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!
  
  

We built this city...

With bricks by Argus.

Argus is an American company that has been making cameras since the 1930s. The C3 was their most popular camera, and it was one of the top selling 35mm cameras in history.

And these things still sell like crazy! Every one I get in flies right back out the door.

Looking at it, you wouldn't think it would be so popular. It's a particularly ungraceful camera - pretty much just a big rectangle with a lens attached to it, and it is incredibly heavy. Most people call it "The Brick", which I can vouch for, since I accidentally dropped one on my foot last week. Ouch!

All kidding aside though, it's a great beginner's camera, vintage or not. It's not too complicated, it is durable and solid, and usually reasonably priced ($39-69) in good working condition.

The first time I laid eyes on one about 20 years ago, I immediately liked it. The silky feel of the Bakelite housing, all the complicated looking silver gears and knobs, and the heavy, bulky feel of it thrilled me. Even the custom-fit leather case with the padded sides and blue velvet lining appealed to me.

Thankfully, I am not alone in my fascination with the C3 and its fellows. There are Argus collector clubs all over the world devoted to this monster, and the other vintage Argus models.

Have I made you want one yet? Go For It!

Intriguing - TTV Photography

I got an email yesterday from a guy in Australia who was interested in a rusty Kodak Duaflex IV camera, which I had listed at a low price due to its condition, thinking that maybe somebody could use it for parts.

Turns out that he is a member of the TTV: Through The Viewfinder group on RedBubble. TTV is a technique in which photographers use a digital camera to take pictures "through the viewfinder" of an older camera. Browse through the gallery if you have a minute - there are some gorgeous shots in there.

Things like this make me want to get back into the darkroom. I wish I had the time right now, but all my energy is being put into this business. But that's ok - I have never worked for myself before, and every day is an adventure at this point. Maybe in a year or two I'll be able to get back to making art like I used to.

Until then, I've got to dig out all my broken TLR cameras and get them up for sale - it's nice to know that they'll be getting a new life after all!

http://www.thecollectordetector.net

Is this thing on?

Hello World. So. I used to be a programmer, can ya tell? Then I realized that I could use my evil computer powers for good instead of making zillions for giant conglomerate banks.

Good as in, spreading the love(obsession) of vintage cameras. I think that qualifies for good, yah?

So I joined my husband's vintage collectible business and now I get to buy & sell vintage cameras all day long! How cool is that! (Check me out - The Collector Detector)

Going to auctions is one of the best perks of this job - you never know what kind of goodies you'll find. And it still amazes me every time I find a Polaroid kit or an adorable 50s snapshot camera in the most incongruous of locations.

My newest baby is a teensy little Bilora Box Camera. He's currently sitting on my shelf between a Polaroid Spirit and a Brownie 8mm Movie Camera. He looks a bit forlorn, like "Who are these freaks?".

Somebody soldered a metal handle on his head. What a tragedy. I think I'll move him to the shelf with the wooden horses and that weird alien cat statue.

I got an Argus A2B delivered yesterday - it's in pretty nice shape except for a little speckling on the lensplate. For some reason I love the look and feel of these cameras and the Dasco/Pickwik/Detrola style cameras. They just scream Art Deco. Although I suppose they're a little more Art Nouveau in reality.

Ok kids, back to work for me. I've got about 100 new cameras in to clean up and get out into somebody's lucky little mitts.

Toodles!

http://TheCollectorDetector.net