The first edition of Price Guide to Antique & Classic Still Cameras was published in 1974. Since that time, this guide has been the single most complete and accurate reference guide to cameras in the world. The first edition included 1000 cameras. This Eleventh Edition now includes over 25 times that number. Not only has it been expanded to include more camera models, but we have made every effort to expand the information given for the individual cameras, providing dates and historical information wherever possible. The tenth edition had 3500 photos. For this edition, we have replaced most of the photographs, and now have over 6000 illustrations of much better and more consistent quality. Each new edition of this guide has made significant improvements over the last. In addition to reporting on the cameras which are routine merchandise for dealers, we try to ferret out the cameras that are not listed in any of the standard reference works. In this edition, you will find many cameras that do not appear in any other reference book. We hope you enjoy them.

WHERE ARE PRICES GOING?
The last few years of the century saw economic trouble in Japan and other oriental countries. Prices for many cameras plummeted as oriental collectors curtailed their buying. With recovery underway in the orient, prices for the better items have bounced back, but many medium-priced and lower-priced items have not recovered. In the 2001-2002 guide, some prices are lower than the previous edition. We will need some time to see which types will recover and which may simply have fallen from favor. We now have an increasingly competitive environment among the collectors in Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, USA, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Leica prices are still very strong, and Japan is once again contributing to that strength. Nikon rangefinder cameras continue to sell at very high levels. Early Nikon F cameras have become popular and have spiraled upward in price. Alpa has dropped back slightly from the peak prices of 1997, but still remains strong. Leica copies, once a poor man's substitute, have become in many cases more valuable than the real Leicas they imitated.

The general trend in collecting is toward the high quality, sophisticated cameras of postwar period (1945-1970's). Japan played an increasingly dominant role in camera production during this period. Quite apart from the mainstream market of chrome and leather machines, there are isolated individuals and groups who continue to discover beautiful wood, brass, and leather antique cameras. The value of many older cameras is relatively stable. There are not enough of these "antiques" to support a new generation of weekend camera dealers. One might even suspect that collectors of the older cameras have a fondness for cameras that is not directly related to cash. Early, rare, historically important cameras are seen less often, but so too are collectors and dealers who recognize them. There is some evidence that this segment of the market is beginning to grow again.

Rare, early cameras have set new record prices in recent years at auction, but that market is very thin. Low reserve prices have led to spiraled competition and high prices achieved. On the other hand, high reserve prices have had the opposite effect, often causing all prospective bidders to shun some very important pieces.

Collectors have become increasingly aware of condition. A camera which is not clean and attractive becomes difficult to sell. A few cameras escape this scrutiny if they are extremely rare, but ordinary "merchandise" had better be clean, and preferably functioning as well.

Some camera types have done well in recent years. Any color other than black demands a premium. Box cameras (except ordinary black ones) are finally getting off the ground. Rare and desirable ones now command good prices. Colored box cameras, those with art-deco styling, unusually shaped plastic ones, etc. have been picked up by the demand/supply ratio. Europe is still ahead of the USA in this regard. Also worth noting: some art-deco cameras have brought considerably better prices in the art market than in the traditional camera collectors' circles. Kodak cameras have increased in popularity around the world. The plastic "Star" series cameras, once relegated to the box under the table, have been bringing good prices in Australia, especially when they are with original box.

RUSSIAN & SOVIET CAMERAS
For many years, Soviet cameras were not too common in Western Europe, and rarely if ever seen in the United States. This phenomenon of the "Cold War" has suddenly been reversed. The Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc countries have suddenly opened their walls. Many Soviet cameras once considered extremely rare are appearing in record numbers at collector fairs and in camera shops throughout Europe and in the United States. Prices on many Soviet cameras dropped rapidly during the 1990's with the new supply. Supply and demand, however, have stabilized prices in recent years. Some Russian cameras may still be rare, but not necessarily the same ones which were formerly regarded as such.

To further damage the long-term market for Russian/Soviet cameras, there are great quantities of "fakes". Any camera with special finish or special engraving is more likely to be a fake than a genuine artifact. There is an organized cartel of Russian and Polish dealers creating a steady stream of "collectible" cameras. In the process, they have ruined some cameras that had historical value, and transformed them into gold-plated or specially engraved junk. This practice will continue as long as collectors and dealers encourage it. Provenance will be all-important, because lies and made-up stories come free with every camera.

