in it. Because of the post war conditions in Japan, normal sized cameras and film were very expensive just after WWII, therefore these tiny cameras were quite popular. | ||
 | Toyo: Mighty | 1947 | July 1 2014 | 1947 -- Mighty from 1947 stamped made in Occupied Japan. This camera has a Reflex and Direct Viewfinder ans f:4.5 20mm TKP TOKO lens. A Leaf shutter with 2 speeds and Iris diaphragm from f:4.5 to f: 16. The camera is complete with a lens shade carry on bag and instruction sheet. (Speed setting is not functioning) | ||
 | Toyo: Mighty | 1947 | 23 sept 2016 | 1947 -- Another version the camera has a different latch to lock the camera. This version also has two speed settings but the diaphragm is fixed, the lens is a f:4.5 20mm TKPW TOKO lens. The camera is stamped at the bottom with "Made in occupied Japan". | ||
 | Toyo: Tone | c1950 | 1 July 2014 | 1949 -- Miniature camera, stamped on the winding Knob, Leather case and back of the camera "Made in occupied Japan". TONE f:3.5 25mm Lens and "Leaf Type" shutter. This is quite a sophisticated camera with shutter speeds 1/25, 1/50 1/100 sec.& B. a diaphragm from f:3.5 to f: 16, and also FOCUSING from 2 ft. to inf. The camera has a direct as well as reflex viewfinder. It is probably one of the smallest REAL cameras (not a HIT type) ever been made. There is still a film inside the camera. | ||
 | Tynar: Tynar | c1950 | 2010 | A 1950's US made sub miniature camera with quite a unique style. | ||
 | Ulca Camera: Ulca (green) | 1935 | 21 March 2015 | 1935 -- This sub miniature camera is from around 1935 and made in cast metal. These cameras were made in the US (TSL), UK (STI and "Made in England") and Germany (TMS and STM) and there are many variations in the markings ( see for instance ) My camera is a rare green version which shows damage around the lens (this is often seen with these cameras - because they are in cast metal often the surface around the lens is damaged). According to McKeown's, the camera is named after Karl Ulbricht (Ulbricht Camera) who protected the trademark in 1933. | ||
 | Ulca Camera: Ulca TSL | 1935 | 17 July 2015 | 1935 -- This is the more common black TSL model with black nameplate (there is also a version with a white nameplate). | ||
 | United Optical: Merlin | 1936 | 2012 | 1936 -- This sub miniature camera is (so far) the smallest camera in my collection - This is the more common black version. It is a very simple British cast metal camera from 1936. (See also the ERAC entry) | ||
 | United Optical: Merlin | 1936 | 12 June 2015 | 1936 -- Another Merlin from 1936 in very good condition. The green camera is less common compared to the black version. The camera still has some film in it. | ||
 | Universal Camera: Minute 16 (outfit) | 1949 | 12 June 2015 | 1949 -- Flash with Camera !! This is a complete outfit of the Minute 16 with flash from. The outfit came in two boxes one with the camera and flash unit and another one for the leather carry on case. There is also an original film cassette in the camera and some unused film. The box is in poor shape but the camera is like new, I don't think it has ever been used. | ||
 | Universal Camera: Twinflex | 1939 | 24 Nov 2015 | 1939 - A bakelite twin lens reflex camera that uses 00 film on which 6 exposures could be taken. The grey dial on the front is used for setting the distance. There is an instantaneous time setting and a 'Time' setting. A manual for this camera can be found here. | ||
    | unknown companies: Aiglon | 1933 | 4 July 2020 | 1933 - The subminiature Aiglon camera has a removable single speed shutter attached to the lens. The lens is a Meniscus lens. The camera still has a special roll film for 8 exposures on 11x15mm. The camera was sold at the time for 46 FRF (see ad) or 35 Euro in current money. | ||
