This series consists of original and duplicate early cameras from the beginning of the history of photography. Based on the basic design of the camera obscura and produced between about 1820 and 1870, these simple devices were usually solid or sliding box cameras with uncomplicated lenses. The shutter was normally outside of the lens, in the form of a lens cap that was simple removed and replaced for exposure, or a rotating metal plate on the front of the lens, which held the aperture. These cameras mainly predated dry plate and flexible film photography, and were used to take Daguerreotype, wet-plate and salted paper photographs.
To browse the individual items in this series, click on the "View the list" link under the "File and item records are available for this series" title (to the right of the page).
Item is a plastic box camera for 12 6 x 6 cm (2.36" x 2.36") exposures on 620 film. Simple, single speed shutter and flash synch and double exposure prevention.
Item is a snapshot camera for instant photographs using Polaroid Type 80 Packfilm. This model is for use with Hi-Power flashcubes and an exposure system for 75 ASA film.
Item is a single lens reflex, folding Land camera for instant pictures using Polaroid SX-70 film. The basic folding design was not new, but similar to the "Excentric" camera of R. Guenault (ca. 1905). This compact model incorporates SLR focusing to 10 1/2", automatic exposure up to 14 seconds, and motorized print-ejection, all powered by a disposable flat battery, which came hidden in the film back. Includes manual and German advertisement.
Item is a point and shoot camera for 7.3 x 5.4 cm instant photographis with Polaroid 500 Film, originally designed for the failed Captiva camera model (early 1990's). The camera was made very inexpensively, and camera back is held in place by only a sticker that acts as a hinge.
Item is a snapshot camera with built-in flash for instant photographs with Polaroid 600 film. Includes a close-up feature, fold-down flash bar and single element, fixed-focus plastic lens and automatic exposure metering. Camera body is green plastic. This model was built in England.
Item is a automatic, snapshot camera with built-in flash for instant 3.81 x 2.54 cm instant photographs on Polaroid iZone 200 film. An inexpensive moel with simple features, mechanical single-speed shutter, 50mm lens with a fixed focus and three aperture settings (indoors, cloudy and sunny). This camera is primarily to used for portraits taken at distances between 2 and 8 feet (0.6 and 2.4 meters). The camera was marketed mainly to younger consumers, as a kit with 6 packs of film.
Item is a single-lens reflex 680 camera for instant photographs 4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens with a minimum focal length of 10.4 inches. It has an aperture range from f/8- f/22. Manual focus is possible via an override switch above the focusing wheel. The camera features a socket for a remote shutter release and also has a tripod socket and lugs for a neck strap.
Item is a folding, automatic snapshot camera for instant photographs on Polaroid SX-70 film. Includes a 4-element, 116 mm, f8 lens, built-in electronic meter and tripod socket.
Item is a rtepresentant of the fully automatic point and shoot cameras. It ha a built in flash, a zoom lens f=35 to f=90 mm. A small LCD screen on the back allows the reading of data. The camera has a macro setting.The camera uses 35 mm film in standard cassettes. It has Autofocus.
Item is a compact point and shoot camera and uses the Advanced Photo System film cartridge (16.7x30.2mm) It has a 24-48mm (35mm equiv. to 30-60mm) f/4.5-8.4 zoom lens with two aspherical lens composed of 5 elements in 4 groups. It is possible to take close-up photographs to 60 cm. A case and manual are included.
Item is a typical automatic point and shoot camera with built-in flash and auto focus feature. Self-timer feature is set by a top lever. The lens is a Minolta standard 38mm with a telephoto accessory function 60mm lens. Lens cover is automatic. Film transport is automatic, battery is lithium cr p2 6 volt. Black carrying case is included
Item is a 35 mm roll film camera for standard 35 mm cassettes. The camera body is plastic with a fixed focus lens. Item includes manual and original box.
Item is a sophisticated point and shoot camera for its time with a lot of features. Lens is a zoom Fujinon 35-80mm, multi autofocus, red eye reduction, auto exposure. The prewind feature will loads a film onto the takeup spool then rewinds it back into cassette as each exposure is made. This feautre minimizes risk of losing pictures if door is accidentally opened mid-roll, it also shows the number of exposures remaining on a roll.