Some of the fakes are laughable, such as a "Luxus" Leica with a 4-digit serial number and WWII military markings. Not all fakes are so obvious (4-digit Leicas were out of production before Hitler came to power; military cameras were not "Luxus", etc. etc.) There are many gold-plated (brass-plated), custom-engraved "Fed" cameras appearing at every camera fair. Whether they are engraved "Leica" or "Bildberichter", "Luftwaffe" or "Lufthansa" or any other imaginative name, with swastika, eagle, or other designs, these are invariably junk made only to sell to unwary collectors. At camera fairs, most dealers freely admit that these are fakes. But we have seen them offered and sold on eBay without any warnings, and indeed with false claims about their origins.

"HOT" AND "COLD" MARKETS IN THE NEW MILLENIUM
Since the mid-1990's, Nikon has taken the lead as the wild speculative rising star. There was a "feeding frenzy" encouraged by a small but determined number of collectors and dealers. The collector base has widened and the prices have firmed up at these higher levels. Nikon now stands with Leica at the top of the collector pyramid.

Alpa cameras experienced a boom about 1997, partly due to a specialty club in Japan. Prices have softened slightly, but seem to have stabilized. Demand for Alpa cameras is still good, and supply has always been limited.

Subminiature cameras have shown continued strength. Christie's landmark "Subminiature" auction in December 1991 set many new price records. The ripple effect of this auction is still being felt, and subminiature prices remain solid.

ADVICE TO NEW COLLECTORS
Our advice to collectors would depend entirely on your motives for collecting. If you are concerned with collecting as an investment, you should concentrate on the more rare and unusual camera models, which will naturally require more capital and expertise. If you are collecting primarily for the enjoyment of it, you should follow the dictates of your interest and budget. Many of the lower-priced cameras offer an inexpensive hobby, and often this is a good place to start. Depending on where you live, assembling a collection of Kodak, Coronet, or Agfa cameras could be relaxing and enjoyable, because many of the cameras can be found easily at modest prices. Most collectors start out with a general interest that often becomes more defined and specialized as they continue in collecting. If you are dealing in cameras to make a profit, you must maintain close contact with the market. Find your own niche and remain within your area of expertise. By following the market closely, you can make a profit from its ordinary fluctuations, and by knowing your customers' interests.

All prices in this edition have been updated. They are as current as possible, and data has been weighted toward the most recent figures. However, we have also retained the stabilizing influence of the last 10 year price record of each camera to prevent the "overshooting" which can occur in a less researched effort. Our prices tend to follow the long-term trends more accurately in the same way that a viscous-damped compass maintains a smooth heading.

The information and data in this edition is based on hundreds of thousands of verifiable sales, trades, offers, and auction bids. It is a reference work -- a research report. The prices do not tell you what I think the camera is worth, but they tell you what a lot of former owners and present owners thought it was worth at the moment of truth. That is the essence of "McKeown's Law" which states: "The price of an antique camera is entirely dependent upon the moods of the buyer and seller at the time of the transaction."

Several corollaries have been added to this general philosophy of collecting.
1. "If you pass up the chance to buy a camera you really want, you will never have that chance again."
2. "If you buy a camera because you know you will never have the chance again, a better example of the same camera will be offered to you a week later for a much lower price."
3. "The intrinsic value of an antique or classic camera is directly proportional to the owner's certainty that someone else wants it."

These observations should always be taken into account when applying McKeown's Law.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THIS GUIDE:
All cameras are listed by manufacturers in alphabetical order. A few cameras are listed by model name if we were not sure of the manufacturer. Generally, the cameras of each manufacturer are in alphabetical order, but occasionally we have grouped them by type, size, date of introduction, or other sequence appropriate to the situation.

Photos usually appear immediately above the boldface heading which describes that camera. For layout reasons, this is not always possible. At times, when the text continues to another column, the photograph appears in the middle of the paragraph that describes it. When the photo does not fit with the text, it is captioned in italic typeface, and a note at the end of the text gives the location of the photo. When a photo of one camera is placed at the end of a column where it splits the text of another camera, we have tried to set it apart visually with a simple bold line. Following these standards allows the normal boldface heading to double as a caption for most photos, thus saving a great deal of space. Captioning all 6500 photos would have required an additional 75 pages!

