| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| retina IIa | 6/22/2008 |
Q: Mr. Silver, I have a Retina IIa camera that I obtained in Belgrade, Serbia. While looking for ...
A: The Retina IIa is a classic compact 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, with short collapsible bellows, ...
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| Kodak Retina II | 5/26/2008 |
Q: I have a kodak Retina II camera that does not have a circle around the II. I believe that this is a ...
A: No, actually the Type 142 is the most common form of the pre-war Retina II, with over 30,000 units ...
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| union cases | 2/24/2008 |
Q: how did they get their names? Is it after union soldiers or the union of lovers? Thanks
A: Neither! Union cases were invented in the 1850's, they represent the very first successful use of ...
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| Polaroid cameras in forensics | 10/7/2007 |
Q: I'm prepping a movie that uses an instant Polaroid camera, the history of the camera is the ...
A: There was never a specific type or make of camera used for forensics. Every police department chose ...
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| Disposable Cameras | 7/10/2007 |
Q: I am planning a wedding that is a little over a year away, and I want to buy disposable cameras for ...
A: Disposable cameras for the guests at your wedding reception is a great idea! The expiration dates ...
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| Pre-war Leica | 4/18/2007 |
Q: I have an older Leica S/N 252028. What model is it? When was it manufactured? What is it's value? It ...
A: From the serial number, you have a Leica II, a 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of ...
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| Mansfield hand crank viewer | 4/9/2007 |
Q: We came across a Mansfield 650 hand crank viewer for 8 mm film. It is probably the 1950's era. It ...
A: Mansfield was a discount maker of movie cameras, projectors, and accessories in the 1950's. Their ...
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| slides to digital | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I have about 900 slides I would like to convert to digital. Too expensive to have it done by Kodak. ...
A: You can do it yourself on your own computer with a basic PhotoShop program and any scanner with a ...
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| Leica DBP M3 - 984 259 | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I have my step-father's Leica (serial number above). I was wondering if you knew of a place where I ...
A: The Leica M3 is a very high quality 35mm coupled rangefinder camera made by Leitz of Germany from ...
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| Curled Negatives | 10/23/2006 |
Q: David, I have about 20 roles of negative film from my father, dating back to the early 50`s. ...
A: You won't be able to totally remove the curl, but you can reduce it quite a bit. You need to soak ...
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| antique lenses associated with HMS Challenger | 10/19/2006 |
Q: In my research, i am encountering 2 names which seem to get regularly confused. Are Dallmeyer and ...
A: It's J.H. (John Henry) Dallmeyer. All the other spellings are typos and ignorance... You don't ...
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| smiling in early 20th c. photos | 10/17/2006 |
Q: You have already answered this question for me earlier this year, but I have, alas, lost my access ...
A: The original question and answer is buried too deep in the files, and is no longer accessible. In a ...
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| Antique Photo | 9/26/2006 |
Q: I found this sight via Ask.Com looking for information about an antique photo. I've been looking ...
A: You don't understand. There isn't any sort of special process involved in making a photograph on ...
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| Antique Camera Lens value | 9/4/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me how much an antique lens I have is worth. The print/engraving ...
A: Dallmeyer soft focus lenses are optically and historically interesting items from the 1890's through ...
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| misc leica equipment | 8/30/2006 |
Q: I have a box of leica equipment that was my father's and has been "in the attic" for almost 30 ...
A: It's an odd little outfit. The camera #622734 is a Leica IIIf from 1952, and camera #222753 is a ...
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| old leica | 8/9/2006 |
Q: I have an old Leica, SN 63484, with an Elmar 50 3.5 lens, both very old. What year were they ...
A: From the serial number you have a Leica camera made in 1931, but there were three radically ...
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| antique camera | 7/23/2006 |
Q: I am trying to apprase a old german camera that my father recieved in trade from a german prisoner ...
A: You have a Vag (the V is stylized and looks like a Y), a very common basic European style folding ...
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| camera history and appraisal? | 7/15/2006 |
Q: I have recently bought a 35mm SLR praktica MTL5B in good shape.The lens is a pentacon 50mm f1.8. ...
A: The Praktica MTL 5 B is a very basic single-lens-reflex 35mm camera, made by Pentacon of Germany ...
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| ID of old Leica | 7/14/2006 |
Q: I am trying to determine model # and date of mfg. for an old Leica. The serial number is 65946. I've ...
A: That serial number, which dates to late 1931, can be in the range of two different models, either a ...
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| exacta camera | 7/13/2006 |
Q: i have an exacta i know but it sais that on the camera name plate itreads exacta jhagee dresden it ...
