I think we need to see some photos of your new old prize. Get that *istD out and start shooting. Paul
> I've just acquired another old camera and I'm hoping someone > might be able to point me towards some resources to help identify > exactly what I got. > > Its an old folder with very little in the way of identification. > The only identification is a small round sticker which says 'Reicka'. > From various websites I believe that means it was built by > Emil Wunsche in Reicka (which is now part of Dresden). The Wunsche > camera company was in existence from 1889 to 1909 before it was > absorbed by ICA, which was in turn absorbed by Zeiss Ikon in 1926. > > The camera is quite large and takes roll film of (it appears) > 14x9cm, not a size I've come across before. Looks like > it could also be used with sheet film &/or plates as the > center of the back is removable. > > The lens is simply marked 'Beck Symmetrical Lens'. The shutter has speeds > of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B & T. Aperture goes from F8 to F45. Shutter is > still working. > > The front standard has thumbscrews for left & right movement, > as well as vertical adjustment of the lens. > > For a hundred years old its in pretty good condition, a little > peeling of the cover, and the front standard is a little loose > (I think a couple of small screws are missing). There is even still > liquid in the spirit level attached to the viewfinder. > > I spend a whole CAD$13 on ebay for this, so even if I can't > recondition it and modify it to use 120 film I still have > an impressive display piece. It stands some 9" tall and > 5" wide..... and I won't ever have to reset any custom > functions like my *ist_DS <VBG> > > There's something magical about these old folders. > > Fred. >
