First Impressions: Nikon F3

Nikon F3 HP. Professional 135 SLR with High-Eyepoint Viewfinder.

The irony of having all these collectible cameras, many of which are working SLRs, is that not one of them has been a Nikon. Until now.

Analog Anticipation

1950’s Konica IIIA Rangefinder with 2000’s Gossen Digisix meter installed.

Anticipating how your photographs will turn out is an experience missing from digital photography. More often than not, that wait-and-see aspect generates a feeling of excitement. And right now, I’m excited about my first roll from the Konica IIIA.

The Collection

IKEA Detolf
glass-door display cabinet

It was never a cognitive decision to become a collector of cameras. It just sort of happened. After acquiring about five collectible pieces, of which I have no idea as to how I came about them, it seemed to be a logical outlet to my fascination with these precision little devices.

The No-Less-Mighty Brownie Bull’s-Eye

Hawkeye’s Bigger Brother: The Brownie Bull’s-Eye

Shot the same way as the on-location Brownie Hawkeye. Just for comparison.

The Mighty Brownie Hawkeye

The Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, a tiny cube-shaped Bakelite box camera. 

Here it is, my Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. Only this one wasn’t for sale. It was a prop at The Container Store.

Bakelite Rules!

Kodak Brownie Bull’s-Eye Bakelite 620 Box Camera

I have a thing for Bakelite cameras, and always wanted to add the classic Kodak Brownie Hawkeye to my collection. It’s just a matter of time until one passes my way. But when I came across the unfamiliar Brownie Bulls-Eye in a flea market in Montsweag, Maine, it seemed a good consolation prize.

Montsweag Camera Find

Mamiya/Sekor 1000DTL.

Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday there’s an outdoor flea market in the town of Montsweag, a short distance down Route 1 from Boothbay Harbor. And this week’s browse netted a unique camera find; a Mamiya-Sekor 1000DTL.