What is the oldest functional camera you have?

nosmok · Jan 18, 2015

So nice to see and hear about everybody's antiques! My oldest is a Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic from 1918, for 127 film. I have to tape it up to get it light tight, but it takes great pictures -- the shutter is still correct and the lens is clear. And it really does fit in a vest pocket!

I started out on antiques-- my first camera was my granddad's Zeiss Nettar set from 1938, complete with Weston meter and a Walz filter set. Sadly it was stolen in a break-in. I was using a bank money-pouch as a camera bag and they grabbed it. They might have been more disappointed than I was.

j-dogg · Jan 18, 2015

Very early 1900's 5x7"

John_Nikon_F · Jan 19, 2015

I don't have anything really early. Oldest I have is a black Nikomat FTn from about 1971-72.

-J

benjiboy · Jan 19, 2015

A not very early 1936 Zeiss Contax. my dad gave me in 1953.

anfenglin · Jan 19, 2015

I have a Rolleicord I from 1936 which my Grandfather bought in 1938 and a Voigtländer Avus from between 1914-1935 (the one for plates in 6,5x9), both fully working. I use the Avus with a Rollex cassette for 6x9.

Jeff Bradford · Jan 19, 2015

The oldest working camera I have is a Kodak Medalist II from somewhere around 1947. 6x9 on 620 roll film with a 100mm Ektar lens.

Sirius Glass · Jan 19, 2015

1928 4"x5" Graflex Model D

norm123 · Jan 20, 2015

A Seneca Camera View (11X14) 1905-1910.

peter k. · Jan 20, 2015

1914 3a folding Kodak Brownie converted to 120 film

winterclock · Jan 20, 2015

Rochester Optical Improved Empire State 5x7 from about 1905

Patrick Robert James · Jan 21, 2015

I think the oldest camera I have is a K.W. Patent Etui that is from the 1929 according to the lens. It has a Zeiss Tessar, folds down small enough to put in your pocket and has a huge bellows draw. It is pretty remarkable. I bought it back in the 90's in Prague. Everything was cheap in Prague back then. The dude at the counter of the camera store I got it at looked at me weird and told me in broken German that it was a woman's camera. I thought that was funny. I have three plate holders for it (6x9) and a roll film back. I never use it though. It is just one of those cool things you keep around.

Meyer Trioplan · Jan 21, 2015

I have a ca. 1926 to 1932 vintage Kodak Autographic Pocket 1A that shoots 116 film. I just ran a roll of 120 Velvia 100F through it this the weekend before last and have sent it off for processing to see the results. I am dying of curiosity to see what comes back.

DaveTheWalker · Jan 22, 2015

I have a Kodak Folding Autographic No. 2 that dates to sometime between 1917 and 1926. I haven't got round to checking its exact date. Works beautifully and gives gorgeous 6x9 negatives, although the viewfinder is really misty and small!

Looks like this one:

http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=11973

stark raving · Jan 31, 2015

Kodak Retina type 126, circa 1936. Takes lovely pictures as long as I respect the limitations of the uncoated lense.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 31, 2015

Theo Sulphate said:
By functional, I mean operating properly and, if film is or were available, you could make a photo with it.

Mine aren't too old: Exakta VX from 1954 and Ciné Kodak Magazine 16 from the late 1940's.

6x9 box camera from 1923.it takes regular 120 roll film,only has a mediocre meniscus lens but in a pinch doesn't need any enlargement.the contacts are resonably sharp.

coa_lund · Mar 7, 2015

I havet one ICA folding plate camera 6.5x9 cm in good shape and with 3 plate holders from my grand father, and onother one 9x12 cm in less good shape bit with a nice Tessar 15 cm f/4.5 in a compur shutter. Carl

Theo Sulphate · Mar 8, 2015

coa_lund said:
I havet one ICA folding plate camera 6.5x9 cm in good shape and with 3 plate holders from my grand father, and onother one 9x12 cm in less good shape bit with a nice Tessar 15 cm f/4.5 in a compur shutter. Carl

From 1924-1926, perhaps.

puderse · Mar 9, 2015

I've an Asahi Pentax 'AP' with a preset 55mm that works perfectly!

John_Nikon_F · Mar 10, 2015

Finally something a little older. Chrome Nikkormat FT from 1965-66. Works well, even though it has some erratic meter action going on... Not bad, though. Might actually send it in to be overhauled, even though it's not really worth it.

-J

puderse · Mar 10, 2015

NIKKORMATS

John_Nikon_F said:
Finally something a little older. Chrome Nikkormat FT from 1965-66. Works well, even though it has some erratic meter action going on... Not bad, though. Might actually send it in to be overhauled, even though it's not really worth it.

-J

I've several old mats. Dave Easterwood in Chelsea, MI has CLA/repaired/overhauled several Nikons for me. One was a NIKKORMAT FS, working great and "We don't need no stinkin' batteries."

John_Nikon_F · Mar 11, 2015

puderse said:
I've several old mats. Dave Easterwood in Chelsea, MI has CLA/repaired/overhauled several Nikons for me. One was a NIKKORMAT FS, working great and "We don't need no stinkin' batteries."

Cool. I've used Scott Crisman of Northwest Camera Repair with good results. Had a Nikomat FT2 overhauled by him. Had the typical short circuit between the shutter speed ring and the ring resistor, rendering the meter almost completely useless. When I got the camera back, it worked like new. Also had him work on a couple DP-12 finders, an F3P, and my F. I usually send my F2 bodies to Sover Wong, though.

-J

sophisee · Mar 11, 2015

I have a Cine Kodak Model B. I think it's from the 20's. I have some 16mm for it too but I haven't tried it yet. It's fully working though

puderse · Mar 11, 2015

John_Nikon_F said:
Cool. I've used Scott Crisman of Northwest Camera Repair with good results. Had a Nikomat FT2 overhauled by him. Had the typical short circuit between the shutter speed ring and the ring resistor, rendering the meter almost completely useless. When I got the camera back, it worked like new. Also had him work on a couple DP-12 finders, an F3P, and my F. I usually send my F2 bodies to Sover Wong, though.

-J

For old Nikons with hinkey meters I have sent the meter head or whole camera (Nikkormats) to drwyn@aol.com. Last one was an FTn head with battery box welded together by battery corrosion. $75 to repair/replace battery box and screw cap and CLA for new 1.5 V 76A batteries and ship back.

John_Nikon_F · Mar 11, 2015

puderse said:
For old Nikons with hinkey meters I have sent the meter head or whole camera (Nikkormats) to drwyn@aol.com. Last one was an FTn head with battery box welded together by battery corrosion. $75 to repair/replace battery box and screw cap and CLA for new 1.5 V 76A batteries and ship back.

Ah, yeah, Bob Decker. There is an adapter collar made for the F Photomic series finders that allows use of two S76's or one CR 1/3N battery that is being sold on eBay. Picked one up, then subsequently went eyelevel on the F I bought it for. Gave it to Ralph Javins. If my current F remains equipped with an FTn finder, instead of going back to what it looked like in my avatar, I'll get another.

-J

hemmo · May 9, 2015

Pony Premo No:4. 4x5 and made 1898-1903.
http://www.historiccamera.com/cgi-bin/librarium/pm.cgi?action=display&login=ponypremo4

What is the oldest functional camera you have?

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