We have used different type faces to make the guide easier to follow. The pattern is as follows:

CONDITION OF CAMERAS
A camera in mint cosmetic condition, but not functioning may be perfectly acceptable to a collector who will put it on the shelf. On the other hand, a user may not care much about the appearance as long as it works. We strongly support the use of a uniform two-part grading system for appearance and operation of cameras. It should be implemented on a world-wide scale with the cooperation of price guides, collector publications and societies, auction houses and dealers.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD CONDITION SCALE
In an effort to establish an international standard for describing condition, we proposed the following scale. We have purposely used a combination of a number and a letter to avoid any confusion with other grading systems already in use. Condition of a camera should be given as a single digit followed by a letter. The number represents cosmetic condition and the letter gives functional condition. This system has been adopted by the Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain and by Christie's South Kensington.

GRADE---COSMETIC CONDITION
0 - New merchandise, never sold. In original box, with warranties.
1 - AS NEW. Never used. Same as new, but no manufacturer's warranty. With box or original packaging.
2 - No signs of wear. If it had a box, you wouldn't be able to tell it from new.
3 - Very minimal signs of wear.
4 - Signs of light use, but not misuse. No other cosmetic damage.
5 - Complete, but showing signs of normal use or age.
6 - Complete, but showing signs of heavy use. Well used.
7 - Restorable. Some refinishing necessary. Minor parts may be broken or missing.
8 - Restorable. Refinishing required. May be missing some parts.
9 - For parts only, or major restoration if a rare camera.

GRADE---FUNCTIONAL CONDITION
A - AS NEW. Everything functioning perfectly, with factory and/or dealer warranty.
B - AS NEW. Everything functioning perfectly, but not warranted by factory. Seller fully guaranties functioning.
C - Everything functioning. Recently professionally cleaned, lubricated, overhauled and fully guaranteed.
D - Everything functioning. Recently professionally cleaned, or overhauled, but no longer under warranty.
E - Everything functioning. Major functions have recently been professionally tested.
F - Not recently cleaned, lubed, or overhauled. Fully functioning, but accuracy of shutter or meter not guaranteed.
G - Fully functioning. Shutter speeds and/or meter probably not accurate. Needs adjusting or cleaning only.
H - Usable but not fully. Shutter may stick on slow speeds. Meter may not work.
J - NOT USABLE without repair or cleaning. Shutter, meter, film advance may be stuck, jammed, or broken.
K - Probably not repairable.

In this system, an average camera would be rated as 5F. A camera rated as 3G would mean cosmetically showing minimal signs of wear, but with questionable accuracy of meter or shutter. Thus a very specific description of condition fits in a small amount of space, and eliminates the problems which have been associated with word or letter descriptions which do not allow distinctions between cosmetic and functional condition. To be even more specific, users may wish to expand the cosmetic grade by using a second digit. Thus "56B" would mean cosmetic condition somewhere between grade 5 and 6, guaranteed to be functioning properly.

Since we proposed this system, Camera Shopper magazine and some dealers have adopted a similar system, but with the numerical values reversed so that 10 is the top grade. If buying any camera without inspecting it, be sure you know what grading system is in use.

Generally speaking, condition will affect prices as follows. However, these are only approximations. Condition affects price differently on various types and ages of cameras. Suggested allowances below are given as percentages of the listed price.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER GRADING SYSTEMS:
The following chart compares the Cosmetic portion of the international standard condition grading system with some of the common word or letter descriptions currently in use. These comparisons are approximate and are provided only to help users move to the international system more easily. The last column in the table shows in general terms how condition will affect prices. However, these are only approximations. Condition affects price differently on various types and ages of cameras. The suggested allowances below are given as percentages of the listed price. We have not made any comparisons with the other "10-based" systems, because there are too many variations in use by individual dealers. Indeed, we have seen scales where 10 is the top grade and 8 is the worst. In our opinion, such grading methods are intentionally deceptive.

*SA = American advertisements

McKeown/PCCGBChristie’s	*SA	German auctions	% of the listed price
0	N	-	150%-250%
1	LN	-	130%-150%
2	M	A	120%-140%
3	M-	AB	115%-130%
4	E+	B	110%-120%
5	E	C	95%-115%
6	VG	CD	80%-110%
7	G	D	55%-85%
8	F	E	30%-60%
9	P	-	10%-30%

Any missing or loose parts should be specifically noted. Use of (-) after a condition number or letter means that it meets the standard except for minor condition AS DESCRIBED in adjoining comment. Use of (+) means it exceeds this condition standard, but doesn't qualify for next higher rating.

If your camera has missing or broken parts, it will take another similar parts camera to make it whole. Value formula: Parts camera 1 + Parts camera 2 + Labor = price of complete camera.

