Antique Folding Cameras - Way More Affordable Than You Think!

Have you ever wanted to own a real antique camera, but were convinced you couldn't afford it? Well believe me, you can. It doesn't matter if you are looking for a unique addition to your decor, or actually want to run some film through it, there are plenty of them around for way less than you think.

Various manufacturers, like Kodak and Ansco, produced large amounts of box and folding cameras in the early 1900's, and there are still plenty of them around today. They were made in a variety of colors and sizes for all different types of film. Box cameras in good working condition start around $20 USD, and folding cameras usually start at around $30.

Some things to look for when shopping around:

• Check out the condition of the bellows - do they look supple and free from holes? Cracking and stiffness are the most common problems with folding cameras. Also, open the back of the camera and hold it up to the light so you can check for holes. Folding cameras are prone to tiny pinholes in the corners of the bellows.
  
• Is the lens clear and free of scratches? A common problem with older cameras is fog or fungus, both of which are difficult to remove from an old lens.
• Do all the knobs and dials move freely and without obstruction? Every time I forget to check this, I end up with a film spool knob that doesn't work, or an aperture ring that's frozen stiff.
• Is the camera easy to open and close? Does it close tightly, and do the seams fit together properly?
• Inspect the finish of the camera - is it smooth and free of defects? If it's a Bakelite camera, look closely at the corners and edges. Bakelite cameras are prone to melt marks, which are hard to detect unless examined closely. If the camera is covered in leather or leatherette, make sure it lies flat and that there is no lift.
  
• When checking the shutter, make sure you open the back of the camera and watch from the back, since it's hard to see the shutter firing through the lens of most cameras. Check the shutter at all speeds, as it is very common for older cameras to work fine at faster speeds, but to lose accuracy at the lower shutter speeds.
• Buy a camera that's been checked thoroughly by a reputable dealer, like The Collector Detector!