Usable and affordable 19th century cameras

[Ole Tjugen]

Old German "Reisekameras" tend to be rock solid to the point of indestructibility, have very limited movements (front a little rise and shift, rear a hint of tilt and swing), and cost next to nothing. I have one which I bought only to get the iris universal lens mount that was on it - but it came with five plate holders with film inserts and an adjustable studio tilt table. I paid about half the going rate for the lenss mount for the camera - and now I've bought another iris mount so I can use the "Reisekamera".

Expect to pay about $100 for a very good camera with lots of holders for 13x18cm film (3mm wider than 5x7").

[Paul Fitzgerald]

Hi there,

QT, try ebay item #7554962188, just listed, might be what you were looking for. It's not me selling, just saw it.

Good Luck with the hunt.

[Alan Peck]

I think the auction place is the best place to find these. I recently picked a 5x7 Kodak Century No.2 and lens along with a Kodak 3A (no lens) and an ICA 6.5cm x 9cm for $64. I traded the 3a for $40 worth of 5x7 film holders. If you don't count the CLA costs I ended up with two working cameras for $20. That's the best auction deal I've had so far and I really don't think it was out of the ordinary.