Mystery camera

<p>A local seller asked me about this camera. I have no idea. Anyone? Picture 1, front side.<br>

<img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/julio1fer/mistery%20camera/IMG_2185.jpg" alt="Mystery camera front" width="484" height="800" /></p>

<p>Top view.<img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/julio1fer/mistery%20camera/IMG_2186.jpg" alt="Side view" width="800" height="539" /></p>

 

<p>I am not able to place the camera Julio but the shutter Koilos was used from 1907 and looking at the design the camera could be from around the same time.</p>

<p>Check this out. <a href="http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Koilos">http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Koilos</a>. It sounds like the Super or Special Super described in the link <a href="http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Super_plate_folders">http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Super_plate_folders</a> to those cameras. Some models used the Koilos shutters.</p>

<p>Thanks for the information. The camera seems a 122 rollfilm, with a back for cut film or plates. No markings whatsoever, except for the Koilos shutter. It looks like about 1910 to me, from the looks. Maybe the weird aperture numbers help? See:<br>

<img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/julio1fer/mistery%20camera/IMG_2190.jpg" alt="Lens close up" width="800" height="600" /><br>

The lens can be moved up and down with a small serrated wheel. In the rails plate there are French markings, apparently engraved by hand, referring to bulb and time settings (un temps, deux temps).<br>

Another view<br>

<img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/julio1fer/mistery%20camera/IMG_2195.jpg" alt="Back removed" width="800" height="627" /></p>

<p>If you would like to use the camera.... like mount 4x5 backs to it somehow... you can determine the apertures by measuring them. Modern f/stop's are physical numbers referring to the focal length of the lens divided by the diameter of the aperture. There should be a mark somewhere on the base of the rails showing infinity focus, you can measure the focal length with the lens at infinity.</p>

<p>Why's it got two cranks? When would anyone want to rewind roll film?<br>

(Only thing I can think of is in case you're afraid the film got loose and wasn't flat, so you can stretch it out without advancing it any.)</p>