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CONLEY (PROBABLY) VINTAGE MODEL XV LONG FOCUS FOLDING BED BELLOWS CAMERAThis is a very fine Conley Model XV Long Focus 5 x 3 folding bed camera, made around 1905+. There is no makers name on the camera, but I am almost certain it is a Conley XV made either for export or, probably more likely, to be sold by Sears Roebuck under the Seroco label, which is missing.The lens is a Wollensak Rapid Orthographic f8, with a Wollensak Regno shutter. Both lens and shutter look clean and clear, including the aperture iris.The front standards rise/fall and left/shift adjustments are fully functional.The cameras folding and deployment mechanisms work well, although the baseboard retaining catch on the box does not. It needs to be removed and straightened.The unusual rotating back operates smoothly. The focussing screen is fine, but no double dark slide is available.The metal fittings are of nickel plated brass throughout and are in perfect condition. The few external fittings are a little dull but there is no tarnish. The bellows is of brown leather and is in very good condition I can see no pin holes.The camera has a baseboard brilliant viewfinder, as well as an external accessory viewfinder. There is also a spirit level on the baseboard.The brown leather-covered box is complete, but it does have the scuffs and scratches to be expected of a camera of this vintage.All in all, while I cannot test the camera and therefore cannot claim it is fully functional, it would make a very fine display piece and could probably be brought back into use with a good service.
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Category: Cameras and Photography:Vintage Photography:Vintage Cameras:Folding Cameras
Location: Swansea