Posted 12 years ago
Henry
(56 items)
Here is my complete and unused 1954 Linex 16mm stereo camera kit produce by Lionel Manufacturing Corp. Included is the camera, viewer, operating instructions, warranty card, carrying case and strap, and film. There was a flash offered at the time which was sold separately.
Surprisingly enough, yes, in 1954 the model train manufacturer started producing these cameras for a short period of time. Apparently the model train buisness was too successful and the camera was dropped in 55 after about 85,000 were made.
Story has it that in 1949 Joshua Lionel Cowan (Lionel president at the time) received a Stereo Realist from his son for Christmas and found it to be too complicated. He then decided to produce a low-cost, fixed-focus stereo camera.
Made mostly of cast iron and bakelite I find it very square, probably durable, and heavy for its size.
Okay ... maybe not wood & brass equipment, but this is definitely a cool item - especially awesome in this condition and level of completeness. I've handled a couple of these and they are fascinating.
Thank you rniederman. What you know and collect is amazing to me and your comment means so much. Thank you.
I have posted several very rare and limited edition cameras and never expected you to comment on a camera such as this. I just had to comment on the fact that I believe you are , from what I've seen with your collection, a more involved , knowledgeable collector with many more years experience, collecting the ultimate early wood and brass, so therefore I am humbled with your comment.
Thanks for the compliment. But what makes this camera special (IMO) is the wonderful underlying story. Not all rare cameras are equal and I especially love great stories - then again, it doesn't hurt to have such a perfect example!