Hello everyone!
I acquired this more or less accidentally a while back, and had plans to strip it down to use as a field camera. These have some pretty cool features, most notably the rotating back. However, I don't think I'll have time to fiddle with it, and still prefer shooting with an old monorail. The body is in generally good condition, with some peeling leatherette in a few places. There is no rangefinder, the viewfinder is scuzzy beyond repair (still have it, though), and the leather handle is starting to deteriorate. The lens board is badly peeling, but replacements are about $10, and you could still just refinish this one. One of the knobs to pull the front standard onto the focus track is broken, but it looks like this will be a pretty easy repair. The bellows are decently supple, and light-tight, as tested in my darkroom. The rotating back turns very smoothly and has no light leaks. The spring back works as it should, but the fabric on the hood has come unglued from the panel, and has been held on by duct tape. Works fine, though. Ground glass is in good shape, 1cm grid lines are starting to wear off, but they're there.
Mounted on it is a Carl Meyer Wide Angle 90mm f/6.8 lens in an Alphax #1 shutter. From what I can tell, and a little bit of research, it is likely a rebranded Wollensak Raptar. It's a bit hazy and dusty, but is sharp corner to corner @ f/22. Was planning on tossing it upon arrival, but it surprised me. The shutter gave a puff of rusty smoke after a few actuations, and no longer fires. It may or may not be serviceable.
I'll include the 2 Fidelity Elite holders that came with it, too, as I like my old wooden holders better. I'll sell those separately if you want them.
I'm leaving this open to offers. Please PM me. I do not know exactly how much I want for it yet, so let me know what you're willing to pay for it. I may try to find room for it and keep it around for the future.
Please PM me with any additional questions, and for pictures.
Thanks!!!
I acquired this more or less accidentally a while back, and had plans to strip it down to use as a field camera. These have some pretty cool features, most notably the rotating back. However, I don't think I'll have time to fiddle with it, and still prefer shooting with an old monorail. The body is in generally good condition, with some peeling leatherette in a few places. There is no rangefinder, the viewfinder is scuzzy beyond repair (still have it, though), and the leather handle is starting to deteriorate. The lens board is badly peeling, but replacements are about $10, and you could still just refinish this one. One of the knobs to pull the front standard onto the focus track is broken, but it looks like this will be a pretty easy repair. The bellows are decently supple, and light-tight, as tested in my darkroom. The rotating back turns very smoothly and has no light leaks. The spring back works as it should, but the fabric on the hood has come unglued from the panel, and has been held on by duct tape. Works fine, though. Ground glass is in good shape, 1cm grid lines are starting to wear off, but they're there.
Mounted on it is a Carl Meyer Wide Angle 90mm f/6.8 lens in an Alphax #1 shutter. From what I can tell, and a little bit of research, it is likely a rebranded Wollensak Raptar. It's a bit hazy and dusty, but is sharp corner to corner @ f/22. Was planning on tossing it upon arrival, but it surprised me. The shutter gave a puff of rusty smoke after a few actuations, and no longer fires. It may or may not be serviceable.
I'll include the 2 Fidelity Elite holders that came with it, too, as I like my old wooden holders better. I'll sell those separately if you want them.
I'm leaving this open to offers. Please PM me. I do not know exactly how much I want for it yet, so let me know what you're willing to pay for it. I may try to find room for it and keep it around for the future.
Please PM me with any additional questions, and for pictures.
Thanks!!!