Cameras/Steky camera
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Question
I have come across a Steky camera, and through some elementary reseach on the web I believe that it is a model 1. It hase no case or accessories just the camera itself, but seems to be in pretty good condition. It does have the film cans inside. I was wondering how I could find out more about this camera.
The markings on the side just say Steky camera, for 16mm film made in Japan
Thank you,
Mark Grainger
Hi Mark,
The Steky is a classic subminiature camera, for 10 x 14 mm exposures on special little rolls of 16mm film in cassettes, introduced by Riken of Japan in 1947 and made in several slight variations through 1956. It's quite common, but a favorite among camera collectors. The original Steky (sometimes called the Model I) came with different markings, and the one with "Made in Japan" was the last, probably from around 1950. A truly excellent example would sell for $100+ today.
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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