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• Old School Camera

  Thursday, Aug 27, 2009 6:30PM / Standard Entry / Members only
  16 comments

  Don't tell Savvy, but I have a secret. For years, I have kept a box of old camera equipment in tow with us. Whenever we reduced clutter, especially before an international move, I managed to squirrel the box away undetected. Today, I decided to take a peak inside as I have almost no recollection as to its contents. This was in the first of several boxes within.
  
  
  If memory serves, this Ansco Viking 6.3 belonged to my great uncle, a budding amateur photographer in his day. However, the unopened roles of Kodak b/w Verichrome Pan give a good indication of when he stopped shooting circa 1964 (expiration date). I'm not sure if the film was for this camera or a later model. He also did quite a bit of 8mm video.
  
  
  
  
  The filter kit has me a bit perplexed as it does not appear to fit the camera.  My suspicion is that it was made for a later model of the camera after Ansco merged with Agfa in 1928.  It is possible that the camera predates the merger (I've yet to discover any dates on it).  Although I found manuals for later models online, I have not found any yet for this particular model.  Either way, it is safe to assume the camera is older than the internet, my first car, or me. There is another filter kit as well that does not seem to fit.  However, they both look very cool.
  
  
  Made in Binghamton, NY.  Ansco actually predated Kodak. The Viking only has five shutter speeds 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, bulb and "T" whatever that means.  It is still light tight, so assuming I can find the right film, we are ready to role.  I have a Chinese brand of 120 film, but it is not quite the right size spool.  Drats!
  
  
  I thought the price info stamped on top of the filter box interesting.  Try getting a three filter kit for that price now.  If I get the thing working, I'll keep you posted.  There are four more mystery boxes to unpack, but I'll save them for another day.  I've a feeling at least one camera in there is a whole lot older.