Cameras/steckinar-anastigmat series 2 STECKY1:3.5-f=25mm
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Question
what is this camera..type..use..origin..know about series 3..of course..historical value if any...anything at all actually thank you!
Hello,
Just got back from a pleasant long weekend celebrating President's Day, and jumped right onto your question...
The Steky was a series of subminiature cameras, introduced by Riken of Japan in 1947 and produced through 1955, for making 11 x 14 mm exposures on special rolls of 16mm film. They are of virtually no usable value today, but are collectible. There were five minor variations, the unnumbered first model, then the II, III, IV, and V. Truly excellent examples of the first model sell for about $150 in the collectible camera market today (double with the original box), while all the later models go for around $100 (and about 50% more with their original boxes). They are all rather common, but remain popular with collectors. Their only historical significance is that they were the first subminiatures made by Riken, which is an important manufactuer in the history of Japanese cameras, plus they are an unusual design compared to most other subminiature cameras.
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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