Velorum
Member
As time goes on I am shooting more and more with my vintage box cameras. I love the challenge of working with so few controls which I find remarkable liberating. There really is something magical about using equipment that is nearly 100 years old.
Aside from some rather rough examples I have a number that are in amazing condition for their age.
Here are two that I bought recently for little more than the price or a few rolls of 120 film:
Zeiss Ikon Tengor 54/2 (intermediate model)
I believe this to be a 1934 one. Its in outstanding condition and everything works perfectly. 1/30s shutter, adjustable aperture F16/F18/F25, 2 auxiliary lenses for approx 4m and close up / portrait. These are not hard to find on places like eBay but many are pretty rough.
......and something much rarer a Certa Doppel (model B) from 1935. Another example of a vintage box camera in amazing condition for its age. This is a high quality camera with some interesting features. It has a single speed 1/30s shutter. In addition to adjustable apertures of F11/F16 & F22, and an auxiliary close up its most unique feature is that it can take pictures in 6 x 4.5 format in addition to the usual 6x9 standard. This is achieved by an internal metal frame that is moved into place by turning a knob on the side of the body 180 degrees. This is a 'B' version of the Doppel with the superior Certomat lens.The build quality is on a par with Zuiss Ikon in my opinion. I have just loaded a new roll of HP4 into this one and am looking forward to using it at the weekend!
Aside from some rather rough examples I have a number that are in amazing condition for their age.
Here are two that I bought recently for little more than the price or a few rolls of 120 film:
Zeiss Ikon Tengor 54/2 (intermediate model)
I believe this to be a 1934 one. Its in outstanding condition and everything works perfectly. 1/30s shutter, adjustable aperture F16/F18/F25, 2 auxiliary lenses for approx 4m and close up / portrait. These are not hard to find on places like eBay but many are pretty rough.
......and something much rarer a Certa Doppel (model B) from 1935. Another example of a vintage box camera in amazing condition for its age. This is a high quality camera with some interesting features. It has a single speed 1/30s shutter. In addition to adjustable apertures of F11/F16 & F22, and an auxiliary close up its most unique feature is that it can take pictures in 6 x 4.5 format in addition to the usual 6x9 standard. This is achieved by an internal metal frame that is moved into place by turning a knob on the side of the body 180 degrees. This is a 'B' version of the Doppel with the superior Certomat lens.The build quality is on a par with Zuiss Ikon in my opinion. I have just loaded a new roll of HP4 into this one and am looking forward to using it at the weekend!