The 28 best old camera brands
Kodak, ZEISS and Agfa lead our ranking of 28 old camera brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Old Camera brands, ranked
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1
Kodak
From your printing needs to motion pictures of the modern world, this company delivers it all. One can also experience the difference and uniqueness in quality and machine progress. Kodak holds the title of the first in the world to introduce the fastest inject press. The machine has been designed to handle the highest capacity runs, which indirectly boosts your business. Kodak believes in growing together and revitalizing creativity, committed to sustainability.
Website: resources.kodak.com |Brands like Kodak
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
ZEISS
Zeiss is a leader in the optics technology industry and is known for its innovative and high-performance optoelectronics. Their products are widely used for scientific and medical research and in making improvements in the industrial markets. They are primarily known for their Lithography optics used in making semiconductor parts. The brand has everything from Medical Technology and Microscopy to Vision Care and Industrial Metrology.
Website: zeiss.com |Brands like ZEISS
Popularity 3.9/10
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3
Agfa
Agfa is a leading global technology company that designs and manufactures imaging systems and IT solutions for the printing industry. They also develop, produce, and sell lithographic plates and cylinders, and variable data products for healthcare. Their passion is imaging. Agfa's expertise in integrated digital imaging technologies combined with IT solutions provides added value to their clients by helping them drive business growth through efficiency improvements, decreased costs, reduced time to market, and increased customer satisfaction.
Website: agfa.com |Brands like Agfa
Popularity 3.5/10
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4
Yashica
Yashica assists you in capturing the moment and preserving the long-lasting feeling. It also provides a new method of presenting stories, not just through images but also through video and voice. It automatically classifies and arranges the lovely moments you cherish. Yashica permits you to travel through time and see any event. They all desire more when it comes to experience. But, unlike other life events, images fade with time.
Website: yashica.com |Brands like Yashica
Popularity 3.0/10
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5
Bell and Howell
From supply chain to service delivery, Bell & Howell is a leading provider of technology and automation services that optimize fundamental business operations across the firm. With advances in remote equipment monitoring, maintenance, and analytics, they transform business by offering their clients total visibility into equipment performance and enabling decision-making at every step of the process, all from a single global platform. Their team is committed to transforming how customers interact with technology.
Website: bellhowell.net |Brands like Bell and Howell
Popularity 2.9/10
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6
Vivitar
With its rich heritage of over 80 years, Vivitar has curated some favorable consumer electronics. Their digital still cameras and other accessories are popular among large crowds across the globe. Bestselling STEAM toys that help make learning fun for kids can be bought from their website at the best prices. Mobile audio accessories from Vivitar bring you sound immersion, quick pairing, and connectivity. And for hair grooming, they have tools on their website as well. Shop now.
Website: vivitar.com |Brands like Vivitar
Popularity 2.5/10
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7
Minolta
Konica Minolta is a solution to transform your digital workspace into a well-organized and efficient area. The post-pandemic era has shifted a lot of workers to the digital space, and it is essential to keep sound track of things if we are going to be productive. Konica Minolta is going to help you create solutions to the problem that you are facing. The company's vision reaches into the future where everything is connected online. They tend to think ahead of time.
Website: kmbs.konicaminolta.us |Brands like Minolta
Popularity 2.4/10
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8
Keystone
With the evolution of several ways in which light travels, transports, and reaches worldwide, the Brand Keystone emerged as a leading purveyor of standard lighting over the years. The company is progressing with the application of innovatory technologies for the growing demand for different forms of illumination reaching the eyes. LED lamps, fixtures, power supply; linear and compact lamps; low voltage and step-down transformers; fluorescent ballasts, and wired sensors are known products under this label.
Website: keystonetech.com |Brands like Keystone
Popularity 2.3/10
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9
Zenit
When words become unclear, gain your focus with photography. Zenit is a brand that exactly lets you do that. Zenit offers lenses for Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It has a limited production camera designed by the brand as well. They...
Website: zenit.store |Brands like Zenit
Popularity 2.3/10
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10
LOMO
Lomography is a photography-focused intellectual community. They follow our ideology to stimulate the current youth of photographers as one of the world's most creative and popular photo movements. They are enamored by analog photography and its limitless potential. You may...
Website: shop.lomography.com |Brands like LOMO
Popularity 2.0/10
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11
Rolleiflex
Eric Hiss developed Rolleiflex Cameras USA in 2013. The company is based in San Francisco, California, however, can ship to just about any location in the world. All Rolleiflex and Rollei Professional cameras, lenses, and accessories are available to buy,...
Website: rolleiflex.us |Brands like Rolleiflex
Popularity 1.6/10
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12
Sears
Want to shop for your house and don’t have much time? Then shop at Sears. It is a one-stop place to buy appliances, gadgets, homeware, and pretty much everything you need. They offer many different brands and collections for all...