 | unknown companies: Phocira | c1930s | 24 March 2016 | 1930's This is a cardboard box camera with a "Phocira" logo but otherwise very similar (exactly the same ?) as the Ajax box camera from Coronet. Therefore not unlikely that Coronet produced the cameras and which were labeled Phocira. The only reference that I could find on the internet so far regarding Phocira and cameras is the registration of a camera shop in Brussels -- Molenbeek in the Rue du Choeur 49 back in 1931. The shop does not exist any more. | ||
 | Vena: Venaret Junior | 1949 | 20 May 2017 | 1949 -- Vena is a Dutch producer of cameras that was founded just before WW II by Evert VErlegh and Samuel NAarden. The first cameras were however only produced after the war in 1948. The most sophisticated camera was the Venaret which had a flash shoe, the Venaret Junior has the same typical style, very similar to the pre war Korelle reflex camera but lacks the flash shoe apparently the cameras were designed by Alfred Kochmann . Vena also produced some simple box cameras. My camera is a green version of the Venaret Junior, with black front plate. Most Venaret/Venaret Junior cameras are black, The styling of the front plate of the Venaret and Venaret Junior varies, with white, brown and black front plates occurring. The Venaret cameras have 3 shutter speeds 25 50 and T and a 7.7 75 mm lens. the camera uses 120 rollfilm. Check the De Nederlandse Camera web site for more detail | ||
 | Voigtländer: Bessa | 1929-1949 | 2010 | 1949 -- The Voigtlander Bessa was produced for some 20 years with different modifications. This is the very latest model and was produced for only 1 year after which it was replaced by the Bessa I camera in 1950 with similar features but with a coupled rangefinder. My camera has a nice coated Vaskar lens. | ||
 | Voigtländer: Bessamatic Deluxe | 1962 | 24 April 2015 | 1959 -- In this case, the lens is at least as important as the camera - this is a Voigtlander Zoomar 36-82/2.8 zoom lens fitted onto a Bessamatic Deluxe camera. The Voigtlander Zoomar was the world\'s first production zoom for 35mm still cameras. Designed by Dr. Frank G. Back of Zoomar in Long Island New York the lens was produced by Voigtlander in Germany and was offered in Voigtlander Bessamatic as well as Exakta mounts at the same time. | ||
        | Voigtländer: Virtus | 1933 | E 215 900 | 20 Oct 2023 | 1933 - A high quality Voigtlaender Virtus. Lens is a Heliar 7.5 cm 3.5. Compur Shutter with speed settings B, T, 250 to 1 sec. Serial number E 215900. This is a springloaded camera which is opened by pressing a button on the left (bottom) side of the camera. Speed and diaphragm settings are done on the front part of the camera but the speed settings are set on the right (top-see pic 2) side of the camera by turning a quite prominent dial. The camera is opened by pressing two clams at the back of the camera. Unfortunately, one of these clams is broken on my camera and therefore I can not open the camera. | |
 | Welta: Perfekta | 1934-1939 | 23 sept 2017 | 1933 -- Welta was one of the smaller camera producers with production in Dresden. The company was founded in 1914 as Weeka Kamera Werk. In 1919, the name was changed to Welta. in 1931, the Perfekta, a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera with bellows and 6X6 film was produced. On the picture you can also see the Superfekta for the 6X9 format. The Perfekta is smaller compared to the Superfekta and does not have a turning back (anyway not useful for the 6X6 format). Both cameras were not a huge success and therefore not so easy to find and often in poor condition. My camera has a trioplan 7.5 cm f3.5 with SN640369 which dates it before 1935. | ||
      | Welta: Perle (luxus) | c1930 | 11 Nov 2022 | 1930\'s This is the rare luxus version of the Welta Perla. The camera is covered in brown leather and also has brown bellows. The picture format is 4.5X7.5 cm on rollfilm 127. The lens is a 9cm Weltar \"anastigmat\" f 6.3. Pronto shutter with speed settings 25 50 100 B T. Distance setting is somewhat unusual with a lever at the front of the camera with settings from 1.5 m to infinity. | ||
