A life through the lens - a huge collection of antique and vintage cameras, lenses and related items.

Posted On: 27 Apr 2023 by Anthony Eldred

A fascination for all things photographic and a career as a cameraman for a local tv station has led to the largest collection of antique and vintage cameras ever seen at Eldreds. The huge collection of literally 100’s of cameras, lenses and accessories consigned for sale by auction, spans the full date range of the production of commercial photographic technology from the 19th century onwards and comprises a vast assortment of quality examples, from the earliest mahogany and brass plate and bellows cameras to sub-miniature models, including two by Minox, often associated with espionage. Particularly interesting examples include a mid-1930’s Zeh Zeca-Flex folding TLR camera with Compur-Rapid shutter and Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 1:3.5 f=7.5cm lens, a wide-angle Rolleiflex TLR camera with Carl Zeiss Distagon f4 55mm lens, hood and leather case and a Graflex Century Graphic 2¼'' x 3¼'' press camera, with red bellows, Rodenstock - Ysarex f4.5 105mm lens, Synchro-Compur-P shutter and Kalart Synchronised Range Finder. Also in the collection is a quantity of charming actual-size camera models, scratch-built mainly from wood, which would look superb on display in a shop or with a collection and the full range will be offered for sale in Eldreds auction of Antiques, Art, Clocks, Ceramics, Glass & Works of Art on Tuesday 23rd May, from 10.00am. Viewing for the sale will be on Saturday 20th May 9.00am-12 noon and Monday 22nd May 9.00am-5.00pm.