Help to identify a old studio camera and enlarger

[tom-in-hk]

Hello,

I was wondering if you could help to identify the camera and enlarger in the attached photos.

They are from my grandfathers old studio in Malaysia, and wondering if it is worth getting them sent to Australia. From the looks the camera is quite heavy (any idea on that?) with the wooden base attachment, which I assume is part of the camera.

I'm not really looking to use it (unless for playing around) but might like to keep it for sentimental value...

The enlarger looks like it is in poor condition, however wondering if it is worth salvaging in any case.

There is also a studio light however I cant be bothered about that.

I have uploaded the photos to the internet, in the hopes you can help. Unfortunately I am not in Malaysia, so cannot help with other details very easily....

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/emailtomloi/OldStudioCamera?authkey=Gv1sRgCNeM48bHoN2hpAE#

Any help most appreciated,

Many thanks,
Tom

 

[pdexposures]

If you had a photo of the badge on the front of the camera you would be able to know everything about it. However I don't know if that is a possibility for you.

The enlarger looks too far gone. And unlike studio camera's, even if they don't work. People don't put enlargers around their house as a piece of furniture.

If you were interested in getting the camera to Australia though, I would see if the camera portion could be flown to you if a family member came to visit or you went back to Malaysia. You would probably be able to check it (just make sure it is properly stored as to not damage it) and fly it with you. While the stand would need to be shipped.

All in all I would assume you'd be looking at a couple hundred dollars all said and done.

If you didn't take it, what would happen to the camera?

 

[Ian Grant]

The studio camera will almost certainly be British, what make though is hard to tell. I do have thousands of pages of adverts to trawl through but there's not enough detail.

The enlarger might be very usable with a modern head nut transport cost are against you.

Ian

 

[paul ewins]

I have an English Kodak studio camera that has a similar looking stand and is about the same colour. Most LF cameras I have seen of that type are a much lighter, honey colour. That type of stand is a lot rarer in Australia than it is in the US and the larger portrait cameras are not as common either. The cameras aren't usually attached to the stand, just held there by friction. If you can get it to Australia for under $500 you won't lose out. I do use mine now and again, but they make great "conversation pieces" just sitting in the corner of the lounge room.

 

[tom-in-hk]

Thanks everyone. I think I will try to get the camera sent to Australia for sentimental value. Hopefully I can find a way to get it there without too much cost. I'll try to restore as best as I can.

All the best,
Tom

 

[Andrew K]

Hi Tom

the enlarger is an old Meopta Magnatarus - it would take negs up to 5X7 inches. I've got one, and outside of the baseboard and condensor lens it weights nothing...but this one is pretty far gone..there was a similar one on Australian ebay in better (but not that much) condition - didn't sell for the $10 minimum bid..

The camera and stand look in pretty good condition - form what I can tell it looks like a old Kodak commercial stand - the camera would well be a 8x10 Commercial Kodak too - it looks to be in good condition too, and would definatly be worth bringing to Australia.

If you need some advice with restoration I can put you on to a few people who can help, but from the pictures it looks like the wood just needs a bit of a clean with a damp cloth, and hopefully the bellows will be intact and just need a clean too. Or contact the Australian Phtographic Collectors Society - there are a few members who can give you advice on restoration (remember - the golden rule in camera restoration - less is more......)

Cheers

Andrew

 

[tom-in-hk]

Thanks Andrew,

hopefully I'll get the camera to Aus in one piece!

Regarding restoration, I imagine the bellows have not been expanded for quite some time, and would need some treatment to make the material supple enough not to fall to bits..

Cheers,
Tom