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May 2000

Affordable Collectibles: Camera Collecting Just for the Fun of It
by Dave Howard

When most photographers think of camera collectors, they often conjure an image of shadowy figures in trench coats and funny hats, swapping huge sums of money for gold-plated, lizard-covered Leicas. Ultra-rare items of historic photographica are acquired and divested in the manner of high-stakes Wall Street investors. And while this rarefied strata of collecting certainly exists, there's a plethora of camera memorabilia available that's quite affordable to us mere mortals.

There are many reasons that people collect cameras, beyond the exotic field of investment collecting. Like old cars, old cameras attract an audience. Many camera stores display vintage cameras as mini-museums, sparking conversation with customers who remember having similar ones. Some up-scale photography studios display select examples of antiquecameras, often from the wood-and-brass era, both for their aesthetic value, and as a means of imparting the studio owner's deep involvement in the craft and profession of photography to his or her perceptive clientele.

There are various circumstances under which individuals become interested in vintage cameras. A person might inherit a trunk of old photography paraphernalia from a relative who was a serious photo-hobbyist. The usual scenario is then carting it all down to the neighborhood camera store and asking in hopeful anticipation, "What's it worth?" After being told "18 bucks for the lot," the dusty treasure-trove returns home to become part of a yard sale.

My collection, such as it is, just sort of happened. I, fortunately, remember most of the mistakes I make. Therefore, I got the majority of my camera system selection mistakes out of the way with my first pro-grade 35mm SLR, which shall remain nameless to avoid advertiser wrath. Thereafter I did my homework more carefully, and chose cameras that I've been perfectly (well, nearly) happy with for many years, to the extent that my daily users have become collectibles by default. More than once I've been out photographing, when some camera buff has come rushing up to me, beaming in obvious delight, and saying, "Wow, look at the neat old Rollei SL66!" At which point I look quizzically at the camera and think, "Old?" A bit of quick math recalls that I bought the camera in 1976, and the camera had already been in production for 10 years, so yeah, I guess it is kind of old at that. I experience the same sensation lately when looking in the mirror.

So, with my accretion of default collectibles, I began to be increasingly aware of other cameras that I remembered seeing and using as if it were only "yesterday." While I've had a mild preference for various Rolleis over the years, and have a fair number of them on my shelves, I appreciate a wide variety of opto-mechanical marvels. My collection, then, is quite generic in nature: a bit of this, a bit of that, specializing in nothing in particular.

This random selection process will appeal to some, but most camera collectors tend to specialize in one area or another. Whether it's a particular type of camera, or a brand that you're really gung-ho about, specialization provides focus to an otherwise bewilderingly diverse hobby. It can be fun, showing the general evolution of a company's cameras, or it can become obsessively addictive, if you decide you have to have every camera, lens and accessory the company has ever made.

Since affordability is the theme of this article, let's look at things to keep in mind to this end. Of all the cameras illustrated, only three cost me more than $125, most far less.

Avoid the current hot items in the world of camera collecting. Rangefinder Leicas are a good example, and have been such for decades. They practically represent a form of currency among collectors, especially the Japanese. The collectible Leica market has been so drained that even a beater will cost you more than it's worth. Many Zeiss cameras, such as the original rangefinder Contaxes and Contarex SLRs, fall into this big bucks category. Rollei TLRs went nuts a few years ago, are finally beginning to moderate somewhat. The Alpa SLRs from Switzerland exploded in value several years ago, as collectors sought another European camera make to idolize. I bought an 8b and 9d just before Alpas took off; the good news is they're worth four times what I paid for them; the bad news is I can't even remotely afford lenses for them now.

Better German cameras in particular, as well as European cameras in general, are more rabidly sought after by serious collectors than are most Japanese cameras (Nikon rangefinder models are a notable exception). Therefore, if you have a passion for old Pentaxes, Minoltas, Mirandas, Topcons, most Canons, etc., you'll get a lot more for your collector dollars. If you prefer European brands, then Exaktas, Edixas and the like are still relative bargains. It doesn't have to be expensive to be interesting.

Don't insist on the most deluxe, top-of-the-line models, which always command premium prices. Take the previously mentioned Rollei TLRs for example: a 2.8F model with 220 film capability in prime condition can fetch $2000; a 3.5F model (11ž42-f-stop slower lens) with only 120 film capability, in equally nice condition, can be had for $450.


Don't demand mint condition examples; the difference in price between a mint camera (especially if accompanied by the original boxes) and one that's worn but still respectable can be 50% or more.

If the camera isn't going to be used (keeping in mind that many vintage film sizes are no longer available), you can save major money by accepting a camera that's in good cosmetic, but non-operating condition. If it's just going to be sitting on a shelf, who cares whether it works or not?

Don't shop for old cameras in antique stores; with few exceptions, they seem to have a totally bonkers idea of what vintage cameras are worth. Pawn shops are better, but most aren't the fertile hunting grounds they used to be. Yard and garage sales, along with flea markets, can yield an occasional find, but most genuinely worthy candidates will have found their way to a photography-specific venue. Camera stores aren't usually a bargain hunter's paradise either. Watch the papers for estate sales; in major metropolitan areas, you'll be out-bid by the pros on the really good stuff, but you could make out OK on the less spectacular items; in more rural areas you'll have less competition. Old camera shows/flea markets can be good resources, but get there early if you're looking for specific items. Some vendors want absurd prices, but most will haggle a bit. Many vendors are avid collectors, who often buy cameras in lots in order to get a particularly fine example they've been seeking, then sell off the rest at the camera shows. The Internet is another possibility, as are the many vintage camera dealers that advertise regularly in Shutterbug magazine. These dealers know exactly what they have, so there will be few steals on rare, high-end gear, but less pristine and more common examples are usually quite fairly priced.


