question about antique cameras

Whats a good price to pay for a bellows style camera, in usable condition?
Doesn't have to be mint condition, as long as it's usable, and not a ton of damage.

Something like one of these.

 

I know a guy who sells loads of these at the local flea market. Unfortunately his prices on stuff are usually pretty damn high, so I wouldn't take what he says as gospel. But from what I've seen, you wouldn't be paying *too* much. They're still pretty common.

 

What you have illustrated are three different classes of equipment. The first is a 19th C. mahogany and brass field camera that uses glass plates and can be pretty expensive depending on maker and exact period.

The second example is the typical early roll film camera, which is the only practically still usable type, roll film is available from specialists and may cost more per roll than the camera, as this camera type is plentiful and cheap, even in good condition. It is vital that the bellows is still light tight. The folds wear and develop pinholes.

The last is a fairly modern field camera or view camera, a large format professional camera with rising front, very expensive, very specialised.

I have used the common type as an experiment. The results were quite good since the film format is larger, the picture, assuming the same film grain, is higher resolution than a 35mm camera, but usually the lenses let it down.



Learning the elements of photography with a film camera will be a good grounding for more modern types, as there is a chance you will have some idea what you are doing when you use a digital camera.
With everything automated, present day users are rather like that monkey that took a self portrait. It really does help to understand about light and things like depth of focus to get good results.

 

I must say, you are my favorite person on this forum so far, you've given me the best answer to any question I've asked yet.

 

Thank you.

 

Old bellows develop light leaks pretty easily.

 

Light leaks in bellows are pretty easy to spot from inside, just open back and bellows and look for pinholes. The tiny light leaks are usually easy to see. You just need to be aware of the need to look for them.

 

True, but I was also pointing out that if you buy and then actually use it, there's a good chance you're going to create more pinholes.

 

Hi,
Years ago I remember seeing a very thin narrow tape that was made for these bellows to repair pinholes. I wonder if they still make it. I remember seeing it in dark red. My cousin used it on his camera.
greg

 

Cue the disco ball!

 

See?? I told you they were cheap!

 

Maybe....but I'm not letting my father's go for $22......ever !