Sometimes collectors are more lenient in applying these standards to older and more rare cameras, and more strict in applying them to newer or more common models. This is somewhat self-defeating. If you describe a camera as "very good condition considering its age", you are adding a personal judgment that old cameras should be judged by a different set of standards. Even though most cameras of that age may show some signs of age, the fact that it is old does nothing to improve its condition.

INTERPRETATION OF PRICE FIGURES:
All price figures are in United States Dollars. Prices apply to cameras in condition range 5 according to the standards previously set forth. This is the most common condition in which cameras are found and collected, thus it makes the most useful standard. To determine the value of a particular camera, the user of this guide should consider any variation from this condition when assessing it and vary his value estimate accordingly.

Unless specifically stated "body only", the prices relate to a camera with normal lens, back, and whatever else might be part of its normal operating state.

The lower priced items in this guide and on the market tend to be slightly over-priced, simply because the cost and bother of advertising, selling, and shipping an $5.00 item is not much different from the same costs and efforts to sell an item valued for hundreds or thousands of dollars. The middle priced items show the most accurate prices. They are the most commonly traded; they are in large supply, and thus the market is very stable. The higher priced cameras of any particular style, brand, or age tend to be the most volatile, because there is both limited supply and limited demand.

DON'T EXPECT TO GET "BOOK PRICE" FROM A DEALER
If you have one or two cameras for sale and expect to get top book price for them from a dealer, you would do well to consider the situation from the dealer's viewpoint. In order to resell your camera, he has to repair and guarantee it. He must rent a table at camera shows, print and mail a list, and defend his price to buyers who want to pay no more than the low book price. After your camera goes unsold for a few months and shows a bit more wear from prospective buyers handling it, he wholesales it to another dealer for half price in trade for something else to sell. Often a camera passes through the hands of 4 or 5 dealers, before it finds that one elusive buyer who pays the "top price". The less valuable and more common your camera is, the more you have to learn from this example. If you indeed have an extremely rare or valuable camera, do not worry. The dealers will literally fight over it. This is a very competitive field.

PRICES OF CAMERAS IN JAPAN AND EUROPE
In some cases we have made price distinctions for the same camera in different markets such as USA, Europe, England, Germany, Japan, etc. Obviously there will be differences on other cameras where we have not made such notations. First of all, it should be made clear that the base price of most cameras is that at which it can generally be purchased in the country where it is most often available. For many simple cameras, this is the country of origin. However, since most cameras were imported into the USA, they can generally be found there for as low a price as anywhere in the world. The price difference between countries for inexpensive cameras is normally negligible and has not been noted in this guide except for particular models where a difference of more than shipping cost seems to be consistently encountered. Prices for many quality Japanese cameras are higher in Europe than in the USA. This is due to the fact that more of these cameras were originally imported into the USA. With a smaller supply in Europe, competition among collectors is greater.

HOW OUR PRICES ARE DETERMINED
We monitor and analyze prices from many varied sources worldwide, including traders publications, dealers lists, public auctions, internet auctions, and trade shows. Our database includes hundreds of thousands of transactions for each new edition, plus the accumulated base from previous editions. Although our formulas are proprietary, a few words may indicate why our statistics do not always reflect your own observations. You read a trader publication regularly and Camera X generally seems to be advertised at $275 to $325. Your keen mind stores this for recall. Our computer does also. There is a good chance that the SAME ITEM has appeared for sale several times. Thus a price at which an item does not sell appears in print more often than a realistic price. In the case of the real Camera X, one dealer started offering it at $450. After over a year of advertising, the same camera was still being offered for $250 when we went to press. Many other confirmed sales worldwide tell us that Camera X regularly sells for $125-175. Eventually, the dealer whose ads you have been reading may sell his overpriced camera to a buyer who has become accustomed to seeing it advertised at $300 and thinks it a bargain when it appears for $250. Our computer has a long memory which tracks individual cameras offered by dealers until they sell. "Unsold" prices are not data except as evidence of a price ceiling.

Our prices represent the normal range for the largest share of the cameras sold. Our prices are based on extensive research, not guesswork. We are not dealers in cameras, because we view that to be a conflict of interest.

