Just finished up restoring an old camera today that I have been working on for a while. This is a pretty rare version sold by Sears under their "Tower" brand. The base model at $89 had Tower lenses, but this optional model, at $129, had nikon lenses. Very few were sold, likely because the rolleicord was only $20 more as listed it in their catalog in 1953.
When I got it, it was in pretty rough shape but after cleaning and polishing it came out looking great. The only thing in good shape were the lenses, so I knew it was worth saving. I had to rebuild the shutter, clean and lubricate the winder, but it all works smooth now. Thankfully the paint and the dials cleaned up, and cameraleather.com made me some new leather coverings using the Airesflex patterns they had, which is who made this camera for Sears. I've got a split image focus screen coming which should help a lot too as far as using it.
I was fun to save a going on 70 year old camera and restore it to like new condition. I plan to go out and run some film through it soon.
When I got it, it was in pretty rough shape but after cleaning and polishing it came out looking great. The only thing in good shape were the lenses, so I knew it was worth saving. I had to rebuild the shutter, clean and lubricate the winder, but it all works smooth now. Thankfully the paint and the dials cleaned up, and cameraleather.com made me some new leather coverings using the Airesflex patterns they had, which is who made this camera for Sears. I've got a split image focus screen coming which should help a lot too as far as using it.
I was fun to save a going on 70 year old camera and restore it to like new condition. I plan to go out and run some film through it soon.
