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Brand: Gundlach Optical Co.Model: Korona Series V (Long Focus Triple Extension)Camera Type: Large Format Field / Folding Bed Camera
Format: 5x7 inches
Year Manufactured: Cabinet c. 1900–1905 / Lens & Shutter Upgrade c. 1910
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States (Rochester, NY)
Up for sale is a breathtaking, museum-quality survivor: an Antique Gundlach Korona Series V 5x7 Large Format Folding Field Camera. Manufactured in Rochester, NY during the height of the Western New York photography boom, this beautiful instrument has been remarkably preserved.
HISTORICAL CONFIGURATION NOTE:
This particular camera presents a fascinating piece of photographic history. While the mahogany wooden cabinet and hardware utilize the early-production flat metal side struts stamped \"PAT. APPL\'D FOR\" (dating the body to circa 1900–1905), the front lens assembly features a top-of-the-line 1910 period-upgrade. The original owner swapped out the early stock shutter for a premium Wollensak Optimo system to gain faster, more accurate exposure speeds.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
- Bellows: Features the highly sought-after, premium plum-purple fabric bellows. Crucially, a darkroom light-tightness inspection confirms ZERO pinholes or leaks! The accordion folds are clean, structurally sound, and completely intact.
- Woodwork: The rich mahogany wood chassis retains a gorgeous natural luster, deep coloring, and excellent grain pattern with minimal age-related wear.
- Metalwork: All original nickel-plated brass tracks, levers, and focus locks are present and bright.
- External Casing: The protective outer black pebble-grain leatherette box cabinet is solid, preserving its original top leather carrying handle and brass sliding closure latch.
MECHANICAL & OPTICAL CONDITION:
- Shutter: Wollensak Optimo No. 3 Shutter (Patent Date June 14, 1910). Unlike most antique shutters which are frozen or gummy, this self-cocking mechanism is fully operational. It fires with a strong, crisp mechanical click across settings, including the 1-second pneumatic delay.
- Glass: Features a clean Wollensak Series I Velostigmat f/6.3 lens matched for the 5x7 format.
- Track Mechanisms: Fully functional long-focus triple extension system. The front rack-and-pinion silver focus gear tracks properly, and the rear notched spring-action rack-back lever releases smoothly to let the camera expand to its maximum focal length.
- Viewfinder: The original swivel-mount mahogany \"brilliant viewfinder\" box sits intact on the front rail and rotates correctly for portrait or landscape framing.
This magnificent camera was meticulously cared for and kept in safe residential storage for more than a century, sparing it from the dry-rot and damage typical of field cameras from this era. Perfect for an exquisite display centerpiece, a dedicated collector, or a large-format analog photographer looking to take it back into the field.
Please review all high-resolution photos closely to assess cosmetic detail. Packaged with professional care and extra insulation for absolute safety in transit. Sold as-is due to its antique status.