EXCHANGE RATES
The prices in this guide represent average prices in the worldwide market. There are distinct variations from these figures in particular markets. Some cameras are more common in one country than another. Collectors' interests are different in various parts of the world, and "trends" or "fads" affect different markets at different times. However, none of the world's markets are closed to outside influence, and the fluctuations have a tendency to level off on a world wide scale. A higher price in one country will tend to draw more cameras to that area and the world price rises until that demand eventually becomes satisfied. All values are expressed in U.S. Dollars. Because exchange rates vary continually, we will not confuse our readers with computer-generated conversions based on an arbitrary day's rate.

As a general frame of reference, and for historical reasons, we are providing a chart listing the exchange rates for the U.S. Dollar values of the indicated currencies as of January 5, 2001. Multiplying these factors* times the U.S. Dollar price gives the value in the foreign currencies.

	USD/Unuits	Units/USD
AUD	.5654	*1.768
ATS	.0690	*14.49
CAD	.6680	*1.497
CHF	.6227	*1.605
DEM	.4854	*2.06
ESP	.00364	*274.72
EUR	.9492	*1.05
FRF	.1447	*6.91
GPB	1.50	*.666
ITL	.000490	*2040.81
JPY	.008642	*115.71
NLG	.4308	*2.32
SEK	.1069	*9.35

NOTE:
Unless otherwise specified, auction prices given in this guide are "hammer" prices, not including commissions and taxes paid by the buyer. Because the expenses paid by the buyer and the vendor are approximately equal, the hammer price represents a logical average between the net realized by the seller and the gross paid by the buyer.

SELLING YOUR CLASSIC CAMERAS:
Whether you have a single camera for sale, or a large collection, whether you are an individual, a dealer, or a collector, there are several established means to sell collectible cameras. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. One method may be best for one of your cameras and another method better for another camera.

AUCTIONS
Advantages - It will sell. It will be gone. You will get paid. Very rare cameras often fetch prices higher than expected. A low estimate or reserve usually brings more bidders and a higher sale price.
Disadvantages - Waiting period, usually several months, required to catalog items and prepare the sale. Commission (often more than offset by higher price realized). A high estimate sometimes discourages any bidding. When the item reappears in a subsequent auction at a lower price, the potential buyers often remember it and abstain from bidding.

INTERNET AUCTIONS
Five years ago, this was not an option. Now it accounts for a large part of the collectible and used camera market.
Advantages - Speed. Typically, your item is sold in one week, and you receive payment within a few days. Low commissions. Wide audience. Millions of people monitor the eBay auctions. Buyers search for specific items. Auction fever sometimes brings surprising prices (as it does at live auctions).
Disadvantages - Some esoteric items do not find enough sophisticated buyers. We do not know of any world record prices achieved for cameras online. You do all the work of describing the item, photographing it, listing the item and posting the photo. For a low-value camera, the result may not be in proportion to the effort. But selling a low-value camera by any method usually involves a disproportionate amount of effort. One disadvantage of buying on the internet auctions is the time spent looking over the thousands of offerings. And when you find that special item, you may not be the only one to find it. Prices can skyrocket in the last few seconds due to "sniping", and you can end up losing an item you thought you would get.

DEALERS
Advantages - Immediate sale and payment. No waiting for an ultimate buyer. Dealers pay good prices for unusual items. Sometimes dealers pay more than you could otherwise get, because they have a specialized client base in areas you could not easily reach. (Dealers often buy & sell to each other to benefit from this specialization.) No commissions deducted from sale price.
Disadvantages - Dealers must buy at a discount from what they consider retail. (This is not always a disadvantage, because they often have clients in a higher retail market than you might reach alone.) Some dealers will not make offers; you must have a price in mind. If you request offers from more than one dealer, you are effectively conducting your own auction. This is a game that gets very tiresome to dealers, and they may not wish to make offers at all. Because you are initiating the "auction game", some dealers will not begin with their best price, and you may have to "shop around" to several dealers, even returning for second bids.

CAMERA FAIRS, FLEA MARKETS -
Advantages - No middleman. You keep the full price paid. (This may be more of a psychological than actual advantage after considering time & expenses.) Opportunity to mix with other collectors, share enthusiasm. Possible trades, upgrades, or purchases for your own collection or stock.
Disadvantages - Many hidden expenses, often more than a dealer's discount or auction commission. Table or stall rental fees. No guarantee of sales. You may carry an item for months or years, as some dealers also do. Wear & tear on cameras can be devastating.

DISTRIBUTING LISTS
Advantages - Reach a wide market by mail, without time & expense of fairs. No handling of cameras before you sell.
Disadvantages - Potential buyers limited by size of mailing list. Cost of printing & mailing lists. Customers can not see merchandise before buying. Generally requires you to guarantee satisfaction or refund.

