The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

By Myth

Camera collecting is relatively easy and depending what your preference, inexpensive.
There many types to collect- Stereo cameras, Instamatics, TLR, SLR,Plate cameras,Rangefinders,and so on. And now there are people who are collecting digital cameras.

Whats a TLR and SLR mean? TLR stands for Twin Lens Reflex. SLR stands for Single lens reflex. SLRs are more modern (post WWII) in which you look through the view finder and with the use of a prism can see through the lens. TLRs have 2 lenses 1 for taking the picture and one just to focus and view with.

Stereo Cameras Take 2 pictures of the same thing at the same time. They make 3d images once the film is developed.Most times you have to have a special viewer for the pictures to see in 3d. These cameras were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century.Most often you can find pictures taken with stereo cameras at you local antique store.


Hüttig, Standard. plate camera 1907

Plate cameras are the oldest of the cameras. They took pictures on one "plate" at a time. Most All pictures taken before the late 1880's were taken in plate format. Plate camera use has had the longest run over time. It is mostly used in large format picture taking,And is still in use today.

Polaroids, and Kodaks
Prior to the 1900's Most people could not afford the very expensive cameras.
To have your picture taken most often than not you scheduled a sitting with your local photographer. But things started changing in the very late 1890's with the advent of roll film and personal cameras. Eastman Kodak is one manufacturer that stands out from all the rest. They were able to mass produce smaller easily carried cameras.
So from then on the camera world was changing. In the late 1940's Polaroid cameras came out.They were the first to have instant developing pictures.
In the 1960's Kodak released the little Instamatics that used 110 cartridge film, Small,light and easy to use.
the 1980's Polaroid started to really shine and control the market.
Then in the 1990's we see the release upon the world..Digital. With the release of Digital cameras, Film cameras were facing their fall from power. In a short matter of time film manufactures were closing up and the end was in sight.

Today thanks to die hard fans of film, film is making a come back of sorts. More and more people are going back to film for better privacy, and those treasured moments are captured on a medium that you can't accidentally delete off your hard drive.
Digital o me is ok, But take a picture using 120 film in a 1930's Rollieflex and you capture something special.


Polaroid 100 pack film camera 1963-66


Tips for collecting..

Most often than not all vintage cameras are not in pristine shape.They show signs of use, and some times a little bit of damage. If you Must have one in MINT condition expect to pay top dollar.These are very very rare and most times you will find them in specialty auctions.

One problem I do find is..Antique stores and some times eBay. I have seen outlandish asking prices.
I have several Kodak box cameras. There not rare by any means.I have bought them for just a few dollars.But I went into one that had the same model as mine,Marked as rare, And asking $300.00. I gagged. Always be careful of the high prices!! Sad to say but true.Just a little research will help you save in the long run.

Needing repair or restoration..For me I have learned to do minor repairs my self.But certain cameras with complex shutters often need a CLA (Clean Lube Adjust) performed as maintenance(Sticky shutter).This can be a little out of budget for the average collector.Compur Shutters are one the ones that require this.But if you are wanting to use it.. Then do it. WORD OF CAUTION.. Don't let some tell you that using zippo lighter fluid or Carburetor cleaner will harm it. IT WILL CAUSE DAMAGE. I shiver thinking of how many cameras were damaged this way.Best defense..RESEARCH!

Film... If you find one you like, and you want to use it.. Make sure you can find film.
Some film is very pricey. Take for instance Polaroid film. 1 Pack of Fuji Or Impossible project can run $20.00 or more, and there is only 6 exposures in the pack. But also you are buying the battery that powers the camera(Polaroid is the only one like that)sealed in with the film. You can still find 120 film at most Walmarts and have them developed.There are other types and of film out there, And there are people who still develop film.Again RESEARCH pays off!

Keep it fun...This is an easy thing for me to do. One of the things I enjoy about them is they have their own history.Who owned it, what pictures were taken with it, all that. I have one early model Polaroid camera that has a picture taken with it in 1949. it had the original owners name. Just for fun I researched it And found out that the gentleman who owned it lived in Queens, New York, was the owner of a drugstore, and even found the house the picture was taken on google earth.

To me it makes it all worth while. Not only are they fantastic wonders,but fun to learn about. I seem to feel like I am in a small way a care taker of them. They have seen things I can only imagine. No matter what it is from a super expensive rare Leica Luftwaffe, to the Kodak box camera. Some have survived decades in wait tucked away in closet while time went by. Others almost tossed away as useless riff raff. But no matter what they give satisfaction, And a bit of fun when out on the street taking pictures with something deemed obsolete.

View my camera collection click here!
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Useful links for collecting-
( most I am a member of )

http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/
Excellent source to get an idea of prices and and all kinds of models.

http://filmphotographyproject.com/
A good reliable source for film and up and coming things

http://www.collection-appareils.fr/
Yes it is a french site,but does have English, And excellent source for cameras.
And a friendly bunch of camera buffs in the forum

http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/repair
Handy information on maintenance

http://www.rolleirepairs.com/cla.htm
This gentleman preforms CLA's on Rollie products.


in this picture- Heidoscop Stereo camera 1925(top),Rolleiflex automat-1 1938(middle),
Rolleicord type-1 1933-36(right),Rolleicord type-2 1936-37(left)


**All cameras used in the pictures are from my collection**