What is meant by a 'Tropical Field Camera'?

ragc · Nov 13, 2006

And how does one identify one?

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 13, 2006

I think they're often made from woods like teak that will hold up to moisture, and they seem to have light brown leather bellows, although I don't quite know what purpose that serves. Maybe the leather is cured in a different way for the climate, or perhaps it is a different type of leather. They seem popular among collectors.

jstraw · Nov 13, 2006

Look for the bellows made from mosquito netting.

phfitz · Nov 13, 2006

ragc,

They also usually have brass metal fittings, not nickel or chrome plated. Some still had the aluminium front panels from the standard production models.

Have fun with the hunt.

Flotsam · Nov 13, 2006

Planning on photographing some Hula Hula girls?

Markok765 · Nov 13, 2006

Flotsam said:
Planning on photographing some Hula Hula girls?

I like a 70-200\2.8 for that

ragc · Nov 13, 2006

Flotsam said:
Planning on photographing some Hula Hula girls?

If I find any..!

Just got an old Japanese 1/2 plate camera (have not received it yet) and the wood looks to be other than cherrywood. Has black leather bellows, though (and no mosquito netting). Just trying to determine whatever I can about it. Will post on the vintage camera area when I receive it.

Roger Hicks · Nov 14, 2006

ragc said:
And how does one identify one?

It simply means a camera that is designed to be unusually resistant to heat and humidity. The classic examples were reflex and small field cameras that were normally leather covered, but were left as bare wood in their 'tropical' incarnation. There may also be some extra brass binding, and the camera may be made of more, smaller pieces of wood.

To a large extent, it's a marketing term. The best cameras were OK for the tropics anyway; the cheaper ones might warp even if they were sold as 'tropical'.

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

Christopher Nisperos · Nov 14, 2006

It's the farthest northern latitude where the sun can be seen directly overhead on June 21 or thereabouts (the summer solstice), from somewhere in the jungle, or field.

Thus the term, "field Tropic of Cancer". No? Oh, sorry.

Then, I agree with Roger... except that there are no "cheap" tropical cameras.. On second thought, look here:
Dead Link Removed

Chris

Jerevan · Nov 14, 2006

The Contessa Nettel first on this page is what I would call a tropical camera:

http://www.mwclassic.com/acatalog/MW_Classic_Cameras_EARLY_FILM___PLATE_57.html

Once upon a time I fancied this little camera but no plate holders for it has kept me off that idea, as has the price.

mark · Nov 14, 2006

It is a covert way of telling you that you are partially funding the sellers next tropical vacation.

What is meant by a 'Tropical Field Camera'?

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