Wollensak 43
Estate Find: Wollensak Model 43 - Triple Turret 8mm - Made in Rochester, New York, USA - 1954-1958*
The holy grail of American 8mm cameras. Wollensak was the lens supplier for Bell & Howell and made some of the finest cine optics in the USA. The Model 43 was their top model with a rotating turret.
*Specifications:*
- *Model:* Wollensak Model 43 - 8mm Regular / Double-8
- *Turret:* Rotating 3-lens turret with positive click stops
- *Lenses:* 3 x Matching Wollensak Cine Raptar 32.5mm f/1.8 - all coated, all 32.5mm screw mount (Wollensak standard). Lenses are:
1. Wide Angle (with wide adapter)
2. Standard 13mm / 0.5"
3. Telephoto 25mm / 1" (check markings on your lenses - confirm focal lengths)
- *Motor:* Clockwork spring motor - NO BATTERIES - wind key on side. Runs approx 25ft per wind.
- *Speeds:* 16fps, 24fps (sound speed), 32fps, 48fps slow-motion
- *Features:*
- Direct view optical viewfinder with parallax correction
- Footage counter 0-25ft auto reset
- Exposure guide calculator on side - ASA / BRITE / HAZY / CLOUDY / SHADY
- Single frame release for animation
- Tripod socket 1/4"
*Condition - Excellent for Age:*
- *Mechanical:* Winds smoothly, runs strong with healthy whir, governor controls speed correctly. Footage counter moves. Turret rotates and locks solid at each position. No binding.
- *Optics:* All 3 lenses clean - NO fungus, NO separation, NO major scratches. Light cleaning marks only. Apertures from f/1.8 to f/16 click positively.
- *Body:* Original grey crackle finish intact - 90% present. Some edge wear on corners as expected for 70-year-old camera (see photos). Name plate "MODEL 43 WOLLENSAK ROCHESTER U.S.A." crisp and legible. "WOLLENSAK" embossed on side.
- *Viewfinder:* Clear, no haze, no black specks.
*Includes:*
- Original brown leather fitted carry case with shoulder strap and snap closure. Case shows vintage patina, stitching intact, no major tears.
*Why Collectible:*
The Model 43 is featured in every American movie camera collector's book. The triple Raptar set alone is worth more than most 8mm cameras. These were used by wealthy families, newsreel amateurs, and film students before Super-8 took over. Impossible to find with all 3 original matching lenses and case in South Africa.
*Ideal for:*
- 8mm / Double-8 film shooter (film still available from Wittner in Germany)
- Movie camera collection / display
- Film prop - period correct for 1950s-60s movies
- Wollensak lens donor - the 32.5mm Raptars adapt to Micro 4/3 and C-mount
*Provenance:* Single owner estate, Brits. Stored in dry cupboard for 50+ years.
*Sale Details:*
Sold as-is, as found, mechanical function checked but not film tested. No returns on vintage goods.
*Price: R1 650* - Compare to eBay USA $150-$250 plus shipping and import duty. My price is firm for this condition.
*Location:* Brits, North West, South Africa.
Viewing and testing welcome by appointment.
Can ship via The Courier Guy / PUDO at buyer's cost, fully insured, packed professionally.
Serious buyers only. No trades.
#Wollensak #Model43 #8mm #CineCamera #TurretCamera #CineRaptar #MovieCamera #Double8 #VintageCinema #FilmCamera #RochesterUSA
