I came acrossed some really old gear today. I would like to find out some information on. Was wondering if there are anyone on here that could help me out if I posted photos and links to them. I am clueless as to the value or even how they work most are in like new condition. still either in boxes with tags or in a camera bag with manuals. Names such as Ricohflex , Kodak Retina, ZEISS IKON, a mini tiny camera in the case speedex. A total of 12 cameras. Just no Knowledge of the value or anything about them. Thanks sherry
I've used Retinas quite a bit and currently shoot a Voigtlander Vitomatic IIa along with a Contaflex IV. I've also got a couple of plate cameras dating back to the early '30s, so super vintage is good! My vintage collection used to number about 225 but now it's down to about 60 or so.
I plan on taking a few photos of them next week and posting them. the one is a kodak Retina III c ,ZEISS IKON cant find any numbers on it. RICOHFLEX model VI, Kodax tourist,Kodak Retna IIa , Kodak 35,Argus no number that I can see, ,brownie target 16, ...speedex mini spy camera all in leather cases but three. few others but have to run. IF anyone knows anything about them I would love to know whats work keeping and worth trading off or selling and values. Open to selling any and all at this point.
The Ricoh is one of a bunch of inexpensive cameras made in Japan that were copies of the (German) Rolleiflex TLR's. I don't know Ricoh model numbers, but I'd guess yours is from the late 1950's. Can't hurt to try a rolll of 120 film in it, but collectors generally prefer the better made and more sophisticated Rollei.
The Retina was made by Kodak in Germany. The IIIc was the last (and best) of the line and was made up until the early 1960's. If the bellows are light tight, it would be fun to run a roll of film through that one.
The Kodak 35 was Kodak's first 35mm camera. Early ones (late 1930's?) were scale focussing, but some of the later ones had coupled rangefinders.
The Kodak Tourist was Kodak's last folding camera that didn't use 35mm film. (Circa 1950?) To use it, you'd either have to find 620 film (rare) or re-spool modern 120 size film on an old 620 spool. (120 and 620 film are the same except for the diameter of the spool they're wound on.)
Argus made a variety of cameras contemporary with the Kodaks. You could have something reasonably nice, or it could be junk, depending on model and condition.
The Brownie isn't very interesting. They were crude/inexpensive. Some used 620 film, but others used the larger 616 film, which hasn't been made for many years.