 | Welta: Superfekta | 1935 | 23 Sept 2017 | 1935 -- A camera which looks as impressive as its name. Made between 1932 and 1934. One of the Very Rare Folding TLR\'s capable of making Vertical and Horizontal photos (which is achieved by turning the back of the camera as shown on the picture). The taking lens is a Carl Zeiss Jena 10.5 cm 3.8 Tessar lens (Serial # 1680307). | ||
     | Wirgin: Baky | 1934 | 8 Dec 2021 | 1934 -- Nicely styled Bakelite self erecting folder camera. Was sold as the Baky and also Wirginex. A black as well as dark brown with structured pattern (my camera) version exist. Not very common especially not with the lens/shutter combination of this camera. The lens is a Ludwig Dresden Victar 7.5 cm f 6.3 more commonly more expensive lenses such as the f/2.9 Meyer Trioplan, Schneider Radionar or Xenar were used. The shutter is a Vario shutter with 25 50 100 T and B setttings. More common shutters were the Compur, Compur-Rapid or Prontor II. | ||
        | Wirgin: Baky | 1934 | 26 June 2022 | 1934 - | ||
 | Wirgin: Edixa 16 | 1962 | 430002 | 25 Nov 2011 | 1962 -- The Wirgin Edixa was designed by Henz Waaske who also developed the Rollei 16 and which was introduced in the market one year later in 1963 (see insert). The camera has a Schneider Xenar f:2.8 25mm lens. Focuses from .4m to inf. Shutter speeds range from 1/30 to 1/150 sec. & B. there is an Albada finder with Parallex Correction indicated. ASA settings go from 6- 100. There is an auxiliary \"Coupled\" removable Exposure Meter (not working on my camera). The Camera was sold without the Exposure meter, it was an option. Apart from the meter everything works as it should. The camera is in beautiful condition with only a slight \"rubbing\" under the winding arm and a slight \"ring\" around the rewind arm. The shutter works at all speeds and the lens is clear. The Rollei 16 has a strong \"resemblance\" to the Edixa 16 for good reasons. Waaske disputed with the Wirgin brothers and went to Rollei and redesigned the camera as the more sophisticated Rollei 16. I have both cameras and it is interesting to compare them \"side by side\". | |
 | Wirgin: Gewirette | 1932-1937 | No SN | 14 April 2016 | 1933 -- This camera looks very similar to the Nagel Pupille which is from around the same time. Many different versions exist of this camera. My Camera is a Version 1 with quite sophisticated focussing helicoid, there are other versions that have a simple front-cell focussing. The Gewirette exists with a wide variety of lens and shutter combinations, including Ludwig Victar or Schneider Radionar lenses, and Compur, Vario, Pronto or Prontor II shutters. My camera has a Compur shutter with SN 2411133 (i.e. from 1933) and Schneider Radionar 50/2.9 SN 451441 (from 1931). \">The following is from: CJ\'s Classic Camera Collection \"The Wirgin company was founded in the 1920s in Wiesbaden, Germany, by the four Wirgin brothers, who were immigrants from Poland. They built several folding cameras before venturing out in miniature cameras, as cameras smaller than medium format were called, like the Gewirette and Edinex. Here the story takes a dramatic turn. The Wirgin brothers were of Jewish origin and became the subject of increasing harassment. In 1938 they fled Germany via Switzerland to the USA. The company was confiscated and produced cameras under the name Adox. During the war production stopped and the factory was partially destroyed during Allied Forces bombing raids. After the war Henry Wirgin returned to reclaim his company and carried on where he left off, building Edinex cameras and later moving into SLRs, the Edixa Reflex. Adox also continued to build cameras. The Wirgin company existed till 1972.\" | |
 | wirgin: Gewirette comparison | Here is a comparison of the Nagel Pupille (right) with the Wirgin Gewirette. Both cameras have the same size and also a collapsible lens. Helical focus focusing up to 0.75 m !! Compur shutter. The Gewirette still has its original lens cap. | ||||
