Vintage lens shops in London & Athens

I'm going to Greece in a couple weeks, with a one night layover in

London. I'm looking for old but functional lenses from 1860 to 1940.

My interest is lens design, I'm not a seller or collector. Can you

recommend a shop in London or Athens that sells this sort of vintage

lens?

Well, if you'd bothered to do a search you'd have found this:

 

http://www.vintagecameras.co.uk/

 

Which is stuffed full of old lenses dating from the 1860s. You need to take a train from London Bridge and it takes around a quarter of an hour.<div></div>

For the record, I had already done a search and found the shops listed below. Dale, Camera House, and L. Hughes had a number of lenses that looked interesting, but I didn't find much else. I asked the question because SOME shops often have many more items in the store than they have up on their website. (I realize this is totally obvious to most readers of this board, but apparently it's news to a few.) I'm interested in hearing from people who have personal experience with a particular shop in London or Athens.

 

The ACE list of United Kingdom Used Camera Dealers:

 

Andrews Cameras, Teddington, Middlesex, UK

Established in 1969, specialists in classic, collectible and antique cameras. Extensive online inventory of cameras, lenses and photo accessories from Agfa to Zeiss. Camera collecting books and appraisal guides. Modern secondhand cameras, 35mm SLRs, medium and large format cameras, lenses, flash units, darkroom equipment and more.

 

The Camera House, Oakworth, West Yorkshire, UK

Since 1982, sales of collectible and classic used cameras, lenses, photo accessories. Online inventory includes still cameras, cine cameras, lenses, collectibles, enlargers, projectors, accessories, instruction books, photography books and manuals. All items in excellent to mint condition unless otherwise noted.

 

Christie's South Kensington, London, England

Beginning in 1972 and with sales growing annually, Christie's bills itself as "the world's leading auction house dealing with cameras...." Check out their Cameras and Optical Toys department. Eight or more auctions annually. Also auctions photographs.

 

CSS Partnership, Carluke, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Sales of APS, 35mm and medium format cameras, digital cameras, photo accessories and digital imaging equipment. Brands include Adobe, Bronica, Canon, Casio, Cokin, Corel, Durst, Elinchrome, Epson, Fuji, Gitzo, Gossen, Hama, Hanimex, Hasselblad, Hitachi, Hoya, Ilford, Jobo, JVC, Kodak, Konica, Lee Filters, Leitz, Mamiya, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus and more. Used and demo photo equipment. Camera repair.

 

Dale Photographic Services, Leeds, UK

Supplying quality photo equipment for more than 14 years. Medium format including Hasselblad, Mamiya, Bronica, Pentax 645 and 6x7, Contax 645 and Fuji 6x9 cameras. Stocking Contax and Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, film scanners, flatbed scanners, large format cameras, Metz and Sunpak flash units, Lee filters, Sekonic, Minolta and Gossen light meters and more. Large assortment of used equipment online.

 

Adrian Earl Photographic Equipment, Poole, Dorset, UK

Sale of new and used cameras, lenses, microscopes, light meters, electronic flash, darkroom equipment and more. Extensive online inventory of secondhand cameras including Canon, Leica, Hasselblad, Mamiya, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Praktica, Rollei, Yashica, etc. In-house camera and lens repair.

 

Ffordes Photographic, Beauly, Invernesshire, Scotland

Online sales. Since 1960 family-owned Ffordes has supplied quality camera equipment and services to amateur and pro photographers. Stocks 35mm, medium format, digital cameras and more. Brands include Leica, Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad, Bronica, Mamiya, Contax, Pentax, Minolta and Rollei. Large selection of quality used photo equipment and photo accessories. Formerly located in Southend-on-Sea area of Essex.

 

Grays of Westminster, London, England

Nestled in the village-like streets of Pimlico in central London, Grays specializes exclusively in Nikon and ships worldwide by mail order. The shop is a veritable museum dedicated to "the most acclaimed 35mm camera system" ever made. Sales of new, used, and collectible Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories. Current and past articles from Grays of Westminster Gazette, a treasure trove of information.

 

 

 

Jonathan Harris, London, England

Specialists in buying and selling high quality, second hand cameras, lenses and photo accessories. All items in mint or near mint condition. Extensive online inventory includes Leica, Nikon, Contax, Canon, Hasselblad, Bronica, Mamiya, Pentax, Rollei, and Fuji as well as quality collectables. 12 month guarantee on purchases.

 

Harrison Cameras, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK

For 25 years providing personal service to faithful photographers worldwide. Extensive stock of new models, all major brands, APS and digital cameras, binoculars and more. Online inventory of quality second hand, collectible, and limited edition cameras. UK tax-free worldwide export sales. In-house repairs of most SLR and compact cameras, camcorders and lenses.

 

Lionel Hughes Photographica, Coventry, England

Since 1976, sales of early and antique cameras from the 19th and early 20th century, magic lanterns and slides, pre cinema equipment, optical toys, cine equipment, stereo cameras, kaleidoscopes, subminiature and detective cameras, field and view cameras, 35mm cameras, lenses, Daguerreotypes and photographic books mailed worldwide.

