"Camera City View" by Seneca Camera - Complete, original boxed set

Have a look here, there's a catalogue section as well with quite a few Seneca catalogues. Generally they aren't worth a lot how much depends on the condition etc and there's wide variations, however a kit like you have might be of interest to a collector.

The Aero Ektar is sort after it has nothing to do with the Seneca, it's on a Speed/Crown Graphic lens board. Maybe someone here from your area could take a look at everything and give you some advice.

Ian

 

Todd -

The camera is a Camera City View (version 1 or 2) made from 1907 to 1925, and looks to be in excellent shape. Measure the size of the ground glass on the back - it will be either 4x5", 5x7" or 8x10". If it's 4x5 or 5x7, the camera is worth maybe $200-300. If 8x10 (or larger) the camera is probably worth $400-500. This is the value of the camera alone. Here is a link to more info: http://www.piercevaubel.com/cam/seneca.htm

This camera is very similar to Eastman View cameras made around the same time period. These are still very usable, and commercial film and glass plates are still manufactured today. Don't let anyone tell you these are useless antiques that you "can't get film for anymore" and then try to lowball you. A lot of antique camera users would be interested in one that appears to be as clean as this one is.

The brass lens is a Wollensak Vesta portrait lens, probably from about 1910-1920. Might be worth a few hundred, maybe more depending on condition. The Wollensak Velostigmat probably less than $100, also dependent on condition.
The Aero Ektar is probably worth much more. I see current bids on eBay today around $300 for this same lens, and they're probably selling for close to $500. David Burnett recently shot the Olympics with this lens and a Speed Graphic, and probably contributed to the demand for this lens now.
All the other bits and accessories like the film/plate holders are still valuable and worth some money. The holders go for about $20 each in good condition. If you are willing to sell things separately, you'll probably get over $1000. As a group, I wouldn't sell for less than $750, especially with that Aero Ektar lens. You may also want to try posting on the Large Format forum - definitely a lot of interested parties there.

Good Luck!

 

I have several of these cameras and they are very usable and I agree with JIMJm that you should ask for $750 plus if they are in the condition they seem to be.
mitch

 

I would guess that the "native" format of the camera is whole plate (6 1/2" x 8 1/2"). The 5x7 and 4x5 backs, as you can see, are reducing backs. The value of the camera will be strongly affected by whether the bellows is light-tight - i.e., no cracks or holes. You can test that by extending the camera, removing the back and poking a flashlight inside.

The lenses look pretty grimy in the pictures, though that may be affected by the lighting. Their value will be strongly affected by whether they have heavy internal haze and whether the shutters are working.

Good luck!

 

Neat. Just need to find the right new home. Lovely 'ol stuff

 

Gorgous camera, kinda sucks a dealer tried lowballing you! Best of luck with a sale!

 

Sucks that you can't break it up; I would be interested in that Aero-Ektar. RADIATION!!!!!

 

Todd, do all the lens boards fit the Seneca, I know the Aero Ektar is on a Pacemaaker Speed/Crown Graphic lens board so doesn't - I'd suggest yo sell it separately as it's clearly not part of the kit. You'd raise more funds that way.

To me the kit is the Seneca City View camera, backs, extension rail, tripod, film/plate holders etc, with the two decent Wollensak lenses, The brass Vesta Portrait lens and the Triple Convertible - Voltes Three Focus, The Other lenses would be a bonus. I have three 7x5 Seneca's they are nice cameras and a kit like you have is rarer these days.

Ian

 

The whole kit is very tempting, to be honest; I've been wanting to get a 5x7. Come to think of it, I'd be smarter to get that and skip the Aero.