Website: sears.com |Brands like Sears
Popularity 1.4/10
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13
Mitchell
Some things remain constant. John Paul Mitchell Systems' co-founder and chairperson, John Paul DeJoria, and co-owner Angus Mitchell continue to steer the firm in the same direction as when it was founded. Despite offers to sell from public firms, the...
Website: paulmitchell.com |Brands like Mitchell
Popularity 1.1/10
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14
Ricoh
Ricoh makes solutions for their customers. The corporate world is hard to run and can be done by specific software and hardware. Ricoh provides the best of such problems with an easy solution. They turn information into assets by looking...
Website: ricoh-usa.com |Brands like Ricoh
Popularity 1.1/10
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15
Graflex
Graflex made a lot of contributions to the world of photography. Their legendary camera, The Speed Graphic is widely regarded as the greatest camera in American history. The camera was suitable for commercial photography. Using the camera was not a...
Website: graflex.org |Brands like Graflex
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Ensign
Ensign Intermediate School is known as one of the best schools in the Newport-Mesa School district, with a focus on developing well-rounded students and catering to each and every aspect of their students. The community is a warm and welcoming...
Website: ensign.nmusd.us |Brands like Ensign
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Concord
Concord Cookware is a top-of-the-line cookware company that manufactures and sells to the general public. For the home chef, they specialize in cast iron, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum goods. They provide excellent cookware at a reasonable price. Concord Cookware...
Website: concord-cookware.com |Brands like Concord
Popularity 0.8/10
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18
Zenith
Since 1994, Zenith has provided full-service kitchen and bathroom renovations to Pittsburgh residents. They are devoted to giving you the best probable grade at the best price. Despite being in business for 25 years, they are continuously expanding thanks to...
Website: zenithkitchenandbath.com |Brands like Zenith
Popularity 0.8/10
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19
Eastman
In the 25 years since its inception, Eastman has become one of the leading musical instrument providers worldwide. It produces acoustic and electric guitars and various mandolins to grace any musician’s collection. Elegant looks with a royal aura of hand-polished...
Website: eastmanguitars.com |Brands like Eastman
Popularity 0.8/10
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20
Carl Zeiss
ZEISS is a technologically advanced worldwide powerhouse in the optical and optoelectronics industries. They not only execute but also shape revolutionary technology. Across the globe, their expertise supplies ready-to-use solutions for a wide range of applications, including semiconductors, solar cells,...
Website: zeiss.com |Brands like Carl Zeiss
Popularity 0.8/10
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21
Leica
Leica is a German business that creates great-end cameras, lenses, observational tools, simulation systems, and other gadgets based on the best image standards. Leica wants to be the top option for experts in all fields who value accuracy and quality....
Website: us.leica-camera.com |Brands like Leica
Popularity 0.8/10
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22
MINOX
Minox is a German company specializing in researching and manufacturing high-quality binoculars, night vision devices, riflescopes, and game and security cameras. It is an optical and high-quality fine mechanical precision producer guided by the vision and values of the renowned...
Website: minox-usa.com |Brands like MINOX
Popularity 0.8/10
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23
Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta can transform your business. They deal with the digital workspace, to be particular. They aim to solve the problems you might face in the future with your online presence and working experience. The world is already connected, and...
Website: kmbs.konicaminolta.us |Brands like Konica Minolta
Popularity 0.8/10
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24
Rollei
Rollei is the idea of Heinz Kuhnast, a famous camera pioneer who has been creating medium format cameras for over 50 years. It is a corporation committed to manufacturing excellence and generating massive items at competitive pricing. They are delighted...
Website: rolleiflex.us |Brands like Rollei
Popularity 0.8/10
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25
ILFORD
ILFORD has made its own identity by using Herman technology and amalgamating tradition with passion. The work manufactures high-quality products, including photographic paper of black-white films and accessories. The Resin-coated multigrade RC deluxe pearl sheet with a warmer base tint...
Website: ilfordphoto.com |Brands like ILFORD
Popularity 0.8/10
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26
Bolex
Bolex has been producing cameras for over eight decades assembled by hand but delivers the best camera for high-quality filming. The cameras are made with the finest Swiss craftsmanship to help you capture the essence of what you are filming....
Website: bolexh16user.net |Brands like Bolex
Popularity 0.8/10
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27
VARIO
VARIO Helicopter manufactures model helicopters that can be powered using fuel or electricity. They have loads of different versions and models of helicopters at their store, with new models added to their inventory every day. VARIO has everything a model...
Website: vario-helicopter.biz |Brands like VARIO
Popularity 0.8/10
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28
BelOMO
BelOMO manufactures items for the space industry's use in laser technology, optoelectronics, night vision technology, and optical equipment. The company has succeeded in becoming one of the top manufacturers in the market thanks to a wide range of scientific advancements...
