casualcollector
Lifetime Member
In Search of "R" Serial Soligors
Posts: 619
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Post by casualcollector on Mar 29, 2009 19:21:27 GMT -5
From Japan, by way of Chicago. These are my Sears branded cameras and lenses. Three manufacturers, Mamiya, Ricoh and Chinon for the bodies.  Far left is the 126 Reflex with its two accesory lenses behind. The F-mount Ricoh Singlex has had the Sears SL-11 labels peeled off. Two preset prime lenses are behind it. Next are two M42 mount SL-11s, a TLS, then two Mamiya made, Exakta mount bodies. One is Sears the other Tower, both model 32. A 35/2.8 is mounted on the Tower with the 135/2.8 above at far right. The two other lenses on the right are 200/3.5 and 55/2.8 macro with extension tube. At top center is Ricoh sourced Auto TLS with 50/1.4 Auto EE lens and Chinon made 2000 ES with 55/1.4. The Auto TLS is a unique, shutter priority, M42 camera that requires dedicated lenses for auto exposure. The 2000 ES a slightly less unique, aperture priority, auto exposure camera that works with any conventional M42 lens. I've owned and traded off a J.C. Penney branded Petri. I also have an unusual 135 labeled for the Montgomery Ward catalog chain and 35/2.8 made for K-Mart that's engraved Super-Focal. Catalog cameras can be fun. If you ever stumble across a Tower 26 grab it! It's the first Asahi Pentax, circa 1957. Bill |
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Post by Randy on Mar 29, 2009 22:11:35 GMT -5
Very nice Bill, I don't have a one of those!
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casualcollector
Lifetime Member
In Search of "R" Serial Soligors
Posts: 619
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Post by casualcollector on Mar 30, 2009 19:44:40 GMT -5
You should find one or two, Randy. A working 2000ES would be a cool camera to have around. It has a unique exposure automation system that will work with just about any M42 lens. Pressing the shutter release turns on the meter and stops down the lens. The meter sets the shutter speed from the stopped down reading. I acquired mine in non working condition. It teased me by working for about thirty seconds then quitting again! It may be a simple, intermittent power fault, but that could be hard to track and hard to fix if the fault is on a flexible printed circuit.
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Mark Vaughan
Lifetime Member
I STILL have a pile of Nikons. Considering starting a collection of Ricoh SLRs and RFs.
Posts: 191
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Post by Mark Vaughan on Jun 15, 2009 13:58:01 GMT -5
Bill,
I recently acquired a Sears camera myself, albeit not directly named as such: A Minolta SRT-SCII. This particular variant of the SRT-100 was manufactured specifically for Sears stores. (The SRT-MC and SRT-MCII were apparently built specifically for K-Mart and JC Penney). If you're interested, I'll post a photo.
I like your themed collection a lot!
Regards,
Mark
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Post by ddddyyyy on Jul 1, 2009 19:57:07 GMT -5
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2009 9:18:23 GMT -5
You need to find one of the Tower RFs made by Nicca that were copies of the Leica RF. Beautifully made cameras.
Wayne
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Post by vintageslrs on Jul 2, 2009 15:22:56 GMT -5
Bill
Nice Sears collection!
A little odd.....a little off the beaten path......different.
I love it! Very Nice!
all the best
Bob
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casualcollector
Lifetime Member
In Search of "R" Serial Soligors
Posts: 619
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Post by casualcollector on Jul 2, 2009 16:27:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the comps, guys and girls.
Wayne, I'd like to find one of those Nicca/Tower cameras. My current project involves Nicca descendants. Recovering two Yashica FX-d models that had bad leatherette. Yashica bought Nicca in the 1958-60 period. That's chronicled elsewhere on this board.
Bob, a bit off the beaten path is right. I regret trading it now, but I once had a J.C. Penney branded Petri. That was a bit further off the path! I also have a Montgomery Ward branded 135 somewhere.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2009 22:01:28 GMT -5
The trouble with the Niccas--even the Tower variations is that while the prices of other old film cameras are declining, Nicca prices are increasing. Niccas (with lens) seem to be running in the $500 minimum range--same with Leotax, another Leica copy. A few years ago there was a late model Tower/Nicca in the auctions with a 50mm, 35mm and 135mm lens for $500 BIN. I thought, heck, in a couple of years they will be worth half that.
Wrong!
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Dave
Lifetime Member
Posts: 124
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Post by Dave on Jul 2, 2009 23:08:16 GMT -5
I have a Tower (Sears) 45/46 -- essentially a screw mount Leica clone, but with a lever advance and a back which opens like a Leica M which makes it much easier to load than a Leica screwmount. The camera came with a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.4 or f2.0. It is beautifully made and great to use. That model, the last of the Niccas (5L) is not easy to find. I haven't looked at the prices, but I am happy to learn that the value is increasing. I bought it to use.
Dave
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Post by Randy on Jul 3, 2009 12:05:20 GMT -5
Hey!.... Now that K-Mart (SS Kresge) and Sears are the same company, does my Focal TLR fit in?  |
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casualcollector
Lifetime Member
In Search of "R" Serial Soligors
Posts: 619
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Post by casualcollector on Jul 3, 2009 13:52:30 GMT -5
Yes it does, Randy! Focal also had their own version of the Sears/Ricoh TLS. That would be another that fits the collection.
When Chrysler bought up AMC Jeep around 1990 they started adding AMC engine parts to the performance catalog. A warm welcome to the family. Maybe I ought to brush up my Italian in case I get a job at a Chrysler dealer again!
Wayne, Dave, The value of the Niccas is making the Canon IVSB I want look downright affordable!
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