Cameras/Reflekta Camera
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Question
I just bought an old 120 film Reflekta camera in great shape. I think it's from around the 1940s. Everything works; the focus lever, apeture lever, film speed ring, pop up window, and shutter release. I had a local camera store owner tell me it was worth anywhere from $150-$250, and i just wanted a second opinion. If a photo of it is required, i could send one. thanks!
Hello,
The Reflekta is a simple amateur's twin-lens-reflex camera, for 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch exposures on #120 roll film, originally made by Richter of Germany in the late 1940's and continued by Welta from 1950 to 1952. Goodness knows where your local camera store owner got his information, but this is a VERY common item, with minimum collectible value and limited usable appeal, and regularly sells in the $50-$60 range. In any given month you'll find several on eBay, and they seldom finish above $50.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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