What is the oldest functional camera you have?

[TheToadMen]

A bit off topic (I know), but I just read this comment from a guy reviewing a new digital Nikon "mirrorless camera":

... Nikon and I go a long way, my first serious camera was a Nikon D80 that I remember fondly, made great images with it. ...

I immediately remembered the old & working cameras that were mentioned here - and I just had to smile ...

 

[Kawaiithulhu]

1938 Voigtlander bessa 66, the Baby Bessa, with a prontor II shutter and Vasker uncoated lens
Richard

It can't be just me, but I really like the look an uncoated lens can get on film.

 

[Dr Croubie]

It can't be just me, but I really like the look an uncoated lens can get on film.

I like the look I get with single and uncoateds, because this here new fandangled mutlicoating's a bit too expensive it is, so it's an uncoated image or no image...

 

[TheToadMen]

It can't be just me, but I really like the look an uncoated lens can get on film.

Me too, especially with B&W film.

 

[Wade D]

The oldest working camera I own is a Certo Certix. Made in Germany around 1936. It takes 120 film and produces a 6X9 negative.

 

[walbergb]

My brother-in-law gave me a 1938 Voigtlander Bessa 66 that I use as my medium format camera. It was in good shape, so I had it CLA. It's a bit challenging to use, but I have fun with it.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I love seeing these older cameras and I'm especially becoming interested in the 120/620 folding cameras.

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

no idea of its age but,
4X5$_57 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Kodak No.1 Panoram, from somewhere between 1900 and 1903.
It's seen better days, but it still takes pictures (6x18cm)

Dead Link Removed

 

[fotch]

Zeiss Ikon Tenax I

Zeiss Ikon Tenax I, 1930-1941 f3.5 35mm Novar Compur - 24X24 format X 50 exposures/roll of 36

 

[fotch]

The RB Series D, which features interchangeable lens boards, was produced in 4 x 5 formats (1928-1947).

 

[gleaf]

1952 Speed Graphic and similar age Rollei T TLR.

 

[Nodda Duma]

I've got a pre-WW1 Kodak Brownie. Handful of folders from the 20s

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

My mother gave me her father's Brownie Target 620, which I believe originally belonged to his father... I posted a photo a while back from the roll of Verichrome Pan that was forgotten inside it. My grandfather and his mother were in the photo. I ran some TMY-2 through it (after respooling it onto 620 spool), and got some nice images out of it. My mother gave me a whole wack of negatives that have been taken with it, many, many years ago. I've slowly been sorting through them. The camera is in excellent condition.

 

[miha]

Since my Zorki 4K is broken and both my Leicaflex SL and my Yashica MG-1 are in need of a minor repair, it's the Leica R3 Mot or the Olympus XA, I'm not sure. Is there a way to find out the production date of Olympus cameras? All in all nothing too vintage.

 

[VisualDarkness]

My Bessa is from 1929 and my Bergheil is prewar but dunno what year. Both fully working and in great condition!
Bergheil DeLuxe Green and Voigtländer Bessa (1929) by A.Sundell, on Flickr

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Brownie for 120 film.


by Ko.Fe., on Flickr

 

[GregW]

I like to use my Folding Pocket Kodak #3 (convertible back) with 120 film in it. Rapid rectilinear lens. approx 1900-15. This is 6 sec @f32 i seem to remember. Sure would be cool if the ULF run included film in the correct size for this.

 

[goamules]

1877 Anthony Imperial and Card Wetplate multiplying camera. With original 1877 Voigtlander lens. But I've shot lenses as old as 1843. My oldest 35mm is a Leica 1 conversion to II from about 1930 I believe.

 

[VisualDarkness]

Is that a Petzval lens?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

1877 Anthony Imperial and Card Wetplate multiplying camera. ...

I'm curious what "multiplying" means in this context.

Thanks, everyone, for your nice photos.

 

[KenS]

A 4 x 5" Century #46 from about 1902 (I think) with nice red leather bellows and two of the original wooden film holders, in the 'original' hard leather camera 'box' There's a small (green) circular 'tab' imprinted with "Rice Johnston & Gladwish, Montreal. The shutter sounds 'smooth'... but might benefit from a 112 year servicing...

[ just change the oil and filter & please.... see if you can clean the glass! ]

Ken

 

[Chris Livsey]

Half plate camera and Waterhouse stops Camera Circa 1889 Lens dated 1904 by Man with Red Eyes, on Flickr

Scott's Patent this is a frame to prove functionality



Large Format 1/2 Plate Negative Scanner test by Man with Red Eyes, on Flickr

 

[bergytone]

1898 Kodak No2 Bull's Eye Special. Leather is a little worn, but the lens is crystal clear, and all of the parts are there. Can't wait to try it. Just got it at an antique show in Grand Rapids. Cost less than 10 rolls of film!

 

[eclarke]

1892 Lancaster 1/4 plate..