Can anyone identify this camera?

Kino · Oct 30, 2023

Citsmith said:
It is a lot like a Graflex Series II “lunch box” camera except for the way the lens door opens.

The Graflex Series II makes 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch negatives, but yes it's physically similar in a lot of ways...

MTGseattle · Oct 30, 2023

A camera of that era would have a bellows wouldn't it? Is that not necessarily true? That and the seemingly higher amount of brass bits and pieces on everything else I've found that are at least similar are the stumbling blocks for me.

Dwight Anderson · Oct 31, 2023

I believe it's a Adams & Co. Minex. If you flip the photo all the features are in the right place. Notably the handle is on the top which is unusual and mentioned as a feature. It was available in a tropical version and roll and pack film holders were optional. Here are links to literature for the Minex and the similar Videx. The instructions for the Videx talk about using a wide angle lens and locking the mirror up. While they are revolving back cameras, the roll and pack film holders may not turn.

Minex - Antique and Vintage Cameras

1\01\MS & 1\01\MS & - Pacific Rim Camera https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/02419/02419.pdf

Adams Vindex instruction manual, PDF user manual

Adams Vindex instruction manua

butkus.org

reddesert · Nov 1, 2023

Good find. The Adams & Co cameras look like a strong candidate. The shape/arrangement of panels on the front standard is similar to the camera in the photo, different from Graflex and similar cameras.

Citsmith · Nov 2, 2023

I can buy that identifcation, Thank you for taking the time and your expertise to identify the camera from such a marginal photo. I was scanning a large number bo images which were mostly 4 x 5 i assume from his Graflex RB which I still own. I came upon a large number of larger film negatives taken in the Middle East and I could not identify which camera he might have taken on such a long and arduous trip. It make sense that he would use roll film when suitable places to load holders might be few.
Thanks to all for your input.
H.

Dwight Anderson · Nov 2, 2023

Not so much expertise, but a lot of curiosity. I found it by searching for 1910 reflex camera and scrolling through images until I saw one with the handle oriented the right way. I hadn't heard of Adams, but the literature shows an huge amount of features for the time. Also, I think the photo examples you posted are amazing, especially the one of the boy and the camels.

Dustin McAmera · Nov 2, 2023

Very good.

Can anyone identify this camera?

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