AboutDavid 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:
My apologies if this is a repeat question for you. I've a Vopightlander lens no 43302 (or rather my late father had it), somewhat dusty but otherwise appears fine.
Since it has been "buried" in an attic for some 40 odd years I'd like to dispose of it and allow its use by an enthusiast as I use more modern equipment. Without wishing to appear too mercenary is iot likely to be of interest to an enthusiast/collector and if so have you any idea of its approx value (loaded question I know).
Many thanks for your time
John
Answer
Hello John,
Voigtlander of Germany is one of the oldest participants in the evolution of photography, and they were there when it all began in 1839. What you have is a big brass barrel Euryscop portrait lens designed for a big studio camera, most likely to cover 8 x 10 inch format or more, and it has a slot on the side to hold "waterhouse stops" for controlling the aperture. I see one in there right now, and you may have more sitting around somewhere. The serial number dates the lens to 1892. It has no practical usable value today, but it maintains its share of collectible value. I'd suggest a price in the $100-$125 range as is. The major condition issue is the lack of a mounting flange in which to screw it onto the camera. Find the flange and possibly double the value of the lens! But I'm afraid lost flanges are the bane of classic camera and lens collectors...
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