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Cameras/What is name of this wood camera?

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Expert: - 4/11/2006


Question
Please help me!
I have bought recently camera wooden and do not know what is her name.
Please see this reference...
http://moviephotolens.com/wood_red/wood_red.htm

Can you will say me, where I can find the detailed description and photographies about this camera?
From what wood are made, camera and stand?

Thank you.
Wait your answer.

Answer
Hello,

I would have answered sooner, but the web address you gave me crashed my home computer!  I was finally able to see it on my work comnputer.

This is a generic form of European studio camera made by many manufacturers from about 1895 through 1915.  The precise brand is impossible to determine, but it doesn't matter.  Most of them are identical in style and structure!  If you search on the internet for "studio camera" or perhaps "antique" or "vintage" studio camera, you will probably find other similar examples.  The camera body is probably made of mahogany.  The stand is a very common bi-post style that was preferred in Europe, also made by many manufacturers, and probably constructed of a common hardwood like oak or walnut.  The stand is actually more generic than the camera.  Like the camera, it's impossible to determine the precise maker.

These studio camera outfits are quite common, since virtually every photographic studio in the world had at least one of them over the years, and the majority have survived today.  They have very limited value to collectors, and effectively no value at all to users.  Truly excellent examples rarely sell for more than $500, and they must be totally original from their time.  Many of the ones we find today have been modified with later lenses and accessories.  Your example is of average condition and seems to be mostly original.  If you wanted to sell it, you could still ask maybe $500, but more likely you would receive offers in the $350 to $400 range.

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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