This Old Camera

In 1898, the Folmer and Schwing Manufacturing Company introduced the Graflex single-lens reflex camera, the first true consumer SLR, characterized by its large, bulky box design. In 1905, Kodak acquired Folmer and Schwing, taking ownership of the popular Graflex camera line. Two years later, in 1907, Kodak launched the Graflex 3A Autographic, a more compact […]

The Fairchild K-20 is now a prized collectible, revered by both photography enthusiasts and military collectors for its historical significance, mechanical craftsmanship, and crucial role in advancing aerial reconnaissance during and after World War II. Positioned at the intersection of technological innovation and military strategy, the K-20 is a fascinating artifact that offers insight into […]

If you’re interested in exploring medium format film photography or learning to develop film, the Holga family, including pinhole, landscape, and stereo models, offers an excellent entry point. Instead of investing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a professional medium format camera, you can start with a Holga

Usually when you purchase a camera you don’t have to worry about the camera being fake. However when it comes to classic Leicas… it pays to do your homework.

Introduced just prior to World War II the Graphic View benefited from the advancements in lightweight metal alloys made during the early part of the twentieth century. In fact, such a camera may not have been possible just a decade earlier.

Introducing the world’s first, and only jet-powered camera, the Graphic Jet 35! Designed by the American camera company Graflex and produced from late 1960 to late 1961.

Sometimes milestone advancements are found in some of the most unexpected cameras. That is certainly true of the Konica C35 AF, the first commercially successful autofocus camera!

Why do collectors find the Linex camera so intriguing? In part because it is a crossover piece. An item of interest to collectors in multiple collection genres. A treasured camera for any stereo photography collection; as well as, a heavy cast iron camera relevant to any Lionel train collection. Produced by the legendary Lionel model […]

Recently I was asked what is my favorite manufacture to collect? That is a tough question. I am sure if you ask a decent size group of collectors there would be some obvious standouts, such as Leica, Rollie, or even Kodak; however I must admit my top interest lies in a company with a unique […]

In the summer of 1982, Nimslo (later called Nishika) was the fastest selling 35mm camera in the U.S., and was featured on the cover of the Sears & Roebuck, Cameras & Photographic Supplies Catalogue. A four lens, 3D lenticular camera, the Nishika is probably the most expensive all plastic used camera you can buy. After […]

There are many cameras in my collection that have not taken a picture for decades, a few perhaps over a century. My continued use of this camera alone makes it unique among the others. The Pentax Auto 110 is a miniature film camera that is simply fun to use. Production began in 1978, with Pentax […]

Polaroid was already known for selling Edward Lands other two remarkable photographic inventions, the polarizing filter and variable neutral density filter, when he unveiled the Polaroid Land Camera Model 95. To gage market demand just over 50 Model 95 cameras along with a small supply of instant film was featured at a demonstration booth in […]

A camera ahead of its time, the 1960s Fotron had features such as a built-in flash at a time when other cameras still used disposable flash bulbs, as well as, motorized film advance, snap-in film cartridges, push button focus and even a state-of-the-art rechargeable battery. A combination of features that would not even be considered […]

Recently I purchased a Rochester Camera Company view camera produced in the 1890s. If you have a collection of cameras, and more than one is from the USA then you probably own at least one if not more cameras produced by a company that was based in Rochester, New York. From well known manufactures such […]

Something unique from my collection, the Bulls-Eye camera was the first to use paper-backed roll film with frame numbers visible through a red-tinted window.

Jumelle refers to a type of cameras found in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jumelle means ‘twin’, and by extension ‘binocular’, in French. Jumelle cameras are tapered from the narrow lens board at the front of the camera to a wider glass plate holder at the back, giving a shape that resembles a […]

I  thought I would share one of the more unique cameras in my collection. Perhaps one of the most famous spy cameras ever made, the Expo (Tica in Europe) Watch Camera was produced in America by Expo Camera Company of New York, also makers of the “Expo Police Camera” a pocket sized miniature detective box […]

The Topcon R was an innovative SLR (single-lens reflex) camera that made its debut in 1958, before both Nikon and Canon entered the SLR market. While the Topcon R might not have introduced groundbreaking innovations, it was nonetheless a significant step forward in design and functionality.

The iconic Rolleiflex was introduced by Franke & Heidecke in 1929. The first model, later known as the Rolleiflex Original, quickly earned a reputation as one of the most respected camera lines in the world of photography, especially among professional photographers.