 

Ian Joy Photographic, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

Small family run photographic business founded in 1945 dealing in both retail sales and professional photography services. Stockists of Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Olympus, Contax, Tamron, Sigma, CCS cases etc., plus a wide range of second hand goods and accessories. In-house Agfa minilab offers quality processing in most popular sizes at reasonable prices.

 

Jessops Classic Photographica, London, England

Part of the retail photo chain, this "entire store is dedicated to the discerning collector." From Agfa to Zeiss and everything in-between, Jessops carries an extensive online inventory of second hand cameras, lenses, photo accessories, collectibles, cine cameras, subminiature and half frame cameras, specialty items and hard-to-find collectibles. Opened in 1988.

 

Kingsley Photographic Limited, London, England

Established in 1963, stocking new Nikon, Contax, Leica, Canon, Minolta and Pentax 35mm cameras and lenses, APS and compact cameras, many brands of digital cameras, binoculars, telescopes, camera bags, tripods, projectors, enlargers, lighting equipment and photo accessories. Large online inventory of used cameras, lenses and more.

 

London Camera Exchange, Exeter, Devon, UK

Sales of photo and video equipment, including compact cameras, SLRs, second-hand equipment, bags, tripods, binoculars, telescopes, films, picture frames and much more. Stocking famous brands, including Canon, Pentax, Tamron and more. Services include a Casablanca linear video editor, Kodak Image Magic equipment for instant reprints and enlargements, and digital imaging facilities.

 

Marriott Photo + Cine, Halifax, West Yorkshire, England

Specializes in the sale of classic still and cine cameras, accessories, Viewmaster reels, books, magazines and photographic ephemera. In business for more than 10 years. The online inventory is expanding. You can receive a monthly catalog for the price of postage. Publishes the quarterly, Classic Camera Magazine.

 

Mr. Cad, Croydon, Surrey, England

"For everything photographic." 9,000 square foot independent camera store. Extensive online inventory of new and used, collectible and rare 35mm cameras, medium format and large format cameras, lenses, audio visual equipment, photo accessories, cine cameras, darkroom and studio lighting, digital equipment, projection lamps, microscope objectives, film, photography books and more.

 

MXV Photographic Ltd., Uckfield, East Sussex, England

Fine used equipment bought and sold. Large online inventory of cameras and lenses, brands include Bronica, Canon, Contax, Fuji, Hasselblad, Leica, Mamiya, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Rollei and Yashica. Medium format and large format equipment, photo accessories, camera cases, tripods, lighting and darkroom equipment, filters, projectors and more.

 

Myriad Audio Visual Sales Ltd., London, England

Sales, rental and installation of professional audio-visual equipment, including slide projectors, video projectors, overhead projectors, lenses, control systems, cases, stands and screens. Demo and second equipment listed online. Brands include 3M, Elmo, Kodak, Bose, Carver, Elmo, Epson, Fuji, Leica, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sennheiser, Sharp, and many more. Photo CD mastering.

 

Odyssey Sales, Caterham, Surrey, UK

Suppliers of De Vere enlargers, and new and used photographic equipment. Extensive De Vere product information. Online inventory of refurbished photo lab equipment, including processors, copy and duping cameras, slide mounters, printers, enlargers, roll easels, enlarging lenses, densitometers, paper cutters and miscellaneous darkroom equipment.

 

 

 

Old Timer Cameras Ltd., Elstree, Herts., United Kingdom

Online sales of instruction manuals, photographic literature, more than 2500 camera repair manuals, Focal Camera Guides, Wallace Heaton Blue Books (catalogs and price lists for photo equipment from 1949 to 1972), test reports performed by Amateur Photographer magazine, and more.

 

Photoweb UK, Greater London area, England

Used second-hand camera equipment by mail. UK customers only. Everything imaginable, including SLR cameras, lenses and accessories, compact cameras, rangefinders, medium and large format cameras, lenses, video and cine equipment, tripods, light meters, lens adapters, square and round filters, flash units, enlargers, darkroom equipment, camera bags and cases, instruction books, photo books, film, chemistry and paper, metal masks for slide presentations and much more.

 

A. J. Purdy & Company, Ltd., Harlow, Essex, UK

Nikon professional dealers stocking all current AF-D lenses, all digital camera products and demonstration stock of everything! Also a Canon digital camera dealer, Apple authorized re-seller and holding substantial secondhand stocks. Purdy & Company understands digital imaging from a photographers perspective. All the brand names you expect. Large online inventory of secondhand equipment.

