There’s something oddly visceral about antique cameras. They’re so darn mechanical compared to the digital devices we use today, you can almost taste the photos being created inside. True, you might just be high on developer fluid, but it would be a small price to pay to simply be in the same room as this 4×5 Arca-Swiss, once owned by photographer Ansel Adams himself.
As DL Cade over at PetaPixel notes, the auction is the “first of its kind” and a rare opportunity to snag some of Adams’ original gear.
The auction includes more than just the Arca-Swiss. In fact, you could say it comes with just about everything you could possibly want to shoot your own photos:
Comprising a 4×5 Arca-Swiss monorail camera, extra bag bellows, a Wollensak Raptar 13in. f/6.8 lens No. 971865 in Alphax shutter, a Ross Express 5in. f/4 lens No. 153041 in Ilex No.4 Acme Synchro shutter, a Kodak Ektar 203mm f/7.7 lens No. RE262 in Flash Supermatic Shutter, compendium lens hood, two Graflex graphic film pack adapters, Tiffen step up rings, Kodak Series VII to VIII step up ring, Kodak Series VII step-up ring 1 7/8″ to 47.5 mm, Wratten gelatin filters, Kodak No. 12 VIII glass filter, and dark cloth all in original fitted carrying and shipping case.
Unfortunately, as I’m sure you’ve surmised from the heading, the camera kit is beyond the reach of most people. Heritage Auctions estimates it will sell for $US70,000 to $100,000, but it could easily be higher.
So, instead, let’s just admire this amazing piece of photographic history.
[Heritage Auctions, via PetaPixel]