 | Zeiss Ikon: Balilla Box | 1936 | 10 Dec 2015 | 1936 -- This box camera from 1936 is quite rare. Zeiss Ikon produced this copy of the quite common Baldur Box camera for the Italian fascist youth organization, only a few hundred cameras were produced. My camera is in a very nice condition and comes with an attractive leather carrying pouch which has a nicely designed \"art deco\" lock. | ||
 | Zeiss Ikon: Box Tengor 56/2 | 1948-1956 | 28 Dec 2013 | 1951 - 1956 Quite a sophisticated Box camera Zeiss Ikon produced a range of Box Tengor cameras with the earliest versions starting in 1926, this is the very last model which was produced between 1951 and 1956. There are 3 diaphragm settings 16 11 9. Distance scale and double exposure prevention. | ||
 | Zeiss Ikon: Contarex Microscope Camera | 1970 | 1 March 2019 | 1970 -- This camera does not have the Contarex name but only has "Zeiss Ikon" on the top. The camera does not have a serial number. The camera has a focal plane shutter with speeds of 1/500-1, plus bulb and time. typically used in a lab environment they were not sold through the typical consumer channel but rather through specialised distributors. This camera is not rare and can be found quite often on Ebay. | ||
 | Zeiss Ikon: Contax I a | 1932-1936 | AU65229 | 28 May 2019 | 1932 -- This is an early Contax I from 1932 or possibly 1933, the first models start with T and were built in 1931. The letter A means that the camera was recalled for repair in 1936, a lot of the early Contax I cameras had problems. The lens is a Sonnar 5cm f2 while the normal lens was a Tessar 3.5 or 2.8, there was also a very expensive Sonnar 1.5. In 1936, a black Contax I with Sonnar f2 would cost 231 US$ the same camera with the Tessar 3.5 would be 174 US$ and the same with the Sonnar 1.5 would cost 329 US$ | |
 | Zeiss Ikon: Kolibri 523/18 | 1930-1935 | S 31836 | 4 March 2017 | 1930-32 This Zeiss Ikon Kolibri has a very unusual lens, a Meyer Görlitz Trioplan 2.5 cm f 3.5. Normally these cameras are fitted with a 5 cm Zeiss lens, either the Tessar f 3.5 or f 2.8 and compur shutter, the Novar 3.5 or 4.5 (with Telma shutter) or the very rare Biotar f 2 (compur shutter). \">source The serial number of the lens is 564431 which dates it between 1930 (SN 500,000) and 1935 (675,000). Probably the lens was retrofitted. | |
       | Zeiss Ikon: Nettel Tropen 871/7 (Tropical) | 1929-1937 | 43687 | 23 June 2021 | 1928 The Tropen-Nettel is an up-dated version of the Tropen-Deckrullo for the 6,5x9cm /9x12cm /10x15cm and 13x18cm plate formats. The standard version had a Tessar 15 cm 4.5 lens. The camera was offered in a black as well as a \'Colonial\' tropen version. The 9X12 tropen version cost 3870 FRF in 1928 (1,400 Euro now), the smaller 6.5X9 cm was lower priced at 2845 FRF (1,250 Euro). My camera is in a nice cosmetic conduction but the shutter curtain needs to be replaced. | |
 | Zeiss Ikon: Super Ikonta (A) 531 | 1937-1956 | P75713 | 2011 | 1950 -- Zeiss Ikon\'s top of the line medium format folding cameras were branded Ikonta. The Super Ikonta had a coupled rangefinder. This model is probably from 1950 or 1951. It has a Compur Rapid shutter and 75 mm 3,5 coated Zeiss Opton Tessar with serial number 73103. Works like new. | |
 | Zeiss Ikon VEB: Contax D (small D) | 1952-1954 | 26415 | 20 nov 2011 | 1950 -- together with the Rectaflex considered one of the first SLR with penta prism. The interesting point of this camera is that it has two numbers, a serial number that is visible on the side when you open the camera and a second number at the back of the camera which seems to be an internal production code based on camera SN and coated Biotar T lens number the camera is from 1950 | |
         | Zeiss, Carl VEB: Werra 1 | 1955-1956 | 100902 | 21 April 2023 | 1954 -- First model second version of the Werra camera. The lens barrel is Aluminium, the color is olive green, and the flash synchronization is on the side of the camera. The lens is a Tessar and the shutter a Compur Rapid. The serial number 100902 indicates that this camera was produced in 1954, the year that the production of the very popular Werra camera started. | |
