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:
Expert: David Silver Date: 9/4/2006 Subject: Antique Camera Lens value
Question Hi,
I was wondering if you could tell me how much an antique lens I have is worth.
The print/engraving on the lens says:
"Turn for soft focus" above an arrow which is above a lever that can be pulled along a scale. Below that, it says:
"No. 85402 PTC Dallmeyer LONDON, 3B, PATENT, 1866 & 1909".
Do you know of any antiwue camera dealers who would be interested in purchasing this, or is Ebay really the best option?
Answer
Hello,
Dallmeyer soft focus lenses are optically and historically interesting items from the 1890's through 1920's, and highly sought by collectors today. Depending on the actual format of the lens (they came in a wide range of sizes), truly excellent examples sell for $75 to $250 in the collectible photographic market. I usually don't do this, but since the people interested in this sort of lens are so few and far between, I do recommend eBay as the best way to reach them.