Website: belomo.by |Brands like BelOMO
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak | resources.kodak.com | /kodak | kodak | @Kodak | kodak |
| ZEISS | zeiss.com | /zeissgroup | zeissgroup | @zeiss_group | – |
| Agfa | agfa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Yashica | yashica.com | /yashicaofficial | yashica.official | – | YASHICA Official |
| Bell and Howell | bellhowell.net | /BellandHowell | – | @BellandHowell | – |
| Vivitar | vivitar.com | /VivitarOfficial | vivitarofficial | @VivitarOfficial | vivitarofficial |
| Minolta | kmbs.konicaminolta.us | /KonicaMinoltaUS | konicaminoltaus | @KonicaMinoltaUS | KonicaMinoltaUS |
| Keystone | keystonetech.com | – | – | – | UCiutluQhbrto5VwbbI2YU7w |
| Zenit | zenit.store | – | zenit.lenses | – | – |
| LOMO | shop.lomography.com | /lomography | lomography | @lomography | lomographicsociety |
Old Camera Buying Guide
Old cameras continue to have a certain charm and fascination that endears them to collectors and photographers even in the age of digital photography. The process of using an old camera, from loading film to setting the aperture and shutter speed, can be a uniquely satisfying experience. If you are considering buying an old camera, there are several factors to consider. Here is a guide to help you make the right decision.
Consider Your Goals
Before you start shopping for an old camera, you should consider what you want to use it for. Are you looking for a vintage camera to display on a shelf or mantlepiece? Or are you looking for a camera to use for taking artistic photographs? There are different types of old cameras that cater to different needs, so you need to consider your goals before making a purchase.
Type of Camera
There are several types of old cameras, each with its features and capabilities. Here are the most common types of old cameras:
- 35mm SLR Cameras 35mm SLR cameras were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s. They are versatile, and many photographers still use them today. They allow you to change lenses, control shutter speed and aperture, and focus precisely. If you are looking for an old camera for taking photographs, a 35mm SLR camera might be the best option for you.
- Mirrorless Cameras Mirrorless cameras are similar to the 35mm SLR cameras in terms of functionality but do not have the mirror that provides the viewfinder in SLR cameras. Their advantage is that they are smaller and lighter compared to 35mm SLR cameras, making them easier to carry around. If you want an old camera that is easy to carry and can take excellent pictures, a mirrorless camera might be the right choice.
- Folding Cameras Folding cameras were popular in the early 20th century. They were compact and allowed photographers to take high-quality photographs without having to carry heavy equipment. Most folding cameras used medium-format film, which provides excellent image quality. If you are looking for an old camera to take good-quality pictures and are not concerned with changing lenses or controlling shutter speed, a folding camera might be for you.
- Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Cameras TLR cameras, like folding cameras, were popular in the early 20th century. They are two-lensed cameras that have a waist-level viewfinder. They take medium-format film and offer excellent image quality. If you want an old camera that provides an excellent user experience, a TLR camera might be the right choice for you.
- Box Cameras Box cameras were prevalent in the early 20th century. They are simple cameras that use medium-format film, have a fixed aperture, and fixed shutter speed. If you are looking for an old camera to add to your collection or as a decoration, a box camera might be the perfect choice.
Camera Condition
The condition of the camera is crucial when buying an old camera. You want to make sure the camera is functional, has no major dents, and that the lens is free from scratches, fungus, and mold. A camera in good condition is more expensive, but it is also a better investment because it can last a long time.
Shutter Speeds
An essential factor to consider when buying an old camera is the shutter speed. A camera with a fast shutter speed can take photos of fast-moving objects, while a camera with a slow shutter speed is best suited for static objects or portraits. When looking for an old camera, look for one with a range of shutter speeds to give you more flexibility when taking photos.
Lenses
Another critical factor to consider when buying an old camera is the lens. A high-quality lens can make all the difference in the quality of your photographs. Look for a camera with a high-quality lens, free from scratches or fungus growth. It is also essential to consider the type of lens mount the camera has since it affects the lens options available for you to use.
Manual Focusing
Most old cameras require manual focusing, so consider if you are comfortable with that. Manual focusing can take time to get used to, but it can also provide a more personalized touch to your photos. Some cameras have focusing aids like ground glass or prism to help with focusing, while others require the photographer to do it instinctively.
Film Type
Old cameras use either 35mm or medium format film. Medium format film provides a higher image quality than 35mm, but medium-format cameras tend to be more expensive. Consider the type of film you want to use when buying an old camera.
Conclusion
Buying old cameras can be a rewarding experience, and with proper research, you can find the right camera for your needs. Consider your goals, the type of camera, camera condition, shutter speeds, lenses, manual focusing, and film type before making a purchase. With the right old camera, you can add a unique charm to your photography and create timeless images that will be treasured for years to come.