CLASSIFIED ADS
Advantages - Choose your publication to reach specific target audience. Club newsletters, commercial camera trading magazines, etc. Generally low cost, especially for just a few items.
Disadvantages - Time lag for publication and sale. Sale not assured, especially if you are holding out for top price. (However, sale is relatively certain if the item is really priced to sell.)

REPRODUCTIONS OF CAMERAS
As camera prices increase, so do the numbers of fakes, reproductions, and misrepresentations. For years, many collectors and dealers have known about the existence of these fakes, but instead of sharing their knowledge, they have kept their information "secret". We would like to make this information public to protect our readers and fellow collectors. We understand and accept that reproductions of rare cameras are important for museum and collection displays. We do not accept that any of these should be misrepresented and sold as originals. We have several choices. If there is room in collecting for both the collectors and the criminals, then no problem exists. Criminals are driving collectors away from their hobby. We feel that it should be the collectors who drive the criminals away. All we need do is share our information to keep fellow collectors from being misled.

The best known makers of reproductions, restorations, fakes and frauds are:

Luc Bertrand - Belgium. A craftsman who restores and reproduces cameras. Reproduces metal cameras well, and also makes wooden cameras which are quite difficult to distinguish from originals. He reproduces rare cameras in very small quantities, for his own collection and for private collectors and museums. In his favor, it must be said that he marks his reproductions with his initials and date. Unfortunately, they have sometimes been misrepresented by others as originals. Pre-1989 reproductions were all done in very small series, usually 1 to 4 examples, of which Bertrand normally kept one in his own collection. Sometimes the others have a serial number 1 to 4 in addition to the "LB" or "BL" and date code. After 1989, Bertrand identifies his reproductions with a small "LFB" monogram stamped into the wood or metal. As of 1990, Bertrand had reproduced only about six cameras in series. Another fifteen or so were made in single examples for his personal collection. As of mid-1990, Bertrand stated that he had made a total of 35 replicas, half of which were still in his possession. Restorations by Bertrand are stamped also with his initials and date, on the part of the camera which has been restored.

Mr. Bertrand has been kind enough to give us samples of his monogram stampings so that we may make them public. This is an honest effort to keep any of his reproductions from being misrepresented.

Greenborough - We have not met nor spoken with Mr. Greenborough, and so our report is based on information from other collectors. Reportedly, he and his wife are both Polish, but living in Germany. Apparently he does not make cameras himself, but has had copies made of historical cameras, and has also marketed imaginative designs of recent inspiration. According to our sources, he has the copies made in Poland. It is our understanding that these copies are not identified as such, and that many are subsequently offered for sale as original cameras, either through ignorance or deceit. One source indicates that he may no longer be operating in this business. Cameras attributed to Greenborough include: Leica 250, Minox Cigarette Lighter, Ticka Watch Camera (Taschenuhr Camera), Leica Luxus, John Player Cigarette package cameras.

Oberlaender - The late Rolf Oberlaender made replicas of some famous cameras, including the Doppel Sport (pigeon-borne aerial camera), and the "Photo Carnet" version of Dr. Kruegener's Taschenbuch Kamera. Some of these replicas are nearly indistinguishable from originals. We are not aware of any special markings on the pigeon cameras, and know of several cases where they have been represented and sold as originals. At least one of the Photo Carnet cameras was identified as a replica with the letter "R" after the serial number on the spine. It was resold at Christie's in December 1991. At the same sale, an example of the Doppel-Sport replica was sold. Both of these were properly described by Christie's as replicas.

Both Greenborough and Oberlaender creations have been sold directly or indirectly to some of the most knowledgeable and respected collectors in the world. These and other reproductions have been integrated into major collections without notice being made as to their origin. They have been resold as originals, either by intent or through ignorance. A number of otherwise respected dealers have actively supported the counterfeiters by selling the forgeries as a part of their normal business, generally without admitting any knowledge of the origin of the goods, and often with a story which implies authenticity of the counterfeit goods.

Counterfeit cameras are often aged artificially.

THE FOLLOWING CAMERAS ARE KNOWN OR ALLEGED TO EXIST IN REPRODUCTION OR OUTRIGHT FORGERY:

BEN AKIBA - Cane-handle camera. Copies have been made by Oberlaender.

