The Ensign Midget model 2 is a remarkable, compact camera introduced in 1934. It was designed by Magnus Niell and has a serial number H3006. The camera features an Ensar lens, offering a maximum aperture of ƒ/6.3 and three shutter speeds. Its unique folding viewfinder and film advance key make it a vintage treasure ..read more

The Nikon FG is a compact SLR camera with automatic exposure capabilities. It features a frame counter, film advance lever, shutter speed selector, and an audio warning system switch on the top plate. The viewfinder includes a focus screen with micro-prisms, a split-image rangefinder, and LED indicators for selected shutter speeds. The front of the camera has a lens mount with AI technology, a self-timer, and connections for a grip. The base plate includes a tripod socket, battery compartment, motor drive contacts, and a film rewind button ..read more

If you're looking to start a camera collection, there are various ways to acquire them. Inform your social circle of your hobby; many people may have old cameras they're willing to give away. Car-boot sales can yield bargains, but sellers often overvalue items. Charity shops used to be a great source, but they've turned to online sales. Auction rooms offer clean and well-described cameras, but they may be pricey. Online auctions like eBay are the writer's primary source. Be cautious of dishonest sellers; inspect photographs, descriptions, and ask specific questions. Consider postage costs when ..read more

The evolution of cameras has been marked by a progression from crude wooden boxes with simple lenses to sophisticated designs with various capabilities, sizes, and film formats. Roll film and advancements in shutter technology revolutionized camera design and functionality, leading to the development of compact, easy-to-use point-and-shoot cameras. Significant milestones include the introduction of 35mm ciné film, the emergence of SLR cameras, and the transition to digital technology. These advancements have continuously improved image quality and ease of use, shaping the history of photograph ..read more

This Asahi Pentax S1a is mostly a standard Pentax from the late 1950s to mid 1960s. As a note, at this time “Pentax” was a model name, the maker being Asahi. Later, in the 1970s, Asahi changed the company name to Pentax and the model names became letters and numbers but not actual names. This ..read more

This is a fairly small point-and-shoot camera from Ricoh. Small – but surprisingly heavy. The camera is made form die-cast aluminium alloy. Introduced in 1964, the widespread use of plastics was still in the future. This camera measures 73.5 by 113 by 56.5 mm (dimensions provided by Ricoh) and weighs 480g. I have three other ..read more

This Cocarette is a fairly standard folding camera from the early 20th century. The design was by Contessa Nettel in around 1920. When Contessa Nettel merged with other makers to form Zeiss Ikon in 1926, Zeiss Ikon continued to make Cocarette cameras until 1930 or 1931. My camera is the Zeiss Ikon version. Zeiss Ikon ..read more

So, yet another 1960s 35mm SLR camera. There were many of these, and most were much of a muchness. The 35mm SLR cameras that I add to my collection either have historical interest or an interesting quirk. This Ricoh has a definite idiosyncrasy and is also a descendant of the Nikkorex F. The Nikkorex F ..read more

A simple film copying device from Ernst Leitz, the makers of the Leica camera ..read more

This is a Soviet camera made in the KMZ factory in Krasnogorsk near Moscow. KMZ stands for Krasnogorski Mekhanicheskii Zavod (Krasnogorsk Mechanical Works in English) which is still operational (September 2022). KMZ is better known for their Zorki and Zenith cameras both of which were derived from Leitz’s Leica II camera. The name “Mir” can ..read more