What is the oldest functional camera you have?

[GRHazelton]

That would probably be my Retina 1, the one with an uncoated f3.5 Ektar in a Compur shutter. It works perfectly. Unfortunately I somehow put it away with a fingerprint on the front element, which has etched the glass. Mea culpa!

 

[Grandpa Ron]

I restored a 1910-1915 Seneca 4x5 View camera. With the removable lens mounts, I use a 125mm Wollensak, a 165 mm Raptar and a Pinhole lens for taking pictures.

Lately I have been experimenting with pinhole photography. Nothing quite a versatile as film box with bellows.

 

[LinhofCollection]

One of the oldest functional cameras in my collection is this early Linhof precision camera from around 1911 from Munich, Germany.

It still survives in remarkably complete condition with original lenses, accessories, plate holders and carrying case.

I find it fascinating that such early precision camera systems still exist more than a century later and still show the remarkable craftsmanship of that period.

 

[film4Me]

This Kodak is the oldest camera I have that is fully working and ready to expose film once I fashion a film sheath for it. The camera was listed as 1901, it's a No3, model "D", or series "D". It's in superb condition, it astounds me how it kept in this fine condition for 125 years, but here it is, a screenshot from the listing pics. I'll be exposing film in it just as soon as I reduce a backlog of repairs to some other folding cameras.

 

[Rayt]

I have a post war Rolleiflex 2.8A with a 80mm f/2.8 Zeiss Opton Tessar probably from the late 40’s. The camera is in excellent condition and lenses are clean but still the photos are just ok. That lens didn’t have the best reputation.

 

[Paul Howell]

Mine is Speed Graphic, post WWII but likely dates back to the late 40s. Bought it in 1966 at a Navy Surplus sale. It is sort of functional. I dropped it off a cliff in the late 70s and broke off the rangefinder and cracked the wooden body. It is held together by duct tape, the shutter will cock, doubt if it is accurate. At this point I use as a feild camera with a 210 lens. It has a lable stating it was serviced at the Northfork Navy Yard, no date. If I had know it would worth some money some day I would have taken better care of it.

 

[choiliefan]

My oldest is a G. Gennert 5X7 Mauntauk Double Extension camera similar to the Kodak above.
Next oldest are a couple 127's; a Rolleiflex Baby 2.8 and a Voigtlander Perkeo next is probably a Graflex 4X5 Series B SLR.

 

[tcolgate]

My Houghton Butcher Ensign Cameo. The shutter must have been relatively recently serviced (it works perfectly at all speeds). I've made photos with it using a Rada 120 back, and vintage (1970s), Ilford FP4 glass plates.. I think mine dates from the 1930s or 40s.