Cameras/old lens
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Question
my father was a photographer in NYC many years ago. i have several old lenses and cameras and would like to know if they have value. one is a Carl Zeiss Jena Nr. 383291 Tessar l:4,5 f=30 cm. another is a Voigtlander & Sohn, A-G Braunschweig. Hellar 30 cm. 1:4,5 No. 189351 can you help or direct me where i can ask this question? thanks. ruth
Hello Ruth,
These are both relatively common German large format lenses that would have been ideally suited for 8 x 10 view cameras. From the serial numbers you provided, the Tessar dates to 1920 and the Heliar is 1922. Although primarily of collectible value, both of these lenses (if already in well preserved condition) would be worthy of expert cleaning and then the cost of coating to render them very fine usable pieces. Current market value is subjective, and to some degree dependent on how the lenses are housed. For maximum value you would want them to be in simple brass barrel fixtures, and complete with screw-on mounting flanges on the back (which would be affixed to the front of the camera with a few simple small wood screws). Minimum value would be for examples enclosed in big black helical fixtures for press cameras. Middle range is for examples designed into shutters. Both these lenses came in a number of different fixture configurations, and I'm afraid the majority were designed for specific camera models rather than general view camera use. Assuming they are nice brass examples in truly excellent shape, either one should fetch around $200-$250. They're quite good lenses, even by modern standards. At the low end, you're looking at only $50-$75.
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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