Gold Mine Giddy - GMYBS-PSF | Better in Bulk - Family photographer with a large family

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Gold Mine Giddy – GMYBS-PSF

19 August 2010 12 Comments

It feels like ages ago that I took the picture that was to become my trademark Better in Bulk image.

I wish I could take credit for the vision, but I have to admit that it was my friend, Liz, who came up with the idea of displaying the vintage candy jars with all of the candies representing my kids in them. And of course she had the vintage candy jars. She also had two gorgeous vintage cameras, and I thought it would be appropriate to stick a camera in the shot to represent me: The lady who’s crazy about candy AND photography.

I’ll also readily admit that I drooled over the vintage cameras on her shelf, wishing that someday I could start my own collection. What is it about vintage items–especially vintage in my area of expertise (or at least interest)–that send chills up and down my spine. I love antiques.

So you can imagine my giddiness when a friend approached me this week saying that she had a few old cameras that she had rescued out of a house before they were sent to Goodwill. She knew that they needed a good home with someone who appreciated them, and not a 25 cent sticker on the back.

I followed her home to her house and inspected the box. “A few” cameras turned out to be a life-long collection of priceless antiques. The cameras dated back to the 1910s and up to the 50s. Not only were they taken care of like a collector would, but many of them still had their original leather case and instruction manuals.

I am giddy.

I am shocked.

I feel like I’ve just been handed the keys to a gold mine.

Below is the oldest of the cameras, the Kodak No. 2 Folding Cartridge Premo, manufactured between 1916 and 1926. Despite the fact that I was taking these pictures at 8:00 at night…aren’t the beauties?

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12 Comments »

Emily said:

Wow. What a cool old camera. I found an old one in a drawer at my parents house last month that seemed pretty cool. What a great object to collect.
Emily´s last [type] ..Treasure Mountain

[Reply]

# 19 August 2010 at 9:35 pm

Honey Mommy said:

Awesome! I am totally envious of your new-found collection! They all look gorgeous!
Honey Mommy´s last [type] ..Apes- Moon Peaches and the Tepee- A Photo A Day- Week 33

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# 19 August 2010 at 9:52 pm

debi9kids
Twitter: debi9kids
said:

OH how FABULOUS! I am an HUGE antique collector, with baby bottles being one of my prized collections.
LOVE your photos. Just gorgeous!

ps I still haven’t been able to view your blog “normal”. How do I fix the cookies?
debi9kids´s last [type] ..Hey Buddy- Sharing Can Be Nice -

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# 19 August 2010 at 10:09 pm

Allison
Twitter: Alli_n_Son
said:

Those cameras are just amazing. I love the shots you took. Beautiful.

[Reply]

# 19 August 2010 at 10:11 pm

TJ McDowell said:

So are you planning to shoot with any of these cameras? I know of at least 1 professional photographer that pulls out an old camera during senior sessions for a couple shots just for the fun of it.
TJ McDowell´s last [type] ..Photography Startup – Managing Stress

[Reply]

# 19 August 2010 at 10:34 pm

kristin said:

J-J-J-jealous!!!!!! I am so jealous of your vintage camera collection. boo! I may have to pout for a while.
(but seriously, great for you)

[Reply]

# 19 August 2010 at 11:08 pm

Amy
Twitter: familytrifecta
said:

what fun. I need to find my grandpa’s old cameras and see what treasures he has. Very fun photos.
Amy´s last [type] ..I love where I live

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# 20 August 2010 at 1:37 am

Ashley said:

I’m loving your new collection…I keep seeing these pop up and it makes me want to go hunting.
Ashley´s last [type] ..Kitty Pawin Color AND Black &amp White

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# 20 August 2010 at 8:33 am

Sheri
Twitter: theshadesofpink
said:

Whoa ! Check out those cameras!
Sheri´s last [type] ..365103 L2L

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# 20 August 2010 at 12:44 pm

Carrie Keiser said:

Now I’m the one drooling! Wow! what a great collection that she gave you.

[Reply]

# 20 August 2010 at 1:05 pm

Siobhan said:

Wow…love the old cameras…I have a collection of them too displayed on my walls….love them…technology sure has come along way……Great Shots too!!
Siobhan´s last [type] ..T Individual Shoot

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# 21 August 2010 at 6:48 pm