This listing is for an antique Gundlach 4x5 Folding Camera. It is marked 'Gundlach-Manhattan Optical Co. Rochester, NY'. The Gundlach Company, which was founded in 1879, started using this mark in 1902. The camera comes with a Wollensack Betax No 2 f/6.3 series IV lens. We're not sure of the actual model name. The camera appears to be in good condition with some wear to the outside of the case. The lens glass looks clean with no noticeable scratches or fungus. The bellows are in good condition with some splits in some creases and corners. The screws for the two little metal brackets that hold the bottom piece in place are mostly stripped. We are unable test the camera, so are selling it untested and as-is. Please see the detailed photos below and contact us with any questions before bidding. We have a low opening bid and no reserve price, so don't miss your chance to win.
The company roots can be traced to 1879, when Ernst Gundlach and Lewis R. Sexton started working on optical goods manufacturing and trading. The Gundlach Optical Company name was registered in 1894 after Lewis died. In 1895 Ernst left the company, but it continued to bore his name. In 1896 Gundlach Optical acquired the Milburn Korona Company (founded in 1894). Later, in 1902, the company acquired another business - Manhattan Optical Company and the combined establishment was renamed to Gundlach-Manhattan Optical Company. The name was changed again several times: first to Gundlach Manufacturing Corporation, then to Seebold Invisible Camera Company, and finally to Dynamic Optics Inc., which closed its doors in 1972.
Please see our other listings for more vintage camera gear by Canon, Kodak, and Yashica.