 

Bob Rigby Photographic Ltd., Bollington, Cheshire, England

Camera retailer carrying a full range of traditional cameras, digital cameras and photo equipment. Request catalog. Online inventory of secondhand cameras. Exclusive UK distributor for Arca Swiss view cameras and monoball heads, Deville darkroom & studio equipment, Brightscreen focusing screens, Global-Tec's Transf-o-rmer (converts light stands to booms), Graf Strato and Studioball heads, Japo RC dryers and glazers, Larson Starfish softboxes, Lighthouse modifiers, more. Makers of Robert Rigby Pinhole Camera.

 

S.N.A. Photographic Service, Peace Haven, East Sussex, UK

Established in 1968, specializing in secondhand cameras and lenses. Extensive online inventory includes Canon, Fujica, Konica, Leica, Mamiya, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Rollei, Contax, Yashica and more. Sub-mini cameras, large format, classic and collectible cameras. Six month guarantee on most items.

 

Solo Photographic, St Albans, Hertfordshire UK

Buys, sells and trades quality secondhand camera equipment. Extensive stock of modern and vintage used cameras, lenses and photographic accessories, all fully guaranteed for 12 months. Canon, Leica, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Rollei, Tamron, Voigtlander, photo equipment for hire and more.

 

Teamwork Photographic, London, England

Retail specialists in panoramic, large and medium format cameras and all professional photo equipment. Brands include Cambo, Ebony, Horseman, Linhof, Noblex, Seitz Roundshot, Sekonic, Sinar, Toyo, Wista, and more. Other items stocked include Heliopan filters, Phase One digital camera backs and studio kits. AHEL 4x5 enlargers and accessories, and a second hand equipment list updated monthly.

 

Vintage Cameras Ltd., Sydenham, London, England

Sales of antique, classic, and modern cameras, cine equipment, photo accessories and more for more than 40 years. Online inventory of second-hand cameras and photo equipment. Brands include Leica, Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Agfa, Exakta, Rollei, Zeiss, Voigtlander, folding roll-film and plate cameras, sub-miniatures, medium and large format cameras, lenses, and much more.

 

Waddington Photographic, Southport, England

The Southport Camera Exchange carries a full range of traditional and digital camera equipment, iMac computers and more. Large online inventory of quality used 35mm SLR and compact cameras, lenses, video and cine equipment, binoculars, classic cameras and darkroom equipment. Brands include Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Tamron and more.

 

Robert White, Poole, Dorset, UK

Supplying quality photographic equipment for more than 15 years, all formats, 35mm cameras, medium and large format, panoramic, studio, digital and electronic imaging, darkroom, second hand cameras, accessories and current deals. Brands include Contax, Leica, Nikon, Bronica, Hasselblad, Mamiya, Canham, Horseman, Wisner, Noblex and Arca and many more. Easy- to-navigate web site.

 

The Widescreen Centre, London & Nottingham, England

"A photographic shop in a different vein" selling cameras and equipment usually not found elsewhere. Used Super 8 and 16mm movie cameras, cine film, processing, editors and projectors; Two stores.

 

Try:

 

http://www.mwclassic.com/

For lenses in the collectable but functional class in the London area I would look at :

Jessops Classic Cameras (Pied Bull Yard near the British Museum London - combine with a quick visit to museum if there is time!)

Andrews Cameras Teddington to the west of London - combine with a stroll along the banks of the Thames or visit to Kew Gardens or Hampton Court)

 

The website for Andrews is www.andrewscameras.co.uk and the Jessops Classic is part of the national Jessops chain and can be found on www.jessops.com/classic/

 

have a good trip!

Will you be in London on a Saturday morning? If so, you might try out the Portobello Road market. Get there early, it opens at 6.00 A.M.

Teamwork Photographic's on your list. It was an excellent source of older apparatus when it was in Covent Garden in the 1980s. I think most of their second hand stuff was targeted for creative users and pros on a budget, rather than collectors buying really old vintage/collectible stuff.

 

A scholarly guy named Stein Falchenberg ran Teamwork back then. Terrific guy, with encyclopedic knowledge about cameras and lenses and optics. I don't know if he's still there, or if they're as good as they used to be, but you might give them a call and see if they have what you want. They've moved north of Oxford Street, near the Middlesex Hospital.

 

 

Dave

Sadly Stein Falchenberg died several years ago though I believe Teamwork is still run by the same family. I have not seen any really ancient gear at Teamwork whenever I have been there. To check contact them through their website www.teamworkphoto.co.uk

Looks like you really have done a comprehensive search. I also feel that posting on photo.net can yield information that may well be impossible to find on a web search. A big issue here is that some of the older shops do not have web sites! A London exempt of this is Nicolas (15 Camden High Street, 50 yds from Mornington Crescent Tube). I have no experience of this dealer but, based on their advert in Amateur Photographer, they have the most impressive of stocks re. classic gear.

I have had good experience with Jessops Classic. The advantage with these guys is that they are part of a massive UK network of dealers, presumably giving them wide access to classic gear, but also give you reliable return policies. I know about this because they were very helpful and courteous when I had to return a camera to them within the 14-d time limit.

Enjoy your trip and good luck with the shopping.