Aside from the miniature HIT camera, the Diana is the lightest camera in my collection. Manufactured by the Great Wall Plastic Company on the 1960’s as a very inexpensive novelty camera (and copied extensively). This is the original “No. 151 Made in Hong Kong” model which, as I understand, produces interesting results from its plastic…
Month: May 2016
Futura Kamerawerke Futura Standard
This sturdy and well built camera from Futura Kamerawerke is a somewhat unusual example of German 35mm rangefinder engineering. It was designed as a camera system with numerous interchangeable lens and accessories. Make Futura Kamerawerke Model Futura Standard Year 1950 – 1955 Format 35mm Shutter Compur Rapid Speed B,1,2,5,10,25,50,100,200,400 Lens Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar f2.8 45mm Focus…
Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic
Manufactured between 1915 and 1926, the Eastman Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic strut folding camera is a great example of the quality mass produced models the company sold at that time. The special autographic 127 film, unfortunately no longer available, allowed the photographer to draw notes directly onto the film via a small door using the…
CiroFlex Model B
The Ciro-Flex is a 6×6 TLR camera manufactured in the early 1940s by American manufacturer Ciro. This particular camera is a post-WWII Model B with Alphax shutter. Make Ciro Model Ciro-Flex Model B Year 1946 Format 120 Shutter Alphax Speed T, B, 10 to 200 Lens Wollensak Anastigmat f3.5 85mm Focus 3ft to ∞ Aperture…
Ricoh “35”
The Ricoh “35”, manufactured starting in 1955 is uniquely beautiful coupled-rangefinder 35mm camera. The most unique feature is the bottom mounted film advance lever that allows for rapid shot taking. From the front the “35” is visually similar to slightly earlier and much lower-end viewfinder Ricolet. Make Ricoh Model “35” Year 1955 Format 35mm Shutter…
Argus Argoflex Seventy-Five
The Argus Argoflex Seventy-Five was produced by Michigan based Argus starting in 1949. Typically considered a pseudo TLR, the Seventy-Five does feature double exposure prevention and a handy taking lens marker to indicate when the film has been properly advanced. It also has an unexpectedly bright viewfinder. Make Argus Model Argoflex Seventy-Five Year 1949 Format…
Praktica MTL3
The Praktica MTL3, produced between 1978 and 1984 by East German manufacturer Pentacon, is an SLR with an interesting mix of features. Perhaps most notable are the rock solid metal shutter curtains and the TTL metering system integrated into the mirror. This particular camera is sporting a Helios f2 58mm 44-2 scavenged from a trashed…
Kodak Petite
The Kodak Petite, manufactured between 1929 and 1934 (originally marketed to women) is a fun, simple shooter that will bring much needed color to any collection. The controls and features are straightforward, and the rotary aperture is a neat feature. No f-numbers are given. Instead the camera’s manual indicates the following: No. 1 – For…
Univex AF-2
The Univex AF-2 is an incredibly simple fixed-aperture camera introduced in 1935 for approximately $1. Though every effort was made to produce a camera that Great Depression era Americans could afford, it has it’s own beautiful charm. Make Univex Model AF-2 Year 1935-194? Format #00 Shutter Univex Speed Snap/Time Lens Fixed Aperture Focus N/A Aperture…
