The exciting hobby of collectingCINEMATOGRAPHICA |
Collecting vintage movie equipment is a neglected area amongst those
interested in movies, photographica and memorabilia. It appears that amongst
the millions of movie fans few are interested in the equipment with which in
former days the magic of the screen was created.
Home movies were even a greater delight. Films were rented and projected
on primitive home-projectors in 8, 9.5, 16, or 35mm size. The fun reached its
climax when movies of members of the family were projected on the silver screen.
Taking one's own films in pre-war days was a costly affair usually reserved for the rich and privileged. Yet, there were enough people who did it on a shoestring, even going so far as to build their own projectors, which cost in those days sometimes a year's salary.
All this once coveted equipment can now be had for moderate prices. Demand is increasing and so are prices, especially for rare and wooden cameras. But prices are still lower than similar vintage photo cameras. Not so long ago one could pick up old movie equipment at flea-markets, but that time seems passed now.
Collectors are a breed apart. Their hobby makes life enjoyable. They meet people who they otherwise would never have come into contact with. Do not know what boredom is. They need all their time to study, tinker with new acquisitions, or project old movies.
 |
Not everyone has collector's blood. Those who have may be envied. They have something that keeps them alive, strengthening the roots with the past that comes dearer and dearer as the years pass by. Their interest activates them to study and keep alive their manual skills. In short it is an excellent way to keep one young in heart and mind even at an older age.
Internet has proved to be a great boost to collecting. One can buy a great variety of apparatus thru internet auctions like Ebay. By email I came into contact with collectors all over the world with whom I could exchange information.
Collectors may be divided in three main classes. Those who collect:
During a matinee they would laugh their heads off or identify with heroes in their fearless battles. In the years of depression the products of the dream factories lifted the crowds out of their misery, leaving behind a fond memory. Such nostalgia becomes the soil for the urge to collect the films that brought joy.
I limit myself to collecting vintage movie equipment in spite of my being fond seeing old movies. I belong to the breed of collectors who are attracted by the sheer workmanship hardly to be found in mass produced apparatus nowadays, and to the hunt for scarce pieces of equipment. Below I am giving a link to my list of more than 3000 cinematographica items. Far too much for any collector or museum to complete. Therefore one has to make a choice.
Concentrating on special themes has the advantage of keeping the collection within limits.
If you are looking for a neglected section choose slide projectors. Hardly anyone collects them, so they are going cheap.
At this stage I should like to introduce myself as a Dutch collector of cinematographica.
I'm always anxious to obtain details of movie cameras and projectors for the abovementioned list, which is the result of ten years of following items for sale, going thru literature and receiving info from aficionados. I remain interested to obtain further information on film sizes used in the more than 110 years of cinema history.
Rare equipment in practically all sizes: 4.75, 8, 9.5, 11,5, 16, 17.5, 22, 28 and 35mm. Films, but only in the rarer gauges and Spiral discs.
I also have a list of 300 items: movie cameras, projectors, accessories in 8, 9.5, 16, 22, 28 and 35mm, and many books I have to clear for lack of space. Please email for a list, specifying your interests, and what size, to: manandu@NOSPAMxs4all.nl , but first delete the word NOSPAM from the address.
I am receiving many messages from readers from all over the world who have something for sale, are looking for an item, or who search for information on an apparatus they have. Please bear in mind that my time is limited and that I am living in the Netherlands. I have tried to answer most questions beforehand on my FAQ and other pages. Do not send a message to me for info already supplied on this site.
Click for a list of addresses of dealers who supply lamps, parts, and manuals.
Click for my "Want" list of items I am still looking for. But bear in mind that I only buy rare apparatus.
Before sending a query have a look at my 'Frequently Asked Questions' page and at my list of some 3000 vintage cameras and projectors.
For responses email to: manandu@NOSPAMxs4all.nl but delete the word NOSPAM from the address first. PLease mention the subject of your enquiry in the heading, otherwise I may mistake it for spam.
You are invited to read my article: One Hundred years
of Film Sizes |
Recommended literature and related links (click)If you cannot find answer to your questions have a look at other sites listed on this page. |
|
|
| REA FILM EXPERTS: BEST FILM SITE OF THE WEEK AWARD |
 |
Deutsche Interessierten können diese Seite auch ins Deutsch lesen. Klick hier.
Cher lecteur francais: je vous invite de lire ma page: Collectionner Cinematographica
Lettori Italiani: L' hobby affascinante di collezionare apparechiature CINEMATOGRAFICO
In the mood for quite a different subject? Try my: Man and the Unknown
Created 1st April 1996. Latest revision 15 March 2011
© Michael Rogge 2011
Or use the Ctr-F 'find/search' feature of your browser to search each page.
Search Anssi Puistot's list with more than 1100 super 8mm cameras
INDEX TO SUBJECTS AND NAMES TO BE FOUND