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Cameras/bencini koroll 24

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Question
Hello David,
i have a bencini koroll 24 (120mm camera)and i would like to know if this camera is appreciated as a collectible and which is its market value. the camera is functioning and looking good considering its age (early fifties i think). I have recently asked you about a praktica mtl 5b and your answer was very helpful. As you can see i´m starting a little camera collection.
Thank you very much and sorry for my english
Best Wishes,
Santiago

Answer
Hello Santiago,

The Koroll 24 is a simple viewfinder camera, made by Bencini of Italy in 1953, for 3 x 4 cm exposures on #120 roll film.  It is one in a series of five Koroll models produced in the 1950's, and each makes a different size picture.  The camera is poor quality and not highly regarded by collectors.  A truly excellent example would only sell for about $30 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:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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