 | Zeiss, Carl VEB: Werra microscope Camera | 1964-1968 | No SN | 14 April 2016 | 1960 ? - This is a rare microscope version of the very popular Werra camera. Werra cameras were produced between 1954 and 1968. In total some 560,000 cameras were produced and a total of 22 different versions exist (source - an excellent site for the \"Werra collector\"). Werra\'s are very attractively styled cameras and can often be found on sale on Ebay. |
Lenses
| Manufacturer:Model | Serial Number | Date acquired | Price Paid | Comments | |
 | Nikon: 16mm f2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor AIS | 198249 | 24 Aug 2019 | 1981 -- This lens was produced from december 1981 up to 1998, in total 23,827 lenses were made. This is a so called full frame format fish-eye meaning that instead of having the typical circular fish-eye view, this lens fills a full 35 mm frame image with a 180° view along the diagonal. As you can see, it is a small lens to handle and really produces striking images, the lens is quite fast and can also focus up to 0.3 m so you can really get very close to your subject. While the first \"real\" 8 mm Fish-eye was produced in 1962, the first full frame 16 mm Nikkor Fish-eye was produced only in March 1973 with a maximum aperture at f/3.5. In 1979, aperture was increased to 2.8 and an upgrade to Ai-S lens coupling system was implemented in December, 1981 | |
 | Nikon: 200-600mm f9.5 Zoom-Nikkor (AI) | 290063 | 14 feb 2017 | 1971 -- The lens is fitted onto a Nikon F2 also from the 1970's. It is the second version (non AI) of this massive Nikon 'Super Zoom' lens, the first one dates from 1961. In some 20 years time, between 1961 and early 1980's, 5167 of these Super zoom lenses were sold. The key improvement over the first version was that the maximum diaphragm stayed at f 9.5 over the full zoom range, the previous version was a f9.5 f10.5 lens. Serial numbers start at 290001 and go to 290880. There are 19 elements grouped in 12 groups. The minimum distance is 4 m and can be brought to 2.3 m with the close up attachment. The lens does not have the typical 'Nikon meter coupling prong'. It weighs 2.3 kg. Zooming and distance setting is done with one ring. The lens was upgraded to AI in 1977 and in 1982 to the AIS. | |
 | Nikon: 25-50mm f4 Zoom-Nikkor (AIS) | 216217 | 1983 | 1981 -- This was my standard lens fitted to my Nikon FA when I was still shooting film. This 25-50 mm AIS zoom lens was produced between 1981 and 1985, its predecessor AI was introduced in 1979. There are three rings, one for aperture, one for focusing and one for the zoom. This gives an advantage that you can easily focus and then change the zoom without being concerned getting out of focus. I also liked very much the 25 mm wideangle view which was more than what most zooms at the time could offer. In total, 16,906 AIS lenses were produced and 11,433 AI lenses | |
 | Nikon: 28-300 AFS Nikkor 3.5-5.6 G VR | 52189383 | June 2018 | 2010 -- This 28-300 mm is Nikon\'s most versatile zoom lens for 35 mm and digital FX cameras. The lens was introduced in 2010 and really replaces a large number of lenses from a wide angle to tele lens and in addition is extremely portable. I bought this lens second hand and use it as a standard lens on my Nikon Df. New price is around 1,000 US$. | |
 | Nikon: 28mm f3.5 PC-Nikkor | 191388 | 26 July 2017 | 1980 -- This lens was produced for some 25 years, between Oct 1980 and Dec 2005. It is a so called perspective correction (PC) lens intended for use on a tripod to allow the correction of converging lines in architectural and interior photography. In total, 35,058 of this version were produced. Nikon introduced its first 35mm PC lens in 1962 and the 28mm f4 was launched in 1975 and upgraded to the f3.5 in 1980. It was quite an expensive lens selling for $1,250 in 2000. | |
