I can, and do, spend many a happy evening browsing through eBay. My favourite hunting ground is the old cameras section, where all manner of interesting machines can be found. Occasionally I find something that takes my fancy, languishing at a low starting price and with no bids. So I stick in a low bid and go to bed, knowing full well that others will have been all over it while I sleep and knocked the price into sensible territory and beyond.
And so it was last week. A camera of some vintage which seemed to be in remarkable condition for its age and with all parts intact and working, but there were five hours till the end of bidding and no action as yet. I stuck in my futile low bid and retired to bed. Most surprised to wake up the following morning and discover it was mine!
It appears not to have been cleaned since it was new; so I am going to spend some time tidying it up. There is leather and brass and wood to address; but I am hoping the end result will be charming. Once it is finished, I will photograph it extensively; but here is a taster:
If I tell you that the wooden item at the top is the spool for a film, you can probably guess that the ‘96 Model referred to underneath is not 1996. As she who must be obeyed observed with some wonderment “it’s even older than you!”
Comments 🔗
2013-09-15| Andrew saysI’m going to hazard a guess that this is what you have ?…: http://virtualcameramuseum.com/museum/cameras/kodak/no2bullseye/
2013-09-15| Andrew saysand if so I hope you have found a supplier if 101 roll film (3.5" square negs ) !!
2013-09-15| Spike saysYou would be correct. Except, most unusually, the case of mine is in amazing condition for something that is over 100 years old. Slightly scuffed, but nothing that a dose of saddle soap can’t put right; plus some lovely brass bits to offset the black. May share a shot tomorrow.
2013-09-15| Spike says101 was the first ever Kodak roll film, would love to find some just to have. I reckon the camera could be modified to accept 120; but that would be a crime for something that is so old, historic and potentially worth a few quid.