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: 7/10/2006 Subject: Minoltina 8
Question My son has just moved house, and whilst clearing his old loft, found my old Minoltina 8 movie camera. Apart from the leather carrying case being a bit scuffed, the camera, which is over 40 years old, looks immaculate, and when I just cleaned out the battery compartment and inserted new batteries, it works perfectly. I have all the original accessories with it, except for the instruction manual.
Have you any idea of the value of this camera today?
Answer Hello,
The Minoltina 8 is a very classy and quite ingenious little amateur's movie camera, introduced by Minolta of Japan in 1964, for regular 8mm film on reels. While 8mm cameras in general have limited collectible value today, the Minoltina 8 is respected for its compact design and structural integrity, plus it remains a minor favorite among film students, such that a truly excellent example can still sell in the $50-$60 range today.
