r/vintagecameras

So I bought this Sony Handicam DCR-HC85 online untested and surprisingly it cut on after charging the battery. But when I cut it on I got the ill fated C:31:23 error code. After researching I found that’s normally tied to the black roller and white pin and after checking the pin was missing but the roller was still in place. I cut a piece off an old pen and made a new lock pin and checked there’s still rotation in the roller but it’s in secure position. I thought that would work but I’m still getting the error code. Please help guys and lock in and help me figure this out!

My dad has held on to these for many years. He doesn’t use the internet so he asked me to try and sell them for him and I can keep half of the money. Being that I’m not working right now I could really use any amount of money. literally know nothing about cameras and don’t even know where to start with trying to sell them. I realize condition and whether they work etc is going to matter but does anyone have a rough idea of how much I might expect for everything as well as where to sell (preferably as a lot). I might be asking for a miracle lol but I appreciate any help or direction. thanks !

I figured out how to set it up, but no idea what it is or how much it’s worth. Any help would be appreciated.
Camera is 1926 Hawk-Eye No.2.

I got this Spotmatic and the shutter curtain is worrying me. It's got a gap at the seam where the curtain meets. Also, after advancing it's wrinkled but it tightens up again after the shutter releases. It advances and fires really smooth and the shutter speeds seem accurate.

Will the gap leak light? Is this thing functional or is it going to be a big problem?

Today I tried something I've read on several pages, didn't find good pictures on it though, so I made some.

I love black Minoltas, but many in my price range are a bit used and the lettering tends to yellow a bit or get stained. Whilst it can be brought back to life with cleaning, scrubbing and agitating a lot, one can also overdo it quickly with too much fluid or too hard scrubbing.

So I got myself a PaintStick and tried it on my ratty XD-7.

I cleaned it with a tooth brush and dried it thoroughly, then I just scrubbed it into the lettering.

I waited a while and pressed it down a bit.

Then I used a flat spatula that I wrapped a lens Cleaning cloth around to wipe off the excess.

Do not use a deep fiber cloth because it would take too much of it off!

It's not perfect on mine because I just wanted to test it first. One can surely do a better job!

I'm leaving it to harden now, I'll try the lettering on the ASA and Shutter speed dial tomorrow!

I'll capture that process too and add it here!

In this week's Camera Collecting blog, meet the Minolta Vest camera, a rare vintage find that captures the charm of classic film photography in a compact, collectible design.

I discuss its history, unique features, and why this little Minolta still fascinates camera collectors, retro gear lovers, and analog photography fans today.

I hope you'll enjoy this wonderful camera from 90 years ago.

https://www.dancuny.com/camera-collecting-blog/2026/5/20/minolta-vest-camera

Not very familiar with these cameras at all. But I am experienced with mirrorless cameras. Pentax is catching my eye, i want to learn to use that one first. Yashica is cool as well. Love them all. Excited to learn to use them.

What film does it take and is there anything else I should do / know?

Inherited it from a distant relative from another country, I'm amazed at how it is still working perfectly fine ! Definitely my favorite film camera, it is such a pleasure to use, especially with the Super Takumar 55mm. Asahi Pentax engineers knew what they were doing back then !

Can anyone help me identify or give any advice on whether or not I can get film and/or stuff to make this functional?

hey all! I just bought my first vintage large-format camera for wetplate collodion (yay!) but am struggling to figure out where to source a replacement screw for the glass back... whatcha'll think? it's a kodak eastma 5x7...thanks in advance!

The current state of my SLR collection. I managed to get a couple of these for under $10.

• Canon AE-1
• Nikon F (later Apollo model)
• Minolta SRT 201 (self-timer was jammed)
• Pentax Spotmatic (I used to have the Asahi version with a clip on light meter at some point as well)
• Zeiss Ikon Contaflex (Super B)
• Olympus OM 10
• Zenit E (Was working when I got it but the shutter ribbon came unglued, at least I can use the lens on the Spotmatic)

So excited to add this one to my collection!!! I was a Girl Scout growing up, so it's extra special to me.

Can anyone tell me about these? One has a xenotar (left) lens and the other two are tessar. Wondering what is a fair price for each of these.

Hello everyone,

To give you background:

My goal: to purchase a sturdy, reliable, and budget friendly 35mm SLR to use on specific occasions: landscape shots of beautiful scenery, the project car (which my namesake is for), and possibly for vacation if it isn’t too heavy to travel with.

My knowledge: I know nothing other than the fact that I admire the format and legacy of 35mm SLRs. I am a quick study and somewhat handy with small repairs. For example, I taught myself to rewire, repair, and modify my humble Espresso Machine along with taking on a recently larger task of restoring a classic 1983 Porsche 944 for the past five months.

History of the Camera: The kind gentleman I purchased the camera off of had received this from his late uncle, 20 years prior. He mentioned his late uncle being quite the camera enthusiast. The gentleman never had much time for it and sold everything to me for $175 (note: he also provided what looks to be an original solid metal tripod made in Japan that is not pictured). What I can tell, everything seems to be in working condition.

If someone wouldn’t mind, I’d be much obliged if you would kindly tell me what is useable in this lot and what is not— or what it is even for.

I welcome any input, advice, feedback, information, personal experiences, tests to put the camera through, etc. on what I just purchased. If there are recommended guides, care & maintenance, specific film— anything. I’m starting from scratch. Thanks in advance!

Can't comment with images, but this a reply to @Impolioid 's post about DIY'ing a TLR mirror using an old polaroid: https://www.reddit.com/r/vintagecameras/comments/1negiuz/comment/ojkw48o/

Found an old Polaroid on ebay for £1.13, sliced the mirror down with a glass cutter and it seems to have worked great!