A: The Kine Exakta I (second version) was a popular 35mm single-lens-reflex camera made by Ihagee of ...
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| Judging | 7/13/2006 |
Q: I will be judging photography at my local fair this year and I am a little nervous. I understand ...
A: I've done a lot of work with kids. You need to be a bit more lenient about technical problems. ...
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| kodak Retina IIa | 7/11/2006 |
Q: This camera is with our family for many,many years. Lens :xenon f:2,F=5cm,Schneider-Kreuznach ...
A: You have a Retina IIa (Type 150), a compact folding bellows 35mm camera, made for Eastman Kodak by ...
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| Care of Stereoview Cards | 7/10/2006 |
Q: Could you please advise as to the best way to store and care for these cards? Also, do you know ...
A: Stereo cards are easily preserved in much the same way as any other photographs. The elements that ...
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| Minoltina 8 | 7/10/2006 |
Q: My son has just moved house, and whilst clearing his old loft, found my old Minoltina 8 movie ...
A: The Minoltina 8 is a very classy and quite ingenious little amateur's movie camera, introduced by ...
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| underexposure? | 7/7/2006 |
Q: I have rediscovered photography after keeping my Nikon FE in the closet for many years... I had it ...
A: First of all, if you are mostly shooting street scenes, shutter speed is actually more important ...
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| Vintage Camera | 6/26/2006 |
Q: We have had this camera laying around for 40 yrs. Was wondering if you tell us its value. Its a ...
A: The No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak is a line of large folding bellows cameras, made by Eastman Kodak in ...
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| vintage camera | 6/23/2006 |
Q: David, I have recently aquired a vintage Leica camera with serial number 14235 and would love to ...
A: The AllExperts system had a slight glitch this weekend and I just received your question this ...
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| leica IIIc | 6/21/2006 |
Q: I think it is a post war camera. Serial # is 416926 and the lens is a Sunnitar 5cm f/2 #900162. It ...
A: Yes, the serial number dates this IIIc to 1946, a post-war model, and that's the least desirable of ...
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| leica IIIc | 6/19/2006 |
Q: I saw your comment about not selling a Leica on ebay. I have a IIIc in nearly mint condition with ...
A: Yes, eBay auctions can get scary, plus there's no guarantees for success. Not a good place to be ...
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| 5x4 pack film availability? | 6/18/2006 |
Q: Do you know whether any type of pack film is available for Graflex 5x4 pack film adapters - or are ...
A: You're over a decade too late. Eastman Kodak was the last manufacturer to offer 4 x 5 film packs, ...
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| Vivitar, history | 6/15/2006 |
Q: Has anyone consolidated the history and evolution of Vivitar. All I can find is simple paragraphs ...
A: Incredibly, no, there is no specific historical resource available on Vivitar. More incredible, ...
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| Why Do Lens Get Heavier/Largerr? | 5/21/2006 |
Q: I'm buying process lenses off eBay - 240mm, 360mm, 480mm.. I'm noticing the lens are getting heavier ...
A: You may be missing the obvious. In simplest terms, the longer the focal length of the lens, the ...
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| camera prices | 5/18/2006 |
Q: got a coppel old cameras just wodering a bout prices one is a kodak 104 in a tan case with a striped ...
A: I apologize for the delay in responding. It wasn't my doing! The AllExperts system installed a ...
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| Studio photography, Russia early 20th c. | 4/26/2006 |
Q: You've already answered a question for me very helpfully...here's another. I have a photo--a family ...
A: I'm afraid all of it sounds MUCH too familiar! The advertising on the back, with all the fancy ...
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| Leica III G | 4/21/2006 |
Q: I read your excellent explanations for others and was so impressed, I decided to learn more about my ...
A: The Leica IIIg is indeed the last of the classic screw mount 35mm coupled rangefinder cameras ...
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| Type of picture - time frame of picture | 4/12/2006 |
Q: A relative of mine discovered an old photograph - of a man in what appears to be military dress of ...
A: You are most likely in possession of an ambrotype, a form of photograph taken on a piece of glass, ...
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| Leica Ia with Hektor lens | 4/8/2006 |
Q: David, if you go to http://www.pbase.com/mel_sny/leica_1a you will see the camera in question and ...
A: Okay, first things first...the people at Leitz today don't know squat about the history of their own ...
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| Re William Henry Jackson photograph | 3/30/2006 |
Q: I have a framed photograph of a white dog with the name "Billy" on the collar. I found on the ...
A: This is a well known, and much reproduced, photograph. In truly excellent condition, clean and with ...
|
| Leica II | 3/25/2006 |
Q: I have a Leica body no. 241506. ! am told this is 1932. I would like o get the correct lens for ...