Item is a typical point and shoot camera. Motor driven, auto exposure, auto focus. Has a small screen on the back ofr various indications. Small built-in pop-up flash. Includes carrying case and strap.
Item is an automatic snapshot camera for photographs on 126 film cartridges. The Minolta model is higher quality than many of the inexpensive, basic cameras for 126 cartridges. While the operation of the camera is simple, the engineering design is complex. One feature of most Minolta Autopak cameras was the ability to keep a flashcube mounted on the camera at all times, allowing the camera to authomatically fire the flash if needed. This later became common with electronic flashes, but was unusual during the age of flashcubes and x-cubes.
This model is a 400-X: cartridge loading camera with automatic slenium metering and Rokkor f2.8/38mm glass lens with fixed focus. No batteries required for meter or flash.
Item is a small 35mm automatic camera with builit-in electronic flash. New in box and loaded with unexposed film, batteries have been removed. Also comes with spare roll of 12 exposure 35mm Kodacolor Gold 100 film.
Item is a digital rangefinder, 7 megapixel camera for photographs on SD card. Model includes optical finder, image stabilizer, and 4X zoon. Lens is a Canon 5.8 -32.2, f 1:2.6-5.5. Uses 2 AA batteries.
Item is an upper range, early digital cameral. Lens is a Canon Zoon 6-15mm f2.0-2.4 and includes power cable, lens cap, UV filter, computer connecting cable, carrying strap, AV connection cable, Canon NB-4H Battery 94.8 volt, 1400mwh) Ps200 Power Supply 2 scan discs, 1 scan disc adapter, 1 lithium memory battery. Battery charger, RCA cable, Compact Flash PC Card Adapter & DC Coupler DR-200.
Series contains hand-held, shoulder-mounted, or structurally-attached cameras that use electronic components to record moving images and sound. Most items in this series are for home use. For cameras that record moving images using digital components, see the Digital and Pre-digital cameras series.
To browse the individual items in this series, click on the "View the list" link under the "File and item records are available for this series" title (to the right of the page).
Brown leatherette folding camera, single-speed shutter Double Anastigmatic f11/135 mm., revolving diaphram for 8 stops. Produced 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in. exposures in approximately 1 minute using Polaroid 40 roll film. Originally retailed for $95 US.
Item is a folding, rangefinder, snapshot camera for instant photographs with Polaroid 200 series pack film. Body is grey plastic and does not have a tripod socket, includes a 3-element f8.8 lens. Manuals, accessory flash, timer and carrying case included.
Item is a professional grade camera for 7.2 x 9.5 cm instant exposures on Polaroid 40-series rollfilm. B - 1/300 sec. shutter Rodenstock - Ysarex 1:4.7 f127 mm.
Item is an updated version of the original One Step. Typical consumer Polaroid - Black plastic body with flash - uses 600 film with built-in electronic flash
Item is an internal portion of a Kodak manufactured, disposable 35mm camera. Cameras were returned for to Kodak after development, where portions of the camera were re-used in a new disposable camera.
Item is a 35 mm automatic camera with zoom and digital display. has red eye feature, timer, flash and remote function has a switch to toggle from panoramic to regular film size.
Item is a high quality folding plate camera with a drop bed style, double extension bellows, rise and fall, plus shift front movements. It came with a brilliant view-finder housing a built in spirit finder and a wire frame finder. The Maximar B 207/7 accommodated a 9 x 12cm size dry plate and was available only in black. It came with a 135/4.5 Tessar in Compur lens (S# 1889973).
Item is an early folding plate camera with a Rulex triple anastigmat F13, 1:4 lens and an unmarked compound shutter. Includes both a brilliant viewfinder and optical direct finder.
For 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. exposure on 620 film Acromatic lens, 2 aperture settings, rotary shutter. Metal and leatherette case. Case will not separate to open camera.
Item is a leatherette covered box camera for exposures on 120 film. Originally designed and produced by the Boston Camera Company, Hawk-Eye camera production changed hands twice, once in 1890 when sold to the Blair Camera Company, then again in 1907, when Eastman Kodak purchased the company. Simple lens and rotary shutter.
