Cine Kodak Model A 16mm hand crank movie camera













649,83 EUR (USA)

eBay

Cine Kodak Model A, the first 16mm cine camera, c 1923.  I used this one occasionally in the early 90s; as you can see there's still an AC's label from the last roll run through it.

 
It pulls film well and all seems to work well but the camera does have a hidden issue.   While the focusing lever moves smoothly, it's not actually attached to the lens' focus barrel, and the focus is FROZEN at something like 6' distance.   From corresponding with the leading authority on these cameras, this is almost *always* the case with this model camera.  There was apparently some problem with the lubrication that Kodak (or the lens mfr) was using, and over time it either turned into a kind of glue or precipitated a chemical reaction between the metals that bonds them.    
 
Be aware that just about ANY example of this camera is going to have the same issue.  But as a display model or if you can use it fixed-focus (as I did), it's perfectly fine.  Aperture works fine, fortunately they didn't use the same lubrication there!
 
This example looks great, and its leather handle is still in good shape (though I'd lift it from the bottom anyway). 
 
*BONUS*  I will include a 100' daylight spool of Kodak film with the camera.  The film is long-outdated but has been stored for years in a refrigerator and since then in a dry basement, so it should still be pretty good.
 
Check my other auctions as I have some rewinds and a Morse developing tank up.  I could possibly combine shipping, though this camera is fairly heavy.
 
Please ask any questions prior to bidding.  Check my feedback and bid with confidence.   I pack *very* carefully.
 
Thanks for looking!
 
 

On May-04-19 at 06:35:28 PDT, seller added the following information:

*UPDATE*

It occurs to me that though I said focus was frozen at about 6', that is relying on a long ago memory and I can't be 100% sure about that.   I tried a couple of times to get the frozen focus to move so the focus lever and lens have been uncoupled and recoupled. It's impossible to say where focus is 'set' now without doing a film test.  As an amateur camera, this model does not have the option of focusing 'on the film' the way most 35mm handcrank cameras did.
 
I have added a photo showing where the mechanism from the focus lever connects to the lens' focus barrel.   Upon examination there is just one little screw but there are holes for two; possibly the camera originally had two or it may be just two different options for connecting them, so focus could be adjusted.  (Doubt they had collimeters at the time!)
 
 
The screw circled in red at the top is slightly loose now, allowing the slotted 'sleeve' (brownish) to slide around the lens barrel.   If tightened down, it should rotate the lens barrel.  However it does not, it won't move, and has not for many decades apparently.  
 
Most of you looking at this are probably collectors and know this, or maybe you have your own experience with this issue.  Maybe you have a fix for it!  If so, good for you.
 
I just want to be as open and transparent about the camera as possible.  Anything I know about it I'll be happy to tell you so if you have questions, ask away.

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