BERTSCH (small model). While we know of no examples of the large model being reproduced, there are definitely copies of the smaller one. Bertrand produced four examples, including two different magazine designs.

BRINS MONOCULAR CAMERA - At least four reproductions have been made by Luc Bertrand. Some have his initials and date (e.g. "BL82") stamped inside, but not all have been properly identified as reproductions by resellers. Reproductions likely outnumber originals on the market.

BUTCHER'S ROYAL MAIL POSTAGE STAMP CAMERA - Reproductions have been made in India in the mid-1980's, and offered to photographica dealers for resale. At least one reputable London dealer refused to buy any unless the maker promised to mark all of his creations distinctly as reproductions. The maker refused, and unmarked replicas have appeared on the market. These often lack a strap. The 'W. Butcher & Sons' identity disc of the side may be missing or of very poor manufacture with indistinct pressing.

CARL ZEISS JENA CONTAX - There have been a number of fakes. Some from the early 1990's were detectable by their non-brass backs. In the mid-1990's, it became more complicated. Contaxes without Jena markings appeared with brass backs; Jena-marked cameras appeared with the inexpensive non-brass backs. It became difficult to determine what was genuine and what was concocted. These were mixed up with fake Jena Contaxes of various quality, even some made from Kievs. Future scholars will have difficulty sorting the truth from the fiction in determining the story of the evolution of the Contax.

CONTAX "for China" - have originated from sources known for forgeries.

CONTAX (Kriegsmarine) - At least two know examples originated in Moscow and were offered on the market about 1994. Authenticity is questionable.

CONTAX (sand-colored) - There exists a genuine sand-colored Contax, sometimes called the "Rommel-Contax" because of its desert sand color. However, there are counterfeits made by Greenborough. At least 5 or 6 counterfeits have appeared. Generally the sand coloring comes off easily, revealing the ordinary chrome underneath.

DE NECK PHOTO CHAPEAU - Four reproductions made by Bertrand, of which at least two were sold.

ENJALBERT PHOTO REVOLVER - Three known reproductions by Bertrand.

ENJALBERT TOURISTE - Copies exist from Bertrand.

FED STEREO LENSES - (copy of Leica Stemar) have appeared on the collector market. Although of very good quality, these are 100% new, not original Fed equipment.

FOTAL - Some copies have been offered on the market at about DM 2000. Source of manufacture unconfirmed.

JOHN PLAYER CIGARETTE PACKAGE - Reportedly made in Warsaw, Poland by a Mr. Kaminski. Although sometimes reputed to have been used by the KGB as spy cameras, we have seen no credible substantiating evidence. Most likely, these were designed and executed for the collector market.

KRUEGENER TASCHENBUCH (Photo-Livre Mackenstein) - Copies have been made and sold which are somewhat crude reproductions. However, if the buyer is not familiar with the original, he could be misled by an unscrupulous seller. Other replicas are of good quality and could easily be mistaken for originals. At least one example made by Oberlaender is identified with the letter "R" (for Replica) stamped after the serial number on the spine.

LANCASTER WATCH CAMERA - Reproductions exist. Source unconfirmed.

LEICA CAMERAS IN GENERAL - The caveat "buyer beware" applies across all Leica models. There is a lot of refinishing of original models to improve their appearance, and the conversion of chrome to black models where this can increase the value. Black Leica IIIg models have been faked (sometimes with the three-crowns logo, sometimes without).

LEICA (Anastigmat) - The Leica A Anastigmat camera is one of the rarest of Leicas. Fakes have been made, and even the lens has been sold separately. One American dealer advertised a genuine one for sale and listed its serial number in the ad. Shortly thereafter, the same serial number began to appear on fake ones.

LEICA I Elmax - Nine of ten on the market today are fakes. Lens probably started as an Elmar, then the name ground down, refilled and reengraved. These are nearly impossible to detect without removing the lens and inspecting it under a microscope to count the lens elements. Elmar is a 4-element lens and Elmax is a 5-element lens. Bodies are normally genuine.

LEICA LUXUS (gold models) - Counterfeits have allegedly been made by Greenborough, using "correct" serial numbers. Several different cameras bearing identical serial numbers have been sold to unwitting collectors. One example was offered by a well-known dealer to a shop in Brussels. The shop owner checked with the factory to verify if the number was correct. It was, so he bought the camera. Subsequently, Leitz had several other inquiries regarding the same serial number, and it was determined that multiple copies existed using that same number.) Knowledgeable collectors are well aware of the existence of numerous gold Leicas originating in Poland and finding their way to the West and Japan, earlier through East Berlin. Several years ago, a genuine luxus camera, verified by the factory, was sold at Auktionshaus Cornwall in Cologne. Within six months, a fake with the same serial number had also appeared on the market. Russian "Fed" cameras have also been engraved with Leica markings and gold plated for sale to the collector market. Most "Luxus" Leica cameras on the market are fakes.

