In photographic terms, more specifically in camera terms, I am but a youngster. Many of the friends and acquaintances I have can tell stories of olden days, with bigger cameras, and single shot Speed Graphic 4x5 cameras and more. And I have to tell you, this old technology (if you will) fascinates me. I love looking at the old cameras and trying to imagine covering a game or a fire with one of these. Certainly digital is different than all of that!
In that spirit, I have a small collection of cameras and I am always looking for ones to add to that. I am not hardcore, scouring the ends of the earth for cameras, more just a recreational, casual collector who adds what he can find as he finds it.
Well, in response to an internet posting, a gentleman from Tewksbury Massachusetts notified me that he had a couple of cameras to give away, and was I interested. Sure! So I went by his place and grabbed them from him.
First camera is a Polaroid J66. It is in minty condition, and has all the accessories including the original box - nice add to the collection!
But it was the second camera that had a little extra with it and really added to it.
The camera is a Kodak Duaflex II with a Kodet Lens. An interesting design, with a waist level finder using a mirror (so this is NOT a TLR in the true sense of the word) and a true plastic body. These were made in somewhat limited number in the early 1950's, and are still pretty common today.
So the camera is great, and it is in mint condition too, but can you imagine my amazement to also find the one thing I usually never find with old cameras - FILM !Yes indeed I found 2 rolls of film!! BOTH ROLLS are BRAND NEW - NEVER OPENED!
But they have both long since EXPIRED! As you can see in the photo, they both expired in 1953! Yes indeed 55 years ago!
There was one other item in the old camera bag also, and I had really only heard stories about these, and that is flashbulbs. A sleeve of them. These are old Number 5 Synchro Press bulbs. They are basically the type you screw in, and I have been told that on dry days, if you happen to be charged with static electricity, you could set these off in your pocket, and get a burn!
Can you guess my next thought? Hmmmm, I have a camera, I have some film, I even have some bulbs. Should I ???? I think I might!!!I will keep you posted !!
