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NEAR MINT! 1936 BEIER – VAUXHALL 6x6 medium format camera, FRESHLY SERVICED! - Beier- Petrakla Classic Cameras

Beier

NEAR MINT! 1936 BEIER – VAUXHALL 6x6 medium format camera, FRESHLY SERVICED!

$ 235.00 USD

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

This is a very difficult to find folding medium format rangefinder camera. It was built in Germany in circa 1939 by the Beier Kamera Fabrik. This particular camera is a name variation of the Beier Precisa and it was produced for sale in England. Naturally once WW2 began, deliveries of this camera stopped, with the result that this limited production camera became even more limited...

Even collectors who are familiar with Beier cameras are often are often unaware of this model because it is rather difficult to find. This camera and its sister the Precisa were popular with photographers of the period because it’s compact size and excellent performance. A nice feature of its design is that the lens and shutter moves together as a unit when focusing. This provides better lens performance (especially up close) than the more common “front cell focus” in which only the front element is turned in or out. Many of these cameras were used by soldiers on all sides of the conflict during WW2. Because of this, the relatively low production numbers and the fact that very few have survived in good condition, the classic Vauxhall remains hard to find and is an interesting addition to any collection.

To make a good thing even better... the camera we have listed is the rare luxury version. In an era when most cameras were simply painted black, this model with all its exuberant chrome fitting sold at a significantly higher price than it’s plain Jane sisters.

This camera is in near mint condition and is easily the best example I’ve seen in over 40 years of collecting classic cameras. The leatherette is very lovely and nickel/chrome trim is outstanding! (Normally this metal trim is rather sensitive to corrosion.) On this example however, it is superb condition and proof that this camera was stored carefully and correctly for a quite long time. (Please see photos.) To look at it you wouldn’t guess that it’s 80 years old.

This camera uses 120 roll film and can also produce 6x4.5 exposures is you have a suitable reduction mask in you collection. (Mask not included.)

This camera has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The quality Compur shutter works smoothly and all speeds (B, T & 1 sec - 1/250th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy. The bellows are supple and completely light tight.

The lens is a fast 2.9/75mm Schneider Radionar, it’s based on the classic Cooke triplet and has three lens elements in three groups. The Radionar lens is well known for its lovely rendering and bokeh. It produces lovely photos with smooth, attractive backgrounds and this lens is very popular in Europe. The glass looks like new. It’s clean and clear. There are no scratches or cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a very enjoyable classic camera. Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing that you had a classic medium format camera with you…


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