New Member Introduction & questions on a batch of old cameras

[donetskiy]

Hi everyone!
I’ve recently joined the forum. I’m from Germany and helping a family friend rehome a collection of vintage film cameras, mostly from the mid-20th century. I’m also starting to learn more about analog photography myself and happy to dive in here — looks like a great community!

 

[donetskiy]

I’ve been recently looking more closely at a Rolleiflex Standard K2 (1937) from a family collection. It’s surprisingly well-preserved and still snaps beautifully. Love how solid and precise the build is. Anyone here still shooting with these old Standard models?

 

[donetskiy]

I have a Voigtländer Color-Skopar X 1:2,8/50mm — is this lens known for a particular "look" or rendering? Wondering if it’s better kept or passed on as part of the sale. Any experience?

 

[donetskiy]

For anyone who's used both: How would you compare shooting with a Flexaret versus an early Rolleiflex Standard? Handling, optics, usability? I noticed the Flexaret feels a bit more compact but not as refined.

 

[donetskiy]

I was going through the old camera bags from the collection and found two OKANO leather cases in very good shape. Anyone here know if they were common accessories for Flexaret or Voigtländer cameras?

 

[donetskiy]

Just finished photographing a Flexaret VI before listing it — such a unique piece of Eastern European camera history. The mechanics are lovely. Didn’t expect to enjoy the design this much.

 

[donetskiy]

Do people here ever try to sell vintage collections as a whole lot rather than piece by piece? I’ve got about 10–12 cameras (Flexaret, Rolleiflex, Adox, Konica, etc.) from a friend's estate and debating the best way to go about it.

 

[BrianShaw]

Individual

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to Photrio!

 

[Sirius Glass]

I sell them individually.

 

[donetskiy]

Individual

 

[JPD]

The Rolleiflex Standard has the famous Carl Zeiss Tessar lens (uncoated), Compur shutter, lever wind and focusing knob. No flash sync unless modified. Same lever for cocking and releasing the shutter.


I haven't used a Flexaret, but they have a lever for focusing under the taking lens, Meopta Belar (four elements) or Mirar (three elements) taking lenses, and most have Prontor shutters with flash sync. Most have knob winding, but some models have lever wind. How the shutter is cocked and released differs between the models.

The Rolleiflex Standard is "more class", better shutter and the Tessar is superb, but a Flexaret with Belar and flash sync could be better for colour (coated lens) and easier to use if you use flash a lot.

I have three Rolleiflex Standard, but haven't used them for some time because the low gearing for the focusing knob makes it difficult to focus (for me). The later Rolleiflex Automat feels "snappier" to focus, so I use this camera instead. Same fine Tessar lens. Since someone in your family has a Rolleifex Standard, test how you feel the focusing works for you.

Some people like and some don't like the lever focusing the Flexaret has either, so it's up to personal preference.

 

[MattKing]

Thread moved as its former location is reserved for announcements about forum system issues.

 

[MattKing]

For clarity, in order to sell on Photrio you will need to become a paid subscriber and list such sales in the Classifieds section. Check the "Support Us! link nearer the top of the page for details about subscribing.

 

[AZD]

Individual is better for you unless your goal is simply to re-home them and be done with it.

Very few people are interested in buying as a lot unless it is cheap. Nobody really wants to get into and use ten different antique cameras seriously. Maybe 1-2 at best, but the they have to re-sell the remainder, which is why it’s only worth their bother if the lot is essentially free, or there happens to be a real prize among them.

I recently saw a local add trying to sell a lot of 100+ cameras of what I’d call the “aw, what a cute old camera!” variety. $5000. Nope. An extreme example but you get the idea.

 

[JensH]

I’ve been recently looking more closely at a Rolleiflex Standard K2 (1937) from a family collection. It’s surprisingly well-preserved and still snaps beautifully. Love how solid and precise the build is. Anyone here still shooting with these old Standard models?

Yes, from time to time...
I sometimes expose a roll in my Old Standard (a 1934 K2 620 with very nice and clean f/4.5 7.5cm Tessar).
So a week ago. They are faster than the Rolleiflex Original (Ur-Rolleiflex) due to the crank and the combined shutter release. Well build indeed, not as fragile.
Downside is the finder loupe not blocking ambient light that well as in the K1s.

Enjoy and greetings
Jens

 

[donetskiy]

I found a Balda Baldinette and a Frontbox in an old collection. They’re both in surprisingly clean condition. Curious if there’s any appreciation for Balda in medium format circles — or are they mostly just display pieces these days?

 

[donetskiy]

I have a few undeveloped rolls that were left in the cameras (Flexaret, Agfa) — is it worth developing them out of curiosity? Anyone have luck with “mystery rolls” from estate finds?

 

[donetskiy]

I’ve got a Flexaret that has a slightly loose focusing knob. Is that a common issue or just a matter of wear? Doesn’t affect operation yet but feels “floaty.”

 

[donetskiy]

Trying to precisely date a Zeiss Ikon Nettar (folding camera) — anyone know a solid serial number reference? I’ve found conflicting info on different sites.

 

[donetskiy]

Pulled this plastic-bodied Konica EFP 3 from the back of the collection. Feels like a toy, but maybe there’s charm in the simplicity? Has anyone actually shot with it?

 

[donetskiy]

I noticed several of the cameras I’m working with still have their original leather cases. Some are in decent shape, some aged. Are these just for collectors, or do they still have practical value?

 

[4season]

I've never seen one, but specifications show that it has a 4-element lens, which suggests that it might be capable of pretty good results if you use print film and have plenty of light.

 

[AnselMortensen]

I have developed "found film" before.
Most of the time, the results were unremarkable.
The rest of the time, the results were just plain bad...fogged, exposed to light, etc.
No pictures of Elvis, a Yeti, or Marilyn Monroe having lunch with the Kennedys....yet.
But I haven't given up hope...yet.

 

[F4U]

If you have time, what have you go to lose?