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Post by SuperDeluxe on Jan 26, 2013 14:59:22 GMT -5
I may have the opportunity to buy a King Regula Citalux 300 locally. The camera appears to be in excellent condition except for a minor chip on the viewfinder. This unit does NOT include the chain, case or box. For a rare camera, Google surely gives a lot of hits and plenty of appearances on ebay and other auction sites. So exactly how rare is this camera? Also, how would a tiny chip on the viewfinder affect its collector status/value? And finally, for those who have actually shot with this camera, what was your experience? Thanks for the help! EDIT: I'm adding a photo not taken by me, found on liveauctioneers.com ( www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5255371)  |
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Stephen
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Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jan 26, 2013 17:54:56 GMT -5
These are uncommon rather than rare, the gold plated version should really have the chain and box to be totally collectable. The chip might be a problem if it is the glass. They were a good quality camera, from a period when there were several good German makers, but King were not quite top league, and later on went quite a bit down market.
Lenses were bought in from Steineil etc., and good quality. There were issues with the film transport not being well designed, they could jam or break on some models.
In image quality they were on a par with Retina of the period, but lower than Zeiss cameras.
Stephen.
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Post by SuperDeluxe on Jan 27, 2013 13:47:17 GMT -5
Thank you, Stephen. The seller says that the chip in the viewfinder "does not affect viewing or image quality". Since it's missing the chain and the box, I wonder what a fair value would be. I'm meeting the seller in a few hours and am not sure whether I want to pull the trigger or not.
The lens appears to be a Steineil.
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Post by SuperDeluxe on Jan 28, 2013 3:16:01 GMT -5
Well, I finally caved in and bought the camera. I love the little thing, and will probably take a few photos of it soon.
That being said, there's a potential problem: when I try to depress the shutter release button, I can't – the button doesn't move, and it feels like it's stuck. The seller told me that the issue goes away as soon as I load film into the camera. I heard the same explanation before when trying to buy a different camera (this was their reason for a mirror that tended to stick! Ha!). However, in this case the seller is someone respectable. I took a look in the film compartment and couldn't see how this would be possible, but I don't really know... Thoughts?
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jan 28, 2013 12:43:16 GMT -5
You will find, I think, the shutter cocking is interconnected with the release, the shutter cocking is done by the film transport, many camera's use to do this, and from memory I think that Regula was one that did use the method.
The only way to check is with a film loaded, or by moving the sprocket shaft as if film is there, with the back open.
Stephen.
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jan 28, 2013 13:01:50 GMT -5
I am not 100% sure, but the chain cocking!!! yes chain cocking, that the earlier Regulas used in the mechanism survived until the series III, which is after the Cita, so there is a chain inside that connects the camera cocking lever to the transport and shutter.
The King family were Bavarian Clockmakers by trade, and the designs they used in cameras were a bit unique, and the chain idea saved a complex gear box or long levers, but it can break, I am not saying that it has, but it might have.
It would be repairable anyway, but it is the reason the film transport is a bit suspect, as I mentioned before.
Stephen.
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Post by SuperDeluxe on Jan 30, 2013 18:47:39 GMT -5
Thanks very much once again, Stephen. I'm trying to get a roll of 127 film to try this baby. Cheers.
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jan 30, 2013 19:27:16 GMT -5
The Cita is 35mm film, not 127, which is a roll film with paper back, the Cita is standard 135mm, and easy to find film for.
Stephen.
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Post by SuperDeluxe on Jan 30, 2013 19:38:07 GMT -5
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jan 30, 2013 20:38:19 GMT -5
Well, as far as I know, all the Regulas are 35mm but they may have made a 127 version, but not gold plated. the clue will be the film counter and the lens which is 45mm focal length on the 35mm Cita de-luxe.It would be longer length on 127 about 70 mmm minimum.
The quoted listing is a bit confusing, they do say 127, but the camera illustrated is 35mm.
Stephen.
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Post by SuperDeluxe on Jan 30, 2013 21:57:21 GMT -5
Well, as far as I know, all the Regulas are 35mm but they may have made a 127 version, but not gold plated. the clue will be the film counter and the lens which is 45mm focal length on the 35mm Cita de-luxe.It would be longer length on 127 about 70 mmm minimum. The quoted listing is a bit confusing, they do say 127, but the camera illustrated is 35mm. Stephen. You were right on all counts. This is a 35mm camera. As soon as I loaded the film, the shutter worked properly. The sound of the winder is different than all other winders I've ever heard, which might be explained by the chain mechanism. Stephen, you win the internets. Thanks again! |
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