A: From that serial number, your camera is a Leica II, a classic coupled-rangefinder 35mm camera, made ...
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| stereoviews | 3/21/2006 |
Q: Can you help, I have a set of stereoviews of the great war in their original book type box numbered ...
A: That's actually a very common set of stereo cards, and there are comparable sets from a number of ...
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| Camera equipment | 3/14/2006 |
Q: My Grandad recently passed away and he was heavily into photography all his life. He left all his ...
A: The Pentax Spotmatic is a very common single-lens-reflex 35mm camera made by Asahi of Japan (often ...
|
| Vintage Voigtlander Lens | 2/23/2006 |
Q: Silver. I'm looking for advice on how to deal with an antique lens I've been storing for years. It ...
A: The date is about right. You have a traditional big portrait lens that would have been mounted on a ...
|
| antique 16mm projector | 2/23/2006 |
Q: I have an antique 16mm movie projector. It is run by a little hand crank. The movies I have were ...
A: Most of the common projectors of this sort, what are usually called toy projectors, made by ...
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| original or reprint? | 2/22/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased, on ebay,what was described as an original cabinet photo of a Dawson city ...
A: It sounds like you were the victim of a misrepresentation. A "cabinet photo" is more properly ...
|
| Julia Margaret Cameron | 2/13/2006 |
Q: Many thanks for your email David, sorry to be so vague and cause so much hard work. Perhaps you may ...
A: I would have answered sooner, but the web page you sent me to crashed my computer! Not your fault, ...
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| History of photography | 1/20/2006 |
Q: I am working on an essay dealing with street photographers who snapped photos of passers-by in a ...
A: There was a specific category of cameras available from the latter half of the 1890's through the ...
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| forensic cameras | 11/15/2005 |
Q: I am working on a documentary in Australia and we need to use a forensic camera that would have ...
A: I took a day to do some research for you. Different countries, and then different jurisdictions, ...
|
| tin types? | 10/23/2005 |
Q: My husband's father recently gave us pictures of his grandmother and father on metal plates. They ...
A: These big photo buttons do date from about 1880 to as late as 1915. The best way to precisely date ...
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| Sparta-Fold Camera | 10/9/2005 |
Q: I have a Sparta-Fold V camera manufactored by Herold Production Co. I have been searching the web to ...
A: The Sparta-Fold V is a very simple amateur's folding bellows camera, made by the Herold ...
|
| metal union case? | 9/21/2005 |
Q: My name is Caryl Lamont. I live in Portland, Oregon. I was wondering if you could help me identify ...
A: The case you have is known as "Garden Fountain", it is American in origin (although the exact ...
|
| basics | 9/13/2005 |
Q: David, first let me thank you for your time. My question is very elementary, so here it is: what ...
A: An elementary question, but a VERY important one! Yes, you do understand the principle already. ...
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| Leica Camera | 9/1/2005 |
Q: I have a Leica IIIc camera with an Elmar 50mm F:3.5 lens I am trying to evaluate. What date were ...
A: The Leica IIIc was introduced by Leitz of Germany in 1940, and over 130,000 of them were made ...
|
| Autographic Kodak? | 7/14/2005 |
Q: Hey David, I've acquired and seen several old Kodak cameras that are "autographic". Is this ...
A: The autographic feature was patented, owned, and offered by Eastman Kodak only. Geaorge Eastman ...
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| What is Effect of Meniscus Lens? | 7/13/2005 |
Q: Old folding cameras sometimes use meniscus lenses. What are the properties of a meniscus lens? I'm ...
A: If you've used simple convex and concave lenses for photographic experiments, then you've probably ...
|
| Is 35mm a waste of time now? | 7/12/2005 |
Q: I want to expand my photography experience and I already have a nice old Canon AE-1. Do you think I ...
A: If you're already familiar with a VERY good 35mm camera, and you want to "expand" on that ...
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| Photography | 7/7/2005 |
Q: What was the first black and white photography published in newspaper and when and where? And I have ...
A: The first black & white photograph to appear in a newspaper was a picture of a "shanty town" that ...
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| kodak medalist II | 6/15/2005 |
Q: how much would one be worth now
A: The Medalist II is a high quality coupled rangefinder camera, made by Eastman Kodak from 1946 to ...
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| vintage photo | 6/13/2005 |
Q: Regarding my nans photo, its blue/grey in colour with a dark back ground. You need to tilt it to ...
A: I'm sorry it took a while to get back to you, but the darn AllExperts system never notified me that ...
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| vintage photo | 6/11/2005 |
Q: I have recently come across an old photo of my nans father,I call it a photo but i am not entirely ...