"ADENAUER" LEICA - Reportedly at least 3 fakes are in circulation, but the original resides in the Adenauer Museum.

LEICA 250 REPORTER - Once thought to be a safe investment among Leica classics because of the difficulty of duplicating the body casting. This is no longer true. Fake Leica Reporters are now a staple in the Polish economy.

LEITZ RIGID SUMMICRON LENS - One Leica dealer has reportedly made more of these than E. Leitz.

MARION METAL MINIATURE - maker unknown.

MINOX A LUXUS - Genuine examples have a patterned finish to the metal. Some normal models have been plated and have a smooth surface. These are easily spotted. Reportedly, there also exist some reproductions with patterned metal cases, presumably with genuine Minox working parts.

MINOX IN CIGARETTE LIGHTER - First appeared about early 1990. It consists of a normal Minox camera in a chunky gold-plated housing which also contains a butane lighter. There are several minor variations. It has been represented as a KGB camera, but is a totally modern curosity without historical significance.

NEUBRONNER PIGEON CAMERA - Several came on the market about 1989. Probably Oberlaender reproductions.

RING CAMERAS - A number of cameras disguised as finger rings appeared on the market in the mid-1980's, sometimes attributed to the KGB. The actual source is uncertain, but reportedly somewhere in Poland. A new series began to appear in the mid-1990's, mostly brass finish and of poor quality. These reportedly came from St. Petersburg, and seem to be bad copies of the Polish fakes. Even more recently there have been some ring cameras with a hinged "fox head", or other hinged top. These are also poor quality novelty items, not legitimate spy cameras. We have added descriptions and some photos under the general heading "RING CAMERAS" in the 11th edition.

SCENOGRAPHE - Reproductions exist, including the name on the bellows. Bertrand has made one for his own collection, but allegedly no others. We have heard reports of reproduced Scenographe cameras, but have not seen them and have no documentation.

SLIDING-BOX WET-PLATE CAMERAS - Beginning about the late 1980's, some fake/replica sliding-box cameras began showing up on collector fairs and auctions. They have generally been in the 5x4" and quarter-plate sizes. The bodies are reproductions, but they are usually fitted with early lenses. Normally they do not have darkslides. Experience is the only guide to authenticity.

SPORT (CNOPM) - Sport (Cnopm) cameras in green finish have been made for the collector market.

SUTTON PANORAMIC CAMERA - One was made and sold by Bertrand as a reproduction. After switching hands several times it resides now in a major collection, being represented as original.

TICKA WATCH CAMERA - Ticka watch camera reproductions are known in gold, silver, and chrome. A "Watch-Face Ticka" was withdrawn from a Christie's auction after it was determined to be a forgery. It will no doubt surface again without warning.

VOIGTLÄNDER DAGUERREOTYPE CANNON - One known fake resides in a private collection. Not only is the size wrong, but the Voigtländer name is spelled wrong. Others probably exist.

VOOMP - Fakes exist.

READERS ARE ASKED TO REPORT FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE OR OTHER REPLICAS & FORGERIES - We will be happy to publish further details about the cameras and/or any dealers or persons known to be intentionally defrauding camera collectors.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
We receive many inquiries and requests for further information, far more than we can possibly answer. We do not give opinions or appraisals on items not included in this book. We realize that many cameras are not included in this book, and caution you that omission does not indicate rarity. We have excluded at least 30,000 cameras for various reasons to keep this book to a reasonable size and price. Some of the excluded cameras are: most cameras produced since the 1970's, which are generally more usable than collectible; most 126 and 110 cameras which were produced in such large numbers that they are common and inexpensive; and many early cameras which rarely are seen for sale. We have selected about 25,000 cameras which are representative of the field of camera collecting, and for which we can determine typical selling prices.

We regret that we are unable to answer individual questions by mail, by phone, or by e-mail. For further information we recommend joining one or more of the collector organizations listed in the appendix. You may also wish to write to a "help" column of a club newsletter or commercial publication. There are also various sources of help on the internet, including manufacturer's sites, chat groups, etc.