Collectability factors

Age

The older the camera, the more its way of working is likely to be of interest. Although what has come to be recognised as the rst photograph was taken in 1826, the rst practical method of photography came with the daguerreotype process in 1839 and the cameras that used it. Cameras from this era are very collectable – and equally expensive. As are those from the following wet plate period. For the collector on a more realistic budget, collecting usually starts with dry plate cameras from the late 19th century until the 1950s, or 35mm and roll lm cameras from around 1900 until the dawn of the digital age.

Manufacturer

While most collectors go for a wide and often eclectic mix of cameras, some concentrate wholly on one manufacturer. Leitz is a favourite, with its Leica cameras, along with the huge range of lenses and accessories, all con ned to the 35mm format. Zeiss Ikon is another preference. The company was formed in 1926 by amalgamating four other companies that go back much further and who, between them, made a vast range of different camera types, many of which continued to be made by Zeiss. Other names that attract single-minded collectors include Rollei, Canon, Ensign, Nikon, Voigtländer, Kodak and more.

Landmarks

Whatever make or type of camera, there was always a rst: the rst Leica/Rollei ex/ Canon/Minolta/Olympus/Nikon, the rst SLR, the rst twin lens re ex, the rst SLR with an eye-level view nder, the rst camera with through-the-lens metering, the rst SLR with an instant return mirror, the rst instant camera, the rst 35mm/16mm/120/127 lm cameras… all these factors and more make certain cameras landmarks. And if it’s a landmark, it’s worth acquiring.

Rarity

Some cameras were only ever made in limited numbers. Others failed to stand the test of time with few still existing. Very occasionally only one version of a particular camera was made. Whatever the reason, such cameras are rare and rarity is collectable. Collectors might not like to admit it, but they do enjoy obtaining a camera that no one else owns or, better still, has never before seen. The French Maton is a perfect example. Inside, an angled mirror re ected the image from the lens through 90 degrees and down onto paper-backed lm running along the base of the body. With the addition of a suitable light source, it also acted as a projector. It was made in 1930 and few have survived.

Early plate and film cameras c.1903: No.3 Eastman Plate Camera (left) and Butcher Carbine for roll film

Just four of the vast range of different types of camera made by Zeiss Ikon, left to right: Ikoflex III roll film TLR, Contarex 35mm SLR, Kolibri 127 film camera and Super Ikonta 120 film folding camera

Three notable firsts: Leica I, first viable 35mm camera; original Rolleiflex, first compact roll film TLR; and Noviflex, first 6x6cm roll film SLR

The rare Maton camera