Classic Cameras in Singapore

[jazzguy]

Hi folks,

I felt quite bad that by discussing non transaction related stuff at the Buy Sell thread that I think we should move here. For those who know Darren, can persuade him to start a Classic Cameras section somewhere here whereby we can post the Buy Sell of classic film cameras and swap grandmothers' tales? On the other hand, if we were to use this Rangefinder and Compacts as a base, I really hope the regulars here would not jump man, so I apologize in advance for the intrusion. Seems that we(always talking about the film and classic cameras) are hogging the traffic there at the Buy/Sell and being drowned by the digital equipment. The amount of Nikon and Canon digital stuff being posted there really amazing...

Besides the lenses, bodies, I also have Leica and rare photography books to share with you folks. Hence, blur man, what directions to go to get organized and without imposing on the regulars here.

 

[timothychanzl]

I think you are giving us heritage education lor ! Can read about the latest dslr anywhere online, but pictures and information about classic cameras are harder to find.

Thumbs up jazzguy!

 

[chiif]

Hi Mike,

You have added colour and spice to the Buy/Sell thread. If you would have noticed, your thread always stayed on the first page on the Buy/Sell thread yesterday. I believe there are many young enthusiast who have gotten a good history lessons from reading your sales postings. And they have you to thank for.

I think you should continue to post your precious on the Buy/Sell forum and we should continue to discuss about your treasures.

Let's come out for coffee sometime and we shall plan for our first CF (Camera Fair)...

I certainly would like to see the rest of your closet before you sell everything off.... I'm sure Parlin would be very interested also...

Regards,
Chii Fei

Hi folks,

I felt quite bad that by discussing non transaction related stuff at the Buy Sell thread that I think we should move here. For those who know Darren, can persuade him to start a Classic Cameras section somewhere here whereby we can post the Buy Sell of classic film cameras and swap grandmothers' tales? On the other hand, if we were to use this Rangefinder and Compacts as a base, I really hope the regulars here would not jump man, so I apologize in advance for the intrusion. Seems that we(always talking about the film and classic cameras) are hogging the traffic there at the Buy/Sell and being drowned by the digital equipment. The amount of Nikon and Canon digital stuff being posted there really amazing...

Besides the lenses, bodies, I also have Leica and rare photography books to share with you folks. Hence, blur man, what directions to go to get organized and without imposing on the regulars here.

 

[alternatve]

I support this idea. I think a separate buy and sell section for the classic collection is better for everyone involved. It would be easier to find the classic stuff then sifting through all the digital cameras...

 

[Neo]

Hi Jazzguy,

I'm always overwhelmed by the super-collection of classics you have. Trust me, if I've loads of money sitting around, I'll buy over your entire collection instead of letting you split up the collection you amassed over such a long period into different homes!

I think instead of splitting up the buy/sell into a new classic section (I don't think it's a good idea as the digital regulars won't even pop in to take a look... making the situation worse), how about doing up articles on classic cameras? I'm sure after everyone is tired of chasing megapixels, a good number will seek to return to the roots with classic film cameras.

 

[The_Cheat]

Maybe we could form an analog photography group in CS that is inclusive of everything non-digital, from Classic RFs to MF and LF, to Lomography and pinhole cameras, darkroom printing and photograms production. Already, I saw a number of topics in MF, RF and Darkroom forums that are quite similar (mostly concerning about development of film though). And judging from the enthusiasm from the Lomography group, I don't think it's that far a jump also to include them in.

It would be wonderful to introduce classic cameras to people who are experimenting with "toy-camera" too. The expertise of you guys would come in handy when discussing about differing and out-of-production formats too (please refer to http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=246456 ).

I don't have much experiences about classic cameras though, except from reading (and drooling at) some articles from sites like Nakamura's photoethnography or Cameraquest sites. Would really really appreciate if there ever is a sharing session on classic cameras...

 

[jazzguy]

Thanks guys, for the wonderful support. I think in the whole B/S section, the film purists and collectors should take about 10% of the audience there. As of now, I have about 12 regulars whom they have been discussing with me actively on my equipment and my future offerings. Just last night, I just sold another Rolleiflex Aurum and a mintish Rolleicord VA, both in boxes without going through the B/S section first. So all in all, about 50 followers of classic cameras??