Item is a small, Bakelite camera for 8 exposures on 828 format roll film (developed by Kodak in 1935 and similar in size to 135 film, without sprocket holes). The camera features a simple viewfinder, 51mm f 4.5 lens and a 4 speed Flash 200 shutter.
Item is a mock twin lens reflex camera with Bakelite body and metal fittings, for use with 620 roll film. Designed to mimic the look of a twin lens camera, the topmost "lens" is in fact a brilliant viewfinder; it is a simple box camera design. The f8 lens has a 3 aperture settings.
Item is an instant load 126 cartridge film camera with an 44 mm Argus Cintar lens. The camera features fixes shutter speed, auto exposure using a selenium cell and has a flashcube socket, tripod socket, and automatic film speed sensing.
Item is a mock twin lens reflex camera with Bakelite body and metal fittings, for use with 120 roll film. Designed to mimic the look of a twin lens camera, the topmost "lens" is in fact a brilliant viewfinder used only to frame the view and not to focus.
Item is a wooden box camera with leatherette covering for large 8.25 x 10.8 cm (3.25 x 4.25") exposures on 124 film. The design is simple, with a fixed focus and shutter speed. The roll film was advanced past the lens manually with a small crank. The original sales price was $4.00.
Item is a metal box camera for 8, 6 x 9 cm (2.36" x 3.54") exposures on 120 film. The simple design includes a single-element Meniscus lens, fixed speed rotary shutter and brilliant viewfinder.
Item is an inexpensive box camera made of fiberboard and covered with imitation leather. The camera has a Gallileo-type viewfinder only (no brilliant viewfinder), flash contacts, and a single speed shutter that is fast enough to accommodate bulb flashes. It used 120 size roll film.
Item is an all-metal camera designed by Raymond Loewy for 6 x 6 cm (2.36" x 2.36") exposures on 620 film. Designed to mimic the look of a twin lens camera, the topmost "lens" is in fact a brilliant viewfinder, it is a simple box camera design with a two element Meniscus F11 lens and fixed 1/60th shutter speed. The front panel slides up to reveal the lens and viewfinder.
Item is a small, Bakelite camera with a frame viewfinder. This was a proprietary camera design, which used No.00, 6 exposure film only made by the Universal Camera Corporation. Norton Camera filed a patent lawsuit filed against the Universal company after the product was released. Norton had been in talks with Universal to produce the camera originally. Universal eventually won the case and purchased the Norton Camera company. The camera originally sold for 39 cents.
Item is a subminiature camera taking 9mm film (in cartridge). Lens is a Rokkor F3.5/25mm. Comes with wrist strap, film cartridge, manual, pouch and three filters in original box. Group in original gift box. Shutter works.
Item is a subminiature camera, similar to the Minolta 16 MG, manufactured between 1966 and 1971. The images produced by 16 MG-S are a substantial improvement over the 16 MG. By using single perforated film format, the negative size was increased from 10x14mm to 12x17mm thus producing an image almost 50% larger. Composed of 4 elements in 3 groups the 23mm (f2.8-16) lens had a fixed-focus set at about 13 feet. Shutter speeds ranged from 1/30 to 1/500.
Item is marked with the Hanimex brand, though the camera was manufactured by the Vivitar Corporation. It is a 110 format camera with a built-in flash powered by two AA batteries. It has a fixed focus. The photographer can select either a normal or telephoto lens, by using a slide switch on top of the camera.
Item is a silver subminiature camera, for 10 x 14 mm exposures on 16mm film. In original box, includes Minolta brand colour print film, camera case, strap and tripod mount.
Item is a small, flat, hand-held camera with black plastic body and brushed metal, gold-coloured front plate. Intended by Kodak to replace their instamatic line of cameras, the Kodak Disc cameras were designed to be simple to use, with all automatic functions. Took Disc film, a proprietary format that made 15, 11 x 8 mm exposures; this small negative size made the resulting prints very grainy when enlarged and the camera model was not Kodak's most popular. This item includes the original packaging, with unopened twin pack of Disc film and strap.
Item is a camera for use with 126 film. Includes a swing out AG1 flash reflector in body, automatic parallax correction. Three focusing symbols are visible in finder. In autoflash mode distance coupled to aperture. Prontor-matic V 30-125. Automatic shutter priority mode with selenium cell. With colour lanthar f.28-38mm.
