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Just curious: what is the oldest camera you have used?


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My Voigtlander AVUS dates from somewhere between 1914-1928, the production years of the dial set Compur. From the number on the Compur shutter, my best guess is 1925. If anyone has a database on Compur or Voigtlander lens serial numbers, drop me a line.
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Kodak Number 2 Folding Pocket Brownie Model B. With red bellows, manufactured sometime between 1907 and 1912. Meniscus lens, T/B/I shutter. Takes 120 film, but not a very sharp lens.

 

After that it's a race between the 1A and 3A Autographic Kodaks. Sometime in the 1914 to 1924 time period. I've used both.

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Balda Jubilette 1938, Nice little folder, can focus to 50cm. Donald provided me with the manual.

 

Kodak Six-16 Improved, from the 30s not find yet year, with Compur shutter and Tessar type lens. I have used to make panoramic (2:1) pictures.

 

Retinette 160 1939-41, Test not succesful yet, I am not sure if there is a ligh leak I cant find or really a lot of flare.

 

Zeiss Ikon Super Ikomat C, I suppose very early, perhaps 1934. I really like this camera.

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Rochester Optical Premo B 4X5 from around 1896. I have only shot one sheet with it since cleaning it up, refinishing it and replacing the shutter with a newer (1910) Kodak Ball Bearing shutter. The one test shot was pretty amazing. Very sharp! The lens is a B&L Rapid Rectilinear. Original to the camera. A 4X5 self casing little dude that only weighs 36 ounces, with lens.
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Hmm. Most of my gear is post-WWII.

 

But I do have a little Zeiss macro lens made, if the serial number to date table in the Vade Mecum is correct, in 1912. The view through it isn't bad, so I'll have to shoot it. Question is, when.

 

And today I received a B&L-made (says so on it) Zeiss Kodak Anastigmat #4 F - 6.3. I b'lieve it is a Tessar IIb. Its serial number, 1733784, makes it pre-WWI too if the VM is to be believed. It passes light, forms an image, so I can't not use it. Again, the big question is when.

 

Thinking of that #4, does anyone know what its focal length is? Crude measurement one got 7.5", slightly less crude measurement two got 7".

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