Remaining in the Buy n Sell section is fine, but sometimes, after I posted my stuff, some took 2 weeks before they found the postings(in the massive sea of digital cameras) and start to enquire. Thankfully, I have quite a number of bodies and lenses that are duplicates. So even when they call me up 2 to 3 weeks later, I have some equipment available that they were looking for. As of today, I still have people asking about the M2, M3 and M4 bodies and lenses even though I have not posted the M bodies for a couple of weeks.

I was thinking a new section so we can be more focused in our discussion, and maybe those active Singaporean folks at Rangefindeforum and photo.net will find their way here and join us. Right now, the rangefinder and compact forum is pretty quiet. Gone were the days when I met up with those lao chiao collectors and we talked for hours about the stuff we have. The excitement and enthusiasm are simply overwhelming. Its not only Leica, leica and leica we talked about. We discussed stuff like Retina IIIC, Aires, Realist Stereo, Minox, Miranda, Zunow, Exacta, Zeiss, Contax, Graflex and so forth. We offer trade in and trade out, trade up and trade down and salivate at rare findings. Can we replicate that same atmosphere and excitement and moments here? Its actually entirely up to us. Lets face it, digital will be here to stay but a few of us will always be around to maintain that yin and yang balance. Another idea is to incorporate the category of Classic Cameras in the Buy and Sell section. Well, even a Canon AE1 or FM2 could be considered a classic today

 

[tan131]

I may not have a collection, but rather, slowly starting my own collection. I have always been attracted to mechanical cameras instead of the fancy technology offered by the latest digital gizmos. In fact, sold my entire DSLR setup n settled for a small digital p&s n slowly starting to collect old cams. I would be interested in this proposed section so as to get to know more about these cams as well as knowledge on which cam to include in my collection. Count me in

 

[jazzguy]

Thanks again. Exactly my sentiments when I first started my hobby. Truly attracted to the mechanism and works of the fine classic cameras. Always asking myself how these germans darn smart and how meticulous the Japanese makers can replicate and improve on them. I was quite fascinated by Rollei, thats until I met Voigtlander Superb. Wow.... a class of its own. Very practical and smart design and even added color to their logo.

This is an answer to Parlin regarding the Russian cameras and stuff. I have not collected any Russians at all, and the closest thing to it is..... Have you guys heard of No Name Contax? Mine is the "No Name Contax" with the USSR Occupied Germany" engraving. That is the closest shave I have with the Cold War

 

[jazzguy]

Should I start another new thread on Classic Books on Classic Cameras?

Just for my curiousity sake, how many of you guys know about Dr Paul Wolff and Walter Benser? ...

 

[jazzguy]

Just to start the ball rolling, I will highlight some classic books I have on Leica and other classic cameras. Here goes 3 first.

╠ Leica World Edited And Designed By Jacquelyn Balish & Ernest G. Scarfone, 1st Edition 1957. New York: 172pp, hc, fully illus. Large format. Designed to show the breadth and depth of Leica photography through the eyes of the world's great photographers. Great plates, and illustrated guide to Leica models at back.

╠ My Leica And I; Leica Amateurs Show Their Pictures Edited By Kurt Peter Karfeld, 1937. This is the English edition distributed by E Leitz London showcasing amateurs' great pictures using Leicas.

╠ My Experience In Color Photography; 54 Full Color Plates By Dr. Paul Wolff, 1926.

About Dr. Paul Wolff

Dr. Paul Wolff started out by studying medicine, planning to become a doctor. In 1920, while exercising his profession, he came into contact with photography, and in 1926 was fortunate enough to win a Leica at a photographic exhibition in Frankfurt. Wolff became a pacesetter for 35mm photography in the realms of professional photography and photojournalism. He illustrated numerous books and wrote theoretical discourses on the use of the 35mm format. In doing so, he helped to make this format so popular for serious applications. In 1930 photography became his second profession. He taught many students how best to use a Leica, gave instructions on new perspectives and viewing angles, and in 1934 published his experiences in a book entitled My Experiences with the Leica and My First Ten Years with the Leica in 1935

Until recently, Wolff, who never specialized in a topic or concept, but who took pictures of everything he found interesting and suitable, has been mainly regarded a theoretician, technician, and image designer of photohistorical importance. But now the art world discovers the high quality of his photographs and begins to recognize him as one of the most interesting German photographers of the 1930s and 40s. Wolff made portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. He continued to photograph and to publish books on his use of the Leica camera until his death.