Item is a half-frame camera for exposures on 35mm film. Lens is 28mm, surrounded by the Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) sensor cells that make up the light meter.
Item is a bellows camera for 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 exposures on sheet or roll film. The lens is mounted on a non Linhof plate and is a substitute - a Schneider Xenar f4.5 105 mm. lens, with a Compur shutter 1-1/250 . Bellows show repair attempt. Cleaned and lubricated. Viewfinder has a special cover plate. A plate for lens change range finder and calibration is mounted on the camera. With Linhoff handle and 4 film holders.
WARNING: When closing front cover, the lens must be fully retracted.Avoid force.
Item was the official US press photographer's camera. It has a focal plane shutter as well as a front shutter. The lens is Wollensaku 135mm F/4.7 Raptar. The camera has a metal drop bed with two focus knobs. On top is a telescoping sports-finder. This model is a 4 x 5 format.
Item is a large format camera for 6 x 9 cm exposures on sheet or roll film. The Technika system used interchangable lenses mounted on boards. The back is extendible and is adjustable no all four corners to control for perspective. A plate for lens change range finder and calibration is mounted on the camera and the viewfinder has a special cover plate. No plate holder, or film holders are included, the lens is mounted on a non Linhof plate and is a substitute - a Schneider Xenar f4.5 105 mm with a Compur shutter 1-1/250.
Item is a 35mm stereo camera with CdS metering. Manual or automatic exposure. 24 x 29mm images. Industar-81 F2.8/38mm lenses. Comes with leather pouch, sun shades, small parts, and hard plastic case.
Item is an 35mm reflex camera with a waist-level viewfinder and a non auto-return mirror. Manufactured in Soviet controlled East Germany, the company and the Desden factory closed after reunification. The lens is a Meyer Gorlitz Domiplan 1:2.8/50mm.
Item is a medium format twin lens reflex camera for 6 x 6 cm exposures on 120 roll film. Marketed as a professional camera, lenses are interchangeable (both the upper and lower lenses are removed together) without exposing the film. Extra lens included (Mamiya-Secor f4.5, 65 - 135 mm with a Seikosha - S shutter 1 - 1/500 sec.)
This is a battery driven Super 8 instant movie camera. It took special super 8 film in a Polaroid cartidge that held about 42 minutes. The lens in a Polaroid F1.8/12.5 - 24mm manual zoom lens. It has two flood lights attached - Polavision TWI light.
Item is a range-finder, 16 mm motion picture camera for amateur, home use. The spring wound moter will shoot 40 feet of film before needing to be rewound.
This is a 16mm movie camera that used 100 foot spools of film. The body is leather covered metal, rounded edges. It has a Kodak Anastigmat 25mm fixed-focus lens. Spring motor, brilliant reflex viewfinder. Working condition.
Item is a double run 8mm motion picture camera for amateur, home use. The camera has 3 lenses mounted on a rotating turret: 9mm, 13mm, and 24mm. Double run cameras were used with 8mm film, run through the camera twice, exposing one side of the film and then the other. The film is cut after processing and spliced together.
Item is one of the later generations of digital still cameras that also included a feature that enabled limited length moving picture recording (including audio), depending on the size of Memory Card installed. The Resolution is 3.2 Megapixels. There is a Macro setting to 2 inches. Camera uses 4AA batteries.
Item is a small entry model digital snapshot camera, with automatic white balance and ISO and a resolution of 3.1 megapixels. The Kodak Retinar lens has a range of 3x optical zoom with a small optical viewfinder. The LCD screen at the back is 1 1/2 inches.
Item is a small box camera for 4 x 6.5 cm (1.57" x 2.55") exposures on 127 format roll film. Manufactured in England circa 1936, the camera is an all-metal box with a unidentified lens and a simple Kodak shutter. It has a simple wire viewfinder.
Item is a 35mm camera stamped "Made in Occupied Japan", which began a long history of Konica cameras made for export. The shutter was mounted on the top of a fixed tube.
Item is the first Japanese 35mm SLR camera. The "T" model has automatic TTL shutter-priority metering. It has a Konica Hexanon 1:4 f=21mm lens, serial #7028597, and also includes a Konica Hexanon 1:2.8 100mm lens serial #7230688.
