Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Lightning Camera, c.1899

In Cameras > Wood Cameras > Show & Tell.
Wood Cameras82 of 283A Beautiful 1880s Mahogany Presentation CameraCentury No. 4
26
Love it
0
Like it

KydurKydur loves this.
LongingsLongings loves this.
sugargirlsugargirl loves this.
Lady_PickerLady_Picker loves this.
jscott0363jscott0363 loves this.
HardbrakeHardbrake loves this.
AntigueToysAntigueToys loves this.
leighannrnleighannrn loves this.
Beachbum58Beachbum58 loves this.
snowman3snowman3 loves this.
DesignerDesigner loves this.
f64imagerf64imager loves this.
chrissylovescatschrissylovescats loves this.
JohnKratzJohnKratz loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
BelltownBelltown loves this.
blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
musikchoomusikchoo loves this.
SEAN68SEAN68 loves this.
shughsshughs loves this.
trukn20trukn20 loves this.
officialfuelofficialfuel loves this.
ericevans2ericevans2 loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
aghcollectaghcollect loves this.
walksoftlywalksoftly loves this.
See 24 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 9 years ago

    rniederman
    (343 items)

    Here’s another example of a classic 1890s American self-casing camera (4 x 5 inch format). When closed, it looks like an unassuming leather covered box. When opened the photographer is greeted with a finely polished wood interior, red leather bellows and nickel plated brass hardware trim. The design is simple and lacks many advanced features; it was made for beginners.

    Several years ago, I acquired this little camera for two reasons. First, how can you not like the name “Lightning”?! The second reason is it being one of a few cameras with Minnesota roots. Identifying the company was a challenge because some of the letters on the maker’s badge were rubbed out. After trying out different letter combinations I discovered “Lightning” was sold by a large St. Paul based department store named Schuneman & Evans. Started in 1890, the store became a major player here in the Twin Cities.

    To some extent, the roots of this humble Schuneman & Evans branded camera lives on. In 1958, the department store merged with the Dayton Company of Minneapolis (another venerable department store). Later in 1990, Dayton-Hudson acquired the renowned Marshall Field’s of Chicago, IL and by 2000 renamed itself to Target (yes ... Dayton’s was Target’s parent company). Eventually, it all became Macy’s in 2005. In that single year, the famous names of Dayton’s, Hudsons and Marshall Field’s disappeared from the American landscape. (Whew!)

    Anyhow, that’s a lot of history for this camera yet it is uncovering surprises like this that make collecting cameras so rewarding. But the research isn’t over. I’ve contacted the Minnesota Historical Society to see if they might have original catalogues listing the camera and I’m scouring my ephemera to figure out the specific manufacturer.

    logo
    Wood Cameras
    See all
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Wood Replacement Cover
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Woo...
    $32
    Rare 5x7 Rochester Optical New Model Improved Camera Dry Plate No 2 Lens Nickle
    Rare 5x7 Rochester Optical New Mode...
    $375
    J. Lancaster Le Meritoire Antique Mahogany & Brass Camera, 1889
    J. Lancaster Le Meritoire Antique M...
    $325
    FOLDING CAMERA KODAK # 2 FOLDING POCKET A ANTIQUE CUSTOM CAMPHOR WOOD
    FOLDING CAMERA KODAK # 2 FOLDING PO...
    $170
    logo
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Wood Replacement Cover
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Woo...
    $32
    See all

    Comments

    1. walksoftly walksoftly, 9 years ago
      Lot's of history packed into this fine little camera!
    2. ericevans2 ericevans2, 9 years ago
      Rob, to me research is at least half the joy of collecting. You have done your homework on this one, and I am glad you are continuing. Nice little camera.
    3. SEAN68 SEAN68, 9 years ago
      great !! I used work at Daytons , when I lived inmpls and when moved back to Wi!! love the camera!!
    4. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks!
      Eric
      fortapache
      aghcollect
      David
    5. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks!
      shughs
      Designer
      trukn20
      Michael
    6. Hardbrake Hardbrake, 9 years ago
      Very nice camera and in great condition, thank you for posting. Over a year ago I sent you a Kodak Professional monthly magazine as a gift as it did not fit into what I collect. We have also e-mailed each other regarding team picture which I have sold. I would like to e-mail you a picture of an item I just picked up and it is the first one I have ever seen other then in pictures. I am assuming that you will know something about. I have had if for only a few day and I am just starting my search regarding it. It is a McIntosh, Stereopticon, Co. of Chicago and it is in outstanding condition. If you would not mind my request for assistance regarding this matter please e-mail me at goldendigor@gmail.com thanks, John Giannini
    7. jscott0363 jscott0363, 9 years ago
      Very nice and in amazing condition!! Just amazing!!
    8. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks!
      Ben
      blunderbuss2
      musikchoo
      Sean
    9. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks!
      Designer
      chrissylovescats
      John K.
      vetraio50
    10. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks!
      AntigueToys
      leighannrn
      Beachbum58
      snowman3
    11. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Hi Hardbrake (John) ... I'll e-mail you to review the image. Thanks!
    12. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks!
      Longings
      sugargirl
      Lady_Picker
      jscott0363
    13. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Thanks, Kydur!

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.