A: I need to get a bit more specific. You think it is on "tin" and the image looks almost like a ...
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| What is a Process Lens | 6/9/2005 |
Q: What is a "process lens"? I've come across this term in my search for a macro lens on eBay. What ...
A: If you need 1:1 reproduction, then you're in luck. Since process lenses are specifically designed ...
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| What is a "Process Lens" | 6/9/2005 |
Q: What is a "process lens"? I've come across this term in my search for a macro lens on eBay. What ...
A: A "process lens" is usually a lens designed to cover larger formats, and ideally with extreme flat ...
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| value of two old cameras | 5/13/2005 |
Q: I have a No. 2c Pocket Kodak and a No. 4 Bulls Eye Special Kodak that I would like to sell. Can you ...
A: Okay, assuming truly excellent condition for each camera... The No. 2C Pocket Kodak is a cheap ...
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| 1944 kodak retina 1a | 5/8/2005 |
Q: on 10/10/02 i copied a listing from kodak itself which showed the retina 1a (factory- modified) was ...
A: This is a follow-up on your inquiry. I found the Kodak list you referenced! Not only does Kodak ...
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| 1944 kodak retina 1a | 5/7/2005 |
Q: am in possession of the above camera. in very good to excellent condition. how many were made? what ...
A: If you indeed have a Retina Ia, then it wasn't made in 1944. For that matter, NO Retina models were ...
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| Antique camera | 4/11/2005 |
Q: Silver, not sure if you can help me out, but i have an old Kodak Brownie camera with a big shutter ...
A: There were zillions of different Brownie cameras made by Kodak. If you have a small JPEG digital ...
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| contrast | 3/12/2005 |
Q: Will Kodak polycontrast rc 4 enlargement paper (glossy) produce the same results as a 2 or 3 when ...
A: I don't think you're quite clear on the concept yet. Polycontrast RC paper cannot be tricked into ...
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| enlargment paper | 3/12/2005 |
Q: Will Kodak polycontrast rc 4 enlargement paper (glossy) produce the same results as a 2 or 3 when ...
A: First of all, ALL Kodak Polycontrast paper is developed with the same chemicals in the same fashion, ...
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| old photographs and negatives | 3/5/2005 |
Q: Could you please tell me how and where is the best place to store old photos and negatives. ...
A: The three things that damage prints and negatives over time are heat, humidity, and ultraviolet ...
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| Old cameras | 2/23/2005 |
Q: My father left me a Minolta-16, and I would like to know if the film for this camera is still ...
A: The Minolta 16 series of cameras was a popular type of "subminiature" made by Minolta of Japan from ...
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| storing negatives - cool or cold? | 2/12/2005 |
Q: I know negatives & photos are best stored below 68 degrees; is there a temperature limit to how COLD ...
A: I don't know what's been happening with the AllExperts system. I actually handled this question the ...
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| photo distortions... | 1/30/2005 |
Q: I've taken slide film of paintings and the results show a warping effect. The tips of the vertical ...
A: Please tell me what camera you are using, what lens, approximately how close you are standing to the ...
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| William Henry Jackson Photo | 1/19/2005 |
Q: I am currently researching a photo that I have acquired with a stamp from W.H. Jackson Phot. Co ...
A: There's nothing to "authenticate"! If it's stamped "W.H. Jackson Phot. Co", then it's most ...
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| Identification Needed | 1/12/2005 |
Q: I have an unusual item that I think had something to do with projection. It is made out of ...
A: These are generally known as color wheels or sometimes projection kaleidoscopes. They were used in ...
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| Preserving Photos | 1/7/2005 |
Q: Some of my color prints from 10 years ago are turning pink. What might be causing this and how can I ...
A: There are many things that may have caused this type of image deterioration, but the two most common ...
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| old Kodak | 12/23/2004 |
Q: I have a mint Kodak bellows camera the 1A, that takes 116 film. I've got two rolls from Central ...
A: If you tell me what shutter is on that camera, the lens, and how the apertures are marked, I can ...
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| lens | 11/26/2004 |
Q: i have a canon 2000 rebel eos. i am a contractor. i need to take shots of interior spaces for a ...
A: I apologize for not getting to your question more quickly, not my fault, the AllExperts system just ...
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| darkroom solutions | 10/6/2004 |
Q: What solution do i mix hypo clear with to make prints archival?
A: There's nothing needed to add to hypo clear to improve archival quality. At least nothing that I ...
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| Camera History | 9/30/2004 |
Q: I would like to know how a picture was developed with the first cameras. Thank you for your ...
