November 23, 2008
Even before the first 19th century cameras were produced, wood was used for their predecessor, the camera obscura, to keep the inside completely dark. Early antique wood cameras (also incorporating brass and leather parts) are mostly box models, but also include view cameras and American red bellows folding (self-casing) cameras. Collectible manufacturer names include Kodak, American Optical, Blair, and Scovill, among others. Wood gave way to handheld cameras in the 1920s.
Collectors seek out not only the cameras but their accessories and actual plates and images taken with them. Some antique wood cameras can be historically significant, as there were a lot of innovative prototype cameras being developed during this period. Also, many wood cameras are delicate or fragile and must be displayed carefully and kept out of direct sunlight. Finally, don't polish the brass - collectors like the tarnish!
How did I start collecting cameras? Actually, I had an interest in photography as a kid and owned a darkroom … [more]
Collecting Paillard-Bolex cameras was something I started doing by accident. It was a combination of several … [more]
Rob Niederman’s homage to (and collection of) late 19th century wood cameras. This site contains extensive galler… [more]
If you're into box cameras, this site offers incredible detail on dozens of early models from 1880 to the 1920s. Al… [more]
This showcase of vintage cameras and photography is plainly designed, but the camera collection and related referen… [more]
While we couldn't read everthing - it's mostly in French - the images on this site speak for themselves. Its an ext… [more]
Jack and Beverly Wilgus have put together a great trove of information and images of camera obscura-related photos … [more]
Michael Tisdale's great reference site on Paillard Bolex, a Swiss maker of home movie equipment from the 1930s to 1… [more]
Got a site to suggest? Let us know.
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Antique Tropical Wood Camera Kenngott Phoenix $443.00 Ends in 13 hours 10 bids
Premier Vintage Wood Plate Box Camera Antique 1891$154.10 Ends Thursday 7 bids
Rochester Camera Co Vintage Wooden Folding Camera Nr$147.50 Ends Wednesday 8 bids
Antique Camera Tripod Stand Wood & Iron. Vintage Photo$100.99 Ends in 9 hours 4 bids
Wooden & Brass Portrait Camera Tailboard? Folding? $82.53 Ends Thursday 10 bids
Folmer Multiple Camera, Folmer Graflex, Antique, Wooden$74.99 Ends in 13 hours 1 bid
Antique Geo Eastman Kodak Wood Tripod View Camera Etc.$39.95 Ends Sunday 1 bid
Antique Eastman Kodak Wood Brass Standard Tripod$30.77 Ends Tuesday 2 bids
Wood Antique Camera L.f. Deardorff & Sons$30.00 Ends Tuesday 5 bids
Antique Kodak Kodacolor Display Screen Cherry Wood Rare$20.50 Ends in 3 hours 2 bids
Ray No.7 ------large Format 4x5, Red Bellows, Red Wood $16.50 Ends Thursday 4 bids
Antique Stereo Picture Viewer, All Wood$15.50 Ends in 12 hours 4 bids
Antique Folding Wood Brass Burke & James Camera Tripod$9.99 Ends Thursday 1 bid
5 Antique Wood Sheet Film Holders Premo 4x5$9.95 Ends Tuesday 1 bid
3 Vintage Wood Film Negative Camera Plate Holder Kodak?$7.99 Ends in 7 hours 1 bid
Bnib Vintage 35mm Slide Wooden Storage Box/case $6.67 Ends Wednesday 1 bid
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