 | Nikon: 400mm f4.5 Nikkor-Q Auto | 410372 | 19 Jan 2018 | 1971 -- This Super Tele lens was produced between 1971 and 1976, In total only 541 lenses were made. The lens consists of two components, there is the so called \"Focusing Unit\" with the focus and aperture mechanism and the \"lens head\" that contains the optics. The lens head is screwed into the focusing unit to form the complete lens, the same Focusing Unit can also be used with the 600mm, 880mm and 1200mm super telephoto lenses. The idea behind this was that by using three different heads and the same back-end, you could use all three lenses but only had to buy one Focusing Unit. | |
 | Nikon: 500mm f8 Reflex-Nikkor.C | 541964 | 22 April 2017 | 1970\'s -- This lens was produced \nbetween April 1974 and Oct 1983 . It was part of a successful series of 500 mm f8 Reflex lenses that started in Dec 1968 (with a 500/8 Reflex NKJ) and ended in Dec 2005 (with the AI version). In total some 100,000 of these lenses were produced by Nikon. My lens is in close to mint condition, I mounted it on one of my old Nikon cameras (Nikon FM2). | |
 | Nikon: 80-200mm f2.8 Nikkor ED D AF-S IF | 208468 | 22 April 2017 | Around 1999/2000. The 80-200/2.8 AF-S is a professional Nikon zoom lens that came out in 1999 when it replaced the 80-200/2.8D. The 80-200/2.8 AF-S in its turn was followed by the 70-200/2.8 VR in 2003 who in its turn was replaced by the VRII in 2009. Serial numbers for the 80-200/2.8 AF-S go from 200196 to 261492 so my lens is probably from1999 or 2000. The lens has not seen a lot of use. I mounted it on a D60, a consumer Nikon camera that was launched in 2008.\n A review of this lens can be found at the excellent \nKen Rockwell site.\nhttps://kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200afs.htm |
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Hello Madd
You must be pride of it
A lot of very nice pieces..
For how long have you started to collect ?
kind regards
Hervé
You must be pride of it
A lot of very nice pieces..
For how long have you started to collect ?
kind regards
Hervé
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Thank you for your nice comment.
The first camera in my collection was a Leica which I received in return for a modern Range Finder camera back in 1982 but then I waited a long time. Most of the collection has been acquired as of late 2010.
But there are still a lot of nice cameras out there that I want to add, I think it is a fascinating hobby and once I retire I hope to be able to have the time to take some pictures with some of the cameras as well.
I noticed that you have an early Nikon F, does it have an early (1959) lens as well?
The first camera in my collection was a Leica which I received in return for a modern Range Finder camera back in 1982 but then I waited a long time. Most of the collection has been acquired as of late 2010.
But there are still a lot of nice cameras out there that I want to add, I think it is a fascinating hobby and once I retire I hope to be able to have the time to take some pictures with some of the cameras as well.
I noticed that you have an early Nikon F, does it have an early (1959) lens as well?
Post a reply
Dear Madd
Unfortunalty, not. For my Nikon F, I am looking for a special Lens. I don't want to by just a 50mm f1,4 it is too commun.
So I look for a Macro lens, or a fish eyes or a mirror lens..... I am not in a hurry
I started my collection in 2008, I can be for long time not a buyer , and then I can buy three or four cameras in one month.
As you I am waiting to be retire to use them by taking and developping films by myself.
Have nice good time with your collection
Hervé
Unfortunalty, not. For my Nikon F, I am looking for a special Lens. I don't want to by just a 50mm f1,4 it is too commun.
So I look for a Macro lens, or a fish eyes or a mirror lens..... I am not in a hurry
I started my collection in 2008, I can be for long time not a buyer , and then I can buy three or four cameras in one month.
As you I am waiting to be retire to use them by taking and developping films by myself.
Have nice good time with your collection
Hervé