A: A fellow named Daguerre in France is credited as one of the inventors of photography in 1839. His ...
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| Camera History | 9/30/2004 |
Q: I would like to know who was the inventor of the camera. Also, if possible,I would like to know what ...
A: Nobody is credited as the "inventor" of the camera. The camera is a concept that existed long ...
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| circa 1918 photos Missouri School of Mines | 9/27/2004 |
Q: My brother has given me some photos to "Ebay" for him. He purchased them from the estate of the ...
A: Well, this is a sticky situation! You want to be sure that eBay is the "appropriate course to ...
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| Again about photography | 8/29/2004 |
Q: Now i want to ask you something more concrete to the actual photography. I have read about the ...
A: Comparing digital cameras to 35mm cameras is a bit awkward, but I can give you a general ...
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| Old lighting equipment | 6/25/2004 |
Q: My husband recently purchased an estate at auction, and included was a large case with four lights ...
A: These are a sort of photo lighting we generically refer to as "flood lights". Virtually every ...
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| garage sale cameras | 5/23/2004 |
Q: David, Just bought some old cameras at a garage sale, and was hoping my $100.00 investment was a ...
A: Sorry I didn't get back to you right away, but the #$@%&! AllExperts automated system didn't notify ...
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| Antique Stereoviews | 5/11/2004 |
Q: David, Thank you for the reply, I have a couple more questions at this time. Among this ...
A: Unfortunately, lithograph cards in general are pretty worthless, and the two sets you have there ...
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| Antique Stereoviews | 5/9/2004 |
Q: My husband & I recently acquired a fairly large collection of stereoviews, copyright dates (if any) ...
A: An idea, yes, but only an idea. The vast majority of true photograph stereo cards (not lithograph ...
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| Your advice on this antique photo portrait | 4/6/2004 |
Q: David, Thanks for your very detailed assessment. The picture is on paper attached to board, so I ...
A: If it's a paper print attached to wood, and the style of clothing in the image suggests 1880's, then ...
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| Your advice on this antique photo portrait | 4/2/2004 |
Q: David, First let me thank you for making your expertise available online. Much appreciated. Would ...
A: I took a couple extra days to look this photo over a bit more closely by sending it to a friend with ...
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| tintype photogrphy studio | 3/17/2004 |
Q: I have recently purchased a huge costume wardrobe, props, backdrops etc. for an old time portrait ...
A: I have a number of excellent resources for you! They're all wet plate specialists (that includes ...
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| My name is Joel I live in... | 3/14/2004 |
Q: My name is Joel I live in the Boise area.Please answer this question, How does a camera work?It ...
A: I wanted to take a bit of extra time to think about how I could best answer this question for you ...
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| Kodak Special Six-20 Supermatic | 3/12/2004 |
Q: Your Original Answer - Hi Joseph, Geez, I hate to hear when people with sincere questions about old ...
A: Ah, the camera collector's biggest nightmare... I'm afraid there is no "inexpensive and simple" ...
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| Antique Folding Kodak | 3/10/2004 |
Q: Not too long ago I purchased off ebay a Kodak Special Six-20 (that's it's true model name not a ...
A: Geez, I hate to hear when people with sincere questions about old cameras get treated badly by all ...
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| film for old cameras | 2/25/2004 |
Q: i wanted to try using some old cameras, antiques, but was told there was no film for them anymore. ...
A: No, #620 and #616 rollfilm are no longer available. In fact, the only "old" style of rollfilm still ...
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| Vintage Photograph | 2/21/2004 |
Q: I have a large studio photograph portrait (19.5 x 15.5") inside the frame. It is sepia toned and of ...
A: A portrait of that size would most likely have been taken after the turn of the century, probably ...
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| Using antique medium format cameras today? | 2/18/2004 |
Q: I'm looking to get into medium format photography, after years of 35mm, but the cameras today are so ...
A: Yes, it is a VERY good idea to learn about medium format photography by first experimenting with ...
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| Old cameras as investments??? | 2/15/2004 |
Q: In a nutshell, do you think old and antique cameras represent any kind of good investment? Compared ...
A: Absolutely, yes, vintage cameras represent an excellent investment opportunity. BUT you must ...
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| Need Old Time Vintage Photographer | 1/26/2004 |
Q: Silver, I am a member of my local Cowboy Action Shooting club here in Michigan and I am trying to ...
A: I'm sorry, but I don't know of any such services in your area anymore. You're right, there were a ...
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| oldest photo studios | 1/25/2004 |
Q: David, I am writing a historical article on old photo studios in America (the oldest family-owned). ...
A: Here are some interesting tidbits for your research! Not a lot of details here, but it's YOUR ...
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