So, now that you know the why, where and how of basic camera collecting, let's consider the what. The following specialty suggestions should have a niche of interest to just about any serious cameraphile.

SLRs
It's interesting to collect early models of this popular form of camera, illustrating the various technical advances (from folding waist-level finders to pentaprisms; external diaphragm automation to internal; manual to preset to automatic diaphragms; clip-on or built-in selenium meters to TTL metering, etc.). Collecting your favorite make can be quite instructive, showing the route taken to the company's current autofocus, electronic, motor-driven wonder camera. If you prefer to acquire interesting specimens of various makes, don't overlook medium and large format SLRs; they have a great "vintage" look to them. Avoiding high-end European SLRs will keep prices within reach of your discretionary "mad-money."

TLRs
The twin-lens reflex is personified by the Rolleiflex, but there are many other brands available. Again, most models from Zeiss will set you back major money, while Yashicas, Minoltas, Agfas, Kodaks, etc. are quite reasonable. Formats ranged, as with SLRs, from 35mm (even subminiature) to large format.

Subminiatures
Minox is the most famous of this class of "spy" cameras, but an incredible variety of subminis were produced. If your display space is limited, or you just admire ingenious miniature mechanical devices, this could be your specialty. Rare models go for outrageous sums, but there's plenty of "blue-collar" examples with which to build a fascinating collection.

Box cameras
This is a very economical realm in which to collect. You'd be amazed at the variety of designs available with these basic cameras. Art deco finishes and bright colors can be a refreshing relief from the usual endless procession of black cameras. When shopping for later models, try to obtain the matching flash guns that came with them.

Polaroids
This is another dirt-cheap area of collecting. The early Polaroids are uniquely American, and are excellent bargains now that their roll films are no longer available. Several of the current models will be future collectibles, especially the Bugs Bunny, Taz and Barbie versions of the I-Zone Instant Pocket Camera.

Cameras With Unique Formats
This would include such cameras as 126 Instamatics, 110 Pocket Instamatics and 11ž42-frame 35mm cameras. The 126 Instamatics came in many degrees of pedigree, from grocery store junkers to really nice models from Kodak (Instamatic 500 and Instamatic Reflex), a 126 Contaflex from Zeiss, and Rollei's lovely SL26. Minox fielded a nice 110, Minolta offered a neat 110 zoom SLR, and the Pentax 110 (with several interchangeable lenses, flash, motor drive, etc.) remains a popular classic. The Olympus Pen F and FT SLRs were the pinnacle of 11ž42-frame 35mm cameras, though several other makers offered less "professional" viewfinder models. The idea of 72 pictures on a roll sounded good, until customers had to pay for their first roll of processing and 72 prints.

Stereo Cameras
These two-eyed eccentrics mostly use 35mm film, but exist in 16mm subminiature to medium and large format forms as well. Today you'll have to mount your own stereo slides for viewer use or projection, but you can print stereo card pairs for vintage stereo hand viewers. Current stereo cameras are geared toward lenticular 3-D prints.

Movie Cameras
Still cameras aren't the only ones worth collecting. Movie cameras (standard 8mm, single 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, 8 and 16mm magazine load, etc.) are at least as interesting, if not more so. A bonus is that this niche has been pretty much ignored by collectors, so prices are very reasonable at the moment. A few vintage movie projectors would add further interest to a collection of cine cameras.

Enlargers
Got room to burn? Vintage enlargers will fill the void in a hurry, besides piquing the interest of any darkroom fan who encounters them. Formats range from subminiature to large format behemoths. Specializing in 35mm enlargers, for example, could keep bulk within manageable limits. Most old enlargers are bargain-priced.

Exposure Meters
This isn't as far-fetched as it sounds; while exposure meters today aren't all that different from one another, early pre-ASA designs encompass some pretty fascinating contraptions. They're jellybean cheap and don't require a lot of display space.

Boutique Items
If your display space and available funds are both minimal, camera "boutique" accessories can satisfy your need to collect something photographic. These are mostly promotional items from the various camera manufacturers, such as pins, hats, shirts, ties, pens, rings, watches, cufflinks, tie tacks, umbrellas, you name it. You can mount most of this stuff in flat cases on a wall, like a butterfly collection. Various aftermarket items such as camera figurines, clocks, etc. are another very affordable possibility.

If none of the above strikes your fancy, then you might want to try your hand at collecting hubcaps; covering your living room walls with them is a definite conversation starter, and you can make a really raucous wind chime with them. But I hope I've sparked enough curiosity within you to consider checking out the pleasures of camera collecting. You don't have to go nuts with it; even a half-dozen or so carefully chosen items distributed artfully about your living or studio space can add immeasurably to the photographic ambiance.

Camera figurines and "boutique" items such as jewelry, ties, hats, pens, etc. cost little and occupy minimal space.
Old cameras also compliment displays of vintage photography, whether pricey originals or $15 posters of famous images. At its creative best, your efforts will make a subtle, yet forceful statement that, to you, photography is not just a 9-to-5 gig.

Dave Howard is a photo industry journalist and former industrial photographer involved for more than a decade with NASA's Space and Flight Research programs.