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Christopher Lay
Photographer
265,517 views| 101  Posts

Old School Camera

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.

over 15 years ago 0 likes  16 comments  0 shares
Photo 55108
did u ever wander down to Panjiayuan Antique Market on Sundays ? ... there has a couple of antique camera stalls i'm would interest u bro ...
over 15 years ago
45862083 0af2fd4d5d
wow, really old school!
over 15 years ago
Photo 33405
nice!! definitely something worth keeping..
over 15 years ago
Photo 341408
When I first saw Carl Tsang's photography I dropped him a message asking him to will me his eyes and his heart. If I live beyond you all will you will me the Ansco Viking 6.3? Its so pretty... I have a passion for collecting antiques... if you read somewhere in my blog. I collect old theatre scripts as well. haha... live them to me in your will.... after me I will pass it back to your daughter...
about 15 years ago

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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. - Will C.

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Languages Spoken
english, spanish
Location (City, Country)
Beijing, China
Gender
male
Member Since
July 16, 2007