Cameras/adams camera
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Question
I have an Adams Minex De Luxe in a black leather case. I contains the camera, a
spare lens a shoulder strap, and a filter in a small U shaped leather pouch.
1) Can you confirm that it is cira 1910 ?
2) How many werer produced?
3) It's approx. value
Many thanks.
Hello,
Actually, no, I cannot confirm that it is "circa 1910", simply because the Minex (occasionally also marked De Luxe) was made from about 1909 well into the 1950's! If I could see it for myself (feel free to send a JPEG image of th camera to silver@well.com and I'll gladly look at it and tell you more) I'd be able to determine it's approximate vintage from certain little design elements that evolved over that time. Otherwise, you have a generic single-lens-reflex press camera, quite similar to the Graflex camera in America, made by Adams of England over a 50 year period! How many were produced? Nobody knows. Records were lost or destroyed during WWII. However, guestimating from the camera's niche in the market, it's popularity, and the amazing duration of manufacture, I'd say something in the range of 5000 a year for a total of around 250,000. Current value depends on format size. The common normal 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" model, when found in truly excellent condition with a nice lens, goes for around $200-$250. However, there is also a very uncommon smaller 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" model that can sell for up to $400.
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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