4.5 X 6CM FOR collecting advice

[kevs-2323668]

Just saw the Feininger show at Getty. Guy used a Voitlander Bergheil. Really cool, like a tiny 4x5. Would like to get one for $30-$40 as a collectable. ON ebay there is one but it's $600. Are there any other tiny bellow cameras like that?

[Lynn Jones]

I knew Andreas for many years, we both wrote for different magazines but shared technology from time to time. When Feininger calls you and asks for either technical information or an opinion, I guess you have arrived! What most people don't know was that his father, Lyonel, was one of the most famous painters in the world. I saw Andreas' paintings and sculptures at his home, they were incredible. Since I knew him well enough, I asked him why he was shooting photos instead of painting, he said, "When you father is Lyonel Feininger, maybe you don't want to be compared to his work".

I've seen him tie two 8x10 cameras together so that he could use a very long focal length lens for a shot, but also there is a shot of him at Life magazine, standing on Carl Mydans' desk shooting from the ceiling with a fisheye lens and Carl with his thick glasses in the background, that was the first fisheye shot I ever saw in print.

Lynn

[Dan Fromm]

If you want to know what's on offer, look.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Vintage-Movie-Photography-/3326/i.html?_nkw=%28645%2C+6x45%2C+%226x4.5%22%29&_catref=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1538

also http://www.ebay.com/dsc/i.html?_nkw=%22bessa+46%22&_sacat=625&_odkw=%28645%2C+6x45%2C+%226x4.5%22%29&_osacat=625&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=1

[Tim Meisburger]

I think the format you are looking for is 6.5x9 (cm). These cameras still work well. You might find one for 40-50 at a yard sale, but usable examples seem to go for about 80-350 on ebay, depending on make. The Bergheil is the most sought after. Most people shoot them with 120 film in roll film holders, but I like to shoot the original sheet fim. If that is your objective, it is better to get one that includes holders.

[kevs-2323668]

Subsequently, I found many interesting items. thanks. BTW, the exhibition was on Lyonel. At the Getty in LA now.

[Ole Tjugen]

There is actually a 4.5x6cm Bergheil, so it could have been that. But there was never a 6.5x9cm!

Bergheils came in 4.5x6, 6x9, 9x12, 10x15 and (maybe mythical) 13x18cm versions. And yes, even the 4.5x6cm one is a plate camera. Mine has a 75mm Skopar on it. :)

[Tim Meisburger]

There is actually a 4.5x6cm Bergheil, so it could have been that. But there was never a 6.5x9cm! :)

I stand corrected, there was a 4.5x6 Bergheil. But there also was a 6.5x9 version, at least according to the internet:)

[Jody_S]

If one could buy 4.5x6cm cameras for 30-40$, I would have a dozen on my shelf. As it is, I have 2; both quite rare (Thornton-Pickard Bijou Reflex- 1920-ish, scaled-down version of the Ruby Reflex, and a SIDA Turf bakelite folder- 1950s). Next will be an Ernemann Lilliput, if I can find one under $100.

[Tim Meisburger]

Yes, I'm sure they are expensive, as they are rare. I was referring to 6.5x9, which seem common. I found a picture of a 4.5x6 Bergheil, and it sure looked sweet!

[kevs-2323668]

Jody, others, if you have photos, show us, would be interesting. I only spend $20 to $50 on vintage cameras so far, have not gone hog wild yet....

[Tim Meisburger]

There is one on this website, about halfway down the page. http://joyfolk.moikrug.ru/blog/?page=8 (search the page for Bergheil)