Walter Benser is also the assistant to Dr Wolff who were to become the Second Apostle of Leica. The first being Dr Wolff himself.

 

[student]

I use some "old" cameras, including a Voigtlanders RF, contax RF, Leica M, Linhof press. And of course I use films almost all the time! And I enjoy reading the history of photography, which include equipments!

But I do not think this subforum is a right place for buying and selling of such equipments. B&S should remain in the B&S subforum. But perhaps a separate section can be create for this.

It is feasible to create a section in this subforum for classic equipments, such as that column in the UK "Black & White Photography". What may be useful is to rethink the organisation of the Analog section.

 

[jazzguy]

I hope Darren is reading all these. Or can somebody let him know about these Hope he does not think I am the troublemaker man and kick me out

 

[The_Cheat]

I hope Darren is reading all these. Or can somebody let him know about these Hope he does not think I am the troublemaker man and kick me out

Nah! How could you be a troublemaker? You just enlightened us with two more names in the wonderful world of photography: Paul Wolff and Walter Benser.

 

[tan131]

Dr. Paul Wolff, read about him in Leica World. Anyway, i'll lend my support in pushing for a classic camera section jazzguy. Though the numbers may be small, I think SG's biggest photography forum should cater for such a niche n unique crowd. U think so Darren?

Jazzguy, until I have enough $ to get something from u, I will be satisfied with my Yashica GTN & Olympus XA

 

[alternatve]

I hope Darren is reading all these. Or can somebody let him know about these Hope he does not think I am the troublemaker man and kick me out

If he does anything at all, it would be to request you to write more about the history of cameras...

 

[jazzguy]

Thanks guys. These 3 books are so old that I have to wear a 3M N95 Bird flu mask when I am reading them Walter Benser's book "Better Colour" is very enjoyable to read, help us to see "photographically" if there is such a word. Walter Benser also was an apprentice at Leitz at 1929 later travelled around and gave lectures on photography. When the lights were off, there would be this guy in the dark corner to help him with operating the slide projector. This projectionist were later to become the Head of the Leica School USA in New Jersey: Walter Heun.

tan131: Olympus XA is very nice... just the XA and A16 flash. Back then when I was shooting with the papers, many of us will always bring a tiny camera along as a spare. The XA was our fav spare and I have a nice black pouch with the metal Olympus tag to go along with it. Love it so much that I owned 5 of them and sold 2 already.

 

[tan131]

tan131: Olympus XA is very nice... just the XA and A16 flash. Back then when I was shooting with the papers, many of us will always bring a tiny camera along as a spare. The XA was our fav spare and I have a nice black pouch with the metal Olympus tag to go along with it. Love it so much that I owned 5 of them and sold 2 already.

I don't realli care for the flash. But honestly, loved the size of the XA. I have the GTN but find the winding a tad too loud n size a bit too big. Built n lens quality cannot be fault for the price though Target would be to get a leica M & a 35mm

 

[Keng Yong]

Mike,

Your collection of classic cameras amazes me. I look forward to seeing more of you sharing your knowledge of them.

 

[jazzguy]

Its interesting that the Yashica RF is still so popular around. For budget RF, I wonder why German RF like Agfa Silette or American Argus C44 or even an Aires 35-IIIC(looks like a Leica M3 from far) are not popular here. I really hope to see more of them around in Singapore other than the FSU and Yashicas to add color and variety to our RF community here. I also wonder whether is there anyone here who owns a Asahi aka Pentax rangefinder. I have yet to hear anyone mention about it.

Thanks Keng Yong, me just an old man with a lot of time to kill in the past 15 years