Clockwise: A flapper girl appears on the cover for an instruction manual for a Model 3 Victor Cine Camera. The camera was among some of the first to be manufactured for the general public in the early 1920s. Greg Crable of Olathe inspects several of his cameras on Nov. 12 at his home. He says he would eventually like to build display shelves in his study so he may properly display them. From simple box cameras to those with accordion-like, unfolding lenses, to heavier and more complex home movie cameras, most antique cameras usually cost between $10 and $50 in antique stores and online, making them affordable decorative pieces for the home. A detail of a Kodak camera bag shows faded leather with the company’s logo in a script font.
in any antique store. In addition to still-image cameras, home movie cameras remain just as popular for collectors. However, unlike their still-image counterparts, many early models, such as the Victor Cine camera, are now worth hundreds of dollars in good condition. The Victor Cine was among the first home movie cameras, hitting the market in 1923 (three years before the advent of the “talkie”). By 1923, the medium of film itself had existed for a little more than 30 years. Dad’s Victor Cine, besides being in good condition, even came with its original instruc- tion manual, complete with the image of a smiling flapper girl on the cover. Talk about a great conversation piece made even better. Of course, these cameras all look resplendent when displayed in your living room or study, but many vintage camera owners actively use the pieces in their collection. If properly cared for (and depending on age), the camera can still take striking images that will make you feel more like a professional and an artist. Be sure to research what type of film your camera will need. If you have a newer model that takes 35MM film (basically, anything made
that, I just started accumulating cameras. “To me, these cameras look like little works of art,” he continued. “There’s aesthetic beauty in the simplicity of their technology. You can see all of the parts move and see how they work together. Now, today, everything is done and saved on a small chip.” Though camera technology has been in existence since the early 19th century, the collection of early-and mid-20th century cam- eras for decorative purposes has seen a renais- sance in recent years. The oldest I found, both in my father’s collection and in my canvassing of Johnson County area antique stores, was a Hawkeye Shutter, stamped with a patent year of 1910. The Hawkeye Shutter features a fold- ing, accordion-style cartridge, characteristic of early 20th century cameras. The design of cameras produced and sold in the 1920s and 1930s is truly artful. The Kodak Jiffy is just one of many. The Art Deco design is sure to appeal to not only photography enthusiasts, but also anyone who enjoys the clean lines of Art Deco styles. The Kodak Jiffy 620, produced between 1933 and 1937, is one of the more common generations you’ll find
after the mid-1930s), you’ll have no problem. Nearly all of the film manufactured for cameras made before that decade has likely been discon- tinued. After the work of shooting is finished, it may be difficult to find a merchant to develop your film, depending on your camera’s age. Pro- cess One Photo and Digital Imaging Lab, which operates at 95th and Metcalf in Overland Park, has been in the business of developing older film for more than 30 years. Vintage cameras’ wide availability, low cost and ease of use make them an ideal venture for both the photography enthusiast and the collector. “I plan to display my cameras, definitely,” my father told me on that same afternoon, admitting that it was at the top of his list of post-retirement home projects. “I really think they have artistic value.” I’d say there are many others out there who would agree with you, Dad. ^ Corbin Crable of Olathe is a journalism profes- sor at Johnson County Community College. In his spare time, you can find him at antique stores, digging around for tintypes to add to his own collection.
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