Need help in identifying vintage camera based on old leather case

[Muktesh]

Hi All,

New to this forum. I am trying to bring back some old memories for my Dad by identifying and sourcing a vintage camera that he owned in 1960s-1970s which he subsequently lost. All I have is an image of the camera case which is attached. So far my search (including AI assistance) has only pointed me to few vintage Russian brands (Dad also only recalls Russian product, nothing else). However the leather case has some unique outlines which I have not been able to find on my online searches.

I will really appreciate if any of you are familiar with case / camera brand and able to share any information which can help me procure this vintage camera.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Muktesh

 

[WoodallP]

Hi All,

New to this forum. I am trying to bring back some old memories for my Dad by identifying and sourcing a vintage camera that he owned in 1960s-1970s which he subsequently lost. All I have is an image of the camera case which is attached. So far my search (including AI assistance) has only pointed me to few vintage Russian brands (Dad also only recalls Russian product, nothing else). However the leather case has some unique outlines which I have not been able to find on my online searches.

I will really appreciate if any of you are familiar with case / camera brand and able to share any information which can help me procure this vintage camera.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

MukteshView attachment 4874981

Hi, I’m far from knowledgable but have owned a few Soviet cams over the years (Feds, Zorkis and Kievs) and didn’t recognise the domed “nose” of the case. However looking around the web I notice that some variants of the Smena 2 had similar cases. Some (but not all) also had an oval logo on them.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Perhaps this man can help you: OKVintageCamera

 

[Joao]

I have seen the same camera model sold with different cases (from factory ? owners option ? ).
I would rule out Zenits. Fed-2 is a possibility (but the case seems too tall); Zorky-4 or early Smenas (as stated above) are other possibilities.
The separation between the upper and lower halves of the case is unnusual
But these are just guesses
One good source of information is USSRPhoto.com - Soviet / Russian Camera Equipment Collector's Resource I suggest asking them
Regards
Joao

 

[Muktesh]

Hi, I’m far from knowledgable but have owned a few Soviet cams over the years (Feds, Zorkis and Kievs) and didn’t recognise the domed “nose” of the case. However looking around the web I notice that some variants of the Smena 2 had similar cases. Some (but not all) also had an oval logo on them.

Thanks. Yes I did notice that, however the top separate section of case still looked a bit different with 2 rivets. I will see if others are able to provide any additional information.

 

[JeffS7444]

This is quite the puzzle! Is there any chance this was not a Soviet camera, but a German one? Some Beier cameras sport an oval logo.

 

[Dralowid]

The two intersecting circles making a sort of 'optic eye' rings a bell.

 

[Rayt]

I don’t remember the brand but my friend has a camera from that era with a dome shaped hood that screws onto the lens in reverse when stored in the case. It’s not Soviet probably German.

 

[santino]

I don’t remember the brand but my friend has a camera from that era with a dome shaped hood that screws onto the lens in reverse when stored in the case. It’s not Soviet probably German.

The Wera? However I don‘t think that this is a Wera case.

 

[Muggins]

The Wera? However I don‘t think that this is a Wera case.

I think you are right about the Werra (two Rs), abs also that this isn't a Werra case. I have two, an early and a late, and neither resemble the one in question.

 

[Dralowid]

The leather really looks like comes from East of the Iron Curtain. I thought the logo might be TOE but probably not.

For those who don't know, TOE:

ACP - TOE

 

[Valkir1987]

Considering the scale. I'd go for a medium format (6x6) camera made out of bakelite. And there were loads of factories back then, both East and West who made this style of camera. They were made cheap and so were their cases.

 

[WoodallP]

Considering the scale. I'd go for a medium format (6x6) camera made out of bakelite. And there were loads of factories back then, both East and West who made this style of camera. They were made cheap and so were their cases.

We may be being fooled by perspective. The camera is on the knees of someone sitting, so someway in front of the body. It may be smaller than it seems. Whilst the squareness suggests 6x6 this could equally be true of a smaller non RF 35mm. But yes there were a lot of plastic 6x6 in that era.

 

[WoodallP]

The leather really looks like comes from East of the Iron Curtain. I thought the logo might be TOE but probably not.

For those who don't know, TOE:

ACP - TOE

Yes the leather has a sort of saggyness that I usually only see in the mirror in the morning.

 

[Dralowid]

To the OP: Where were you and your family living at the time?

 

[santino]

The Smena 1 case is pretty close…

Btw I like this thread a lot, so Columboesque 😁

 

[Muktesh]

Thank you all for your prompt response. I have been checking further and can share following additional information :

1. My initial comment about this being a russian camera may be incorrect - apologies. One family member suggested Kodak but not sure.
2. Another input I received - it was a film camera with fixed lens (no zoom). At that time, it was loaded with film which could shoot 8-12 frames.
3. I recall seeing negatives which were black & white and square in shape and no slots along the edges.
4. The camera was bought in India and used from approx. mid 1950s onwards.
5. I am sharing the full image to give a better idea of camera size. My guess is the case may be about 6 inch x 6 inch.

I hope this will help. Thanks once again. Fingers crossed.

 

[JeffS7444]

One use for the left-hand cutout could be for a shutter-cocking lever.

If the camera were rebranded for the Indian market, things could get a bit tricky.

 

[JeffS7444]

Bilora had a truncated-oval logo.

 

[joe bosak]

Has some traits in common with a Purma Plus.