Old Folding Camera?

[cass0361]

I recently bought an old folding camera at a flea market just because I thought it was interesting. But now I'm trying to figure out how old it really is...

the casing is about 6 inches long, 1 inch thick with a small leather label that says:
optische anstalt
G.A. Urmetzer NF.
MAINZ

The lens reads: Carl Zeiss Jena Nf. 447174 Tessar 1:45 f= 10,5 cm

COMPUR Ica Dresden

D.R.P. No. 258646 D.R.G.M.


The outer rim of the lens casing also has a number: no. 310502


I've been able to read somethings that apparently place the camera to have been manufactured either before or during WWII. But I am not exactly sure what number is considered a "serial number" or if they are all just different ones. Thank you to anyone who can help!

[Nathan Smith]

The leather label you mention is probably the seller's label, but the "Ica" on the shutter would indicate that it was made by Internationale Camera A.-G. (ICA), one of the firms that eventually became part of Zeiss-Ikon in 1926 - so it would seem to have been made before '26. You'll find more by searching the web, but this will get you started:

• http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/ICA
• http://www.qsl.net/xq2fod/photo/ica/camera.html
• http://www.vintagephoto.tv/icamodels1922.shtml

If the shutter speeds aren't too far off, put a roll of 120 in it and have fun. This is an uncoated lens, but it's capable of good quality if you're careful.

Nathan

[Peter K]

Such folding cameras where made from many factories from 1910 up to the Fourties.

optische anstalt
G.A. Urmetzer NF.
MAINZ

This is the label from the dealer.

The lens reads: Carl Zeiss Jena Nf. 447174 Tessar 1:45 f= 10,5 cm

The lens was made in 1922. From the focal-lenght it should be a 6x9cm camera.

Have fun

Peter

[cass0361]

Thanks guys! There was actually a roll of 120 in it when I bought it, its taped closed with a sticker that says exposed, I have never used this type of film or this kind of camera so I'm not really sure what to do with film.

[JRFrench]

Develop it! There are a few ideas on what to do on this forum, various compensating development or a 2 bath system or something.

[Chuck Pere]

Thanks guys! There was actually a roll of 120 in it when I bought it, its taped closed with a sticker that says exposed, I have never used this type of film or this kind of camera so I'm not really sure what to do with film.

You could send the film to this guy:
http://www.westfordcomp.com/holga/index.html

He does a lot of very interesting found film processing.

[Nathan Smith]

You could send the film to this guy:
http://www.westfordcomp.com/holga/index.html

He does a lot of very interesting found film processing.

His commentary is hilarious on some of them too

[Brian Ellis]

You could send the film to this guy:
http://www.westfordcomp.com/holga/index.html

He does a lot of very interesting found film processing.

Thanks for the link. I just spent an hour or more looking at the old photographs and reading his commentary, which is great. Even made a contribution to his labor of melancholy love (at least it seems melancholy to me).