Posted 14 years ago
LS3232
(6 items)
Hi all,
Found this camera in an attic. As you can see its pretty dirty and old. I tried to open it but it is alittle tough to open and I am afraid to break it. Any one have any ideas?
Thanks,
LS :)
I'm no expert, but I would think the center section (the part with the handle) should be able to be pulled away from the front section, along the folded-down rear section. Not to insult your intelligence, but did you try loosening the knobs?
If you still can't get it open, I think you should send it to me! :o)
I found out it is a Eastman Clinical Camera, however I am still trying to find out the exact model and year it was made. Any help is always appreciated.
Thanks,
L
This is a "Korona Home Portrait Camera" made by the Gundlach Optical Company. Although it closely resembles many of the other Korona models, the scalloped blocks of wood in front are specific to the Home Portrait. It was offered from c.1915 to the 1930s. It's difficult to pin down the exact year because construction details changed very little over time.
The nickel plated hardware is somewhat thin and often 'cold-welded,' making it difficult to open. Maybe carefully apply penetrating oil to loosen up the parts. However if you find the bellows has dried out and very stiff, don't force - that's another problem.
BTW, the lens board is mounted backwards (the rear is facing outward). Try reversing it and I suspect you will find a lens/shutter combination of some form.
Thanks Rrniederman! My Husband has opened it before it has a kodak lens inside. It does not appear to be original to the camera. The bellows are unfortunately ripped as well. The home this camera came from housed a surgeon from I believe the 30's. We have a manual, from the same home, on a clinical camera and looking at images of eastman clinical cameras they looked the same as this one and that is what led us to think that it was a clinical camera. I am going to try and clean it up a bit and post more pctures.
Hello,
I have been gifted a huge wooden camera with leather bellows. Currently in storage so exact measurments are not readily at hand but the camera body is approximately 3 ft in ht x 3 ft w x 5 ft lgth (bellows extended). Again I'm guessing but the camera body is probably 60-80 lbs. It mounts onto a 9 ft steel dual rail system. The camera bottom has concave wheels to fit the rails much like those on a work truck on the railroad. On one end of the railing is a fixed stand(aprox 3 ft x 3 ft x 5 inches) with a glass face in which a map can be placed for photographing copies. I was told by the person who gave it to me that it was a Navy map reproduction camera.
Very interesting camera so I am starting my quest for more information. Would you be able to tell me where to start? Obviously I need to look for a manufacturer's label or any info listed on the camera body, but I just found you in my initial search and thought if you were at all familiar with this monster it might be smart to ask. I would be happy to get some pics of it if you'd be interested or if it would help you to answer specifics. I'm just not sure if this is a common item or rare.
Any info would be very appreciated. Thanks for your time and I am really enjoying your site. J