Unidentified Rex and Voigtlander Cameras

[SleepyLizard]

As mentioned in another thread I have two cameras which I know little about. If anyone knows their model, year and any interesting data on either I'd love to hear it.

Edit: Forgot to mention, both take 120 film.

Voigtlander
I'm guessing this one would be 1940's to 1950's. A very solid well built feel to this one. Can't find any reference to it on the net. Does anyone recognise it and have any details.
http://web.onetel.net.uk/~haggis63/Voigtlander.jpg

Rex
Made in England. seems to me like 1920's style. A very basic camera. There are no markings inside or out other than what you see in the photo.
http://web.onetel.net.uk/~haggis63/Rex.jpg

Alan

[ksmattfish]

I don't have any ID info about your cameras, but I sure like that Voigtlander. Awesome DOF scale! That's always handy when you are guestimating the focus. Have you tried finding a site that lists serial numbers? I've been able to track down very exact info on Zeiss and Rollei cameras just with a serial number. Somebody out there has to be keeping track of Voigtlander cameras.

Have you used the Voigtlander? 120 folders are one of my favorite camera designs. I've been printing a bunch of pics of my daughter that I took earlier this year with a couple of 120 folders. I am still amazed at the sharpness and quality.

[SleepyLizard]

I sure like that Voigtlander.

Yes, so do I. It seems in good condition except the back will not close tightly but then it only cost a fiver. I have a couple of others which seem like they should work fine and I am tempted to run some film through them some day.

Alan

[ksmattfish]

You should get a roll of film and try it out. Looks like it takes 6cm x 4.5cm frames; I think that's 16 shots on a roll of 120.

Some of these old folders do a pretty good job. People get a kick when you pop it out and take their picture too.

[Mitica100]

OK, I'll give it a shot:

Voigtlander: I believe you have a Bessa 66, a.k.a. Baby Bessa of later production. The first run started in 1930 and had a pop-up viewfinder and no DOF. Later the viewfinder was incorporated in the camera's top plate and a DOF was added.

Rex: This is a stumper for me! I thought it was an Ensign folder, as they have made many models. I also thought to be a Selfix type, an inexpensive camera at the time. But I am not 100% convinced. Help, anyone?... :?:

I hope this helps somewhat identify your folders.

Take care,

Dimitri

[SleepyLizard]

Thank you Dimitri. I looked up the Bessa 66 and one version is identical to mine. I also discovered a serial number on the lens: A168751, so, perhaps one day I can find the exact year of manufacture.

I'm still confused about the Rex :) Elsewhere on the Net, someone was asking about a similar Rex camera and it was suggested it may have been made by the Coronet Camera Co of Birmingham who apparently "badge-engineered" cameras for other retailers under a variety of names.

[Mitica100]

I'm still confused about the Rex :) Elsewhere on the Net, someone was asking about a similar Rex camera and it was suggested it may have been made by the Coronet Camera Co of Birmingham who apparently "badge-engineered" cameras for other retailers under a variety of names.

The Coronet Camera Co made cameras primarily of bakelite (sp?) and plastic, but I wouldn't be surprised a bit if they made this folder as well. Hmm... I'll give it a little more research.

Meanwhile enjoy your Bessa 66, it's an awesome little folder.

[Henriksdal]

I've inherited a REX (http://static.flickr.com/25/68431037_ac14c8e231.jpg) like SleepyLizard's - a friend over on Flickr pointed me at this thread, in fact - and I was wondering if you've tried it out and have any tips.

I stuck a roll of 120 and tested it last week. I'm still excitedly waiting for the prints to be developed!