1927-28 Photo Catalog with lenses

[DrTang]

I picked up an old camera store catalog from 1927-8 .. and scanned some interesting pages - mostly the lens catalog

all the usual suspects are listed with details and prices..30" Protar anyone??


I made it into a rather large PDF..probably too large, but at least you can read it

here it is for your amusement:

Camera Catalog (http://www.mericphoto.com/catalog.pdf)

[Taija71A]

Thank-you, for taking the time... To scan this Central Camera Company catalog.
Greatly appreciated! Best Regards, -Tim.

[seezee]

The 9×12 Ernamann Ermanox (PDF p. 3, catalogue p. 15) cost the equivalent, in today's currency (http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation/inflation.php?amount=550&year=1927), of a new Leica digital rangefinder!

[seven]

Thank you, DrTang !

[jaytral]

Thank you for sharing, very interesting data

[Jim Noel]

Thanks for doing this. I was able to find several of the cameras and lenses I am still using. I am not surprised by the price comparisonof the Ernemann and high end Leica of today. The Ernemann was the mos t desirable camera by thos photographic in low light.

[Tin Can]

I also found I have several of the cameras and lenses listed.

Interesting to note, Central Camera moved for the 3rd time to it's current location in 1929, 1 block away.

http://centralcamera.com/about-central-camera/

I try to visit and buy film once a week. Last week I noticed they had sold their black 8X10 Seneca in VGC. I shouda...

[EdSawyer]

Good stuff, thanks for posting this! Nice to have the info in contemporary context of the time.

[EdWorkman]

Thanks very much for your effort and sharing
As to file size- thanks for a BIG and readable file
regards Ed

[Bill_1856]

Wonderful!
Interesting that the only companies which still exist today are Schneider and Packard, but Central Camera somehow shoulders on.

[John Kasaian]

Thanks!

[Tin Can]

Don the 3rd generation owner of Central Camera works the main camera sales counter nearly every day. And I know he personally checks hand written receipts daily.

The way to keep a small business going is to work it yourself and count every penny.

Too bad his son will not accept the position. I fear CC lasts only as long as Don. He has shared many of his stories with me and I am sure others. He has lead an interesting life.

Don is always busy and engaged in selling by being an expert and making each customer special. Just like any old time shop, the whole place values each sale big or small. Don never hands anybody off when the big buyer shows up. And they do. Not unusual for travelers from anywhere dropping in to buy and buy big.



Wonderful!
Interesting that the only companies which still exist today are Schneider and Packard, but Central Camera somehow shoulders on.