Item is a 35mm camera, similar to the Olympus OM-1 MD, but fully automatic aperture-priority metering. World's first camera with OTF (off-the-film) metering. Chrome. Item comes with 2 manuals.
This camera introduced automatic Multi-Pattern metering and Als lenses. It boasts five exposure modes, TTL metering and a top speed of 1/4000. Shutter is destroyed unfortunately. It comes with a Tamron zoom lens 1:3.8 38mm. This lens had a notation "lens over exposes" on it.
Item is a 35mm camera with a built in electric 3 frames per second motor winder powered by four AA batteries that also run the metering and shutter timing. The camera has modes for aperture priority and manual.
Item is a 35 mm rangefinder camera with a smaller and more sensitive exposure meter than the Kiev-3 and 3A. This was an imitation of the CONTAX II, it was built after the original tools had been removed from the Zeiss factory at Jena. The lens is a Jupiter-8M, f=2/50mm.
Item is a manual single-lens reflex 35mm camera. This model is the first to employ an LED light metering system and includes an open aperture metering with Pentax thread lens. The camera comes with Fujinon 1:1.8 55mm lens.
Item is a manual single-lens reflex 35mm camera. The Nikkormat incorporates an electronically controlled vertical travel shutter. Located on the camera's top panel the shutter speed dial offers speeds from 4 sec to 1/1000 sec. Flash sync for electronic flash at all speeds up to 1/125 sec and for FP, M and MF type flashbulbs at all speeds from B to 1/1000 sec. The camera allows for film speeds from ASA 25-1600 and has a TTL center weighted metering with manual exposure control. The Nikkormat EL was produced in white/black chrome versions.
Item is a 35mm folding camera, the first 35mm model to be produced by the Eastman Kodak Company. The camera was designed by Dr. August Nagel, founder of the Nagel-Werke camera manufacturing company in Stuttgart. Nagel-Werke was purchased by Kodak in 1931. The Retina Type 117 was the first product to be produced by the new acquisition and the first Kodak camera to use the newly developed 35mm film cassette. The model has a Compur Rapid shutter, lens is the SCHNEIDER Xenar 1:3.5 F= 50mm.
Item is a professional 35mm single lens reflex camera system with interchangeable lenses. The Nikon F2 incorporates features first realized in the Nikon F camera. Controls were updated for easier functionality. Lens, screens and finders are interchangeable with the Nikon F. The item comes with DP-1 finder and flash attachment.
Item is a manual focus SLR with manual exposure control or aperture priority auto exposure, and electromechanical components. The FE has a "full information" viewfinder and introduced interchangeable focusing screens to the compact F-series. The FE accepts all lenses with the Nikon F bayonet mount with some exceptions. A body cap is included with the camera.
Item is a compact, black plastic, point and shoot viewfinder camera. The lens has two focal length options, 2.8 F= 40 mm amd 5.6 F= 80mm. Fully automatic, Film speed, distance and exposure are set with no override settings. A small LCD Screen on top shows self-timer, battery status, film indicator and frame counter.
Item is a 35mm camera, using a proprietary 12 exposure film cassette with no moving parts. The sprockets of the camera simply pull the film out and push it into an empty cartridge on the other side. This system with some modifications eventually lead to the design of the Instamatic format. The shutter on or model is a Prontor -S and the lens an Agfa Apotar 1; 3.5 F= 55mm. No rangefinder, simple optical viewfinder. The camera body is a " Strut " design, allowing the front to fold easily.
Item is a 35mm film rangefinder camera with a Schneider*Kreuznach Retina-Xenar f:2,8/45mm 4 element lens. The camera allows for shutter priority automatic exposure as well as manual exposure. Exposure is determined with a Gossen Selenium meter. The viewfinder offers parallax correction marks for framing. The camera comes with a manual and case
Item is a strut-folding 35mm rangefinder camera. To facilitate easy loading of 35mm film, Agfa (and Ansco) introduced a 12 exposure cartridge that required no rewinding of the exposed film. The film was just pushed by a simple claw. Our model has a Solinar lens 3.5, and a compur rapid shutter.
