Bell & Howell Foton Analogue camera
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Rob ter Ellen
Over 35 years' experience specialising in cameras and optical equipment.
Estimate € 3,000 - € 3,300
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Description from the seller
An absolute holy grail for classic camera collectors. Up for auction is the legendary Bell & Howell Foton (made in Chicago, USA, circa 1948), an extremely rare spring-motor-driven rangefinder camera.
This lot features the highly coveted Cooke Amotal Anastigmat 2 inch f/2 lens manufactured by Taylor Hobson (UK), internationally revered as one of the finest vintage lenses in history.
Crucially, this specimen comes with its original "Guaranteed for Life" velvet-lined base, the rare original gold outer box, and the front lens cap. A complete collector’s set of this caliber rarely surfaces on the market.
【Product Details】
Brand: Bell & Howell (Chicago, USA)
Model: FOTON
Serial Numbers: Body: F-2216 / Lens: No. 301609
Lens: Cooke Amotal Anastigmat 2 INCH f/2
Included Items: Original base, original gold box, front lens cap.
【Condition & Mechanics】
As a historical artifact, this item is sold as-is for collection or maintenance purposes. No actual film testing or professional shutter speed calibration has been conducted.
Mechanics: Winding the mechanism and pressing the shutter button triggers an audible shutter release operation. Dial rotations and lens mechanical linkages are moving. (See general views in 20260613_161329.jpg and 20260613_161341.jpg).
Cosmetics: For a piece nearly 80 years old, it is in beautiful cosmetic condition with no major dents or rust. Please note there is a minor lifting/peeling of the leatherette on the left edge of the body, as visible in 20260613_161354.jpg. The interior and pressure plate are shown in 20260613_161557.jpg and 20260613_161602.jpg.
Optics: The rangefinder/viewfinder window is relatively clear (20260613_161445.jpg, 20260613_161449.jpg). The lens contains minor dust and faint haze consistent with its age. There is visible vintage patina/aging (slight edge-wear/paint thinning or faint peripheral haze) around the very outer circumference of the front element, clearly documented in 20260613_161503.jpg and 20260613_161507.jpg. No major fungus or obvious balsam separation detected.
【Shipping】
Due to the high historical value of this item, it will be double-layered with professional shock-absorbing material, packed securely in a rigid box, and shipped via a fully tracked and insured premium international courier service.
Sold as a historical collectible in as-is condition. Please bid only if you understand the nature of vintage photographic equipment.
An absolute holy grail for classic camera collectors. Up for auction is the legendary Bell & Howell Foton (made in Chicago, USA, circa 1948), an extremely rare spring-motor-driven rangefinder camera.
This lot features the highly coveted Cooke Amotal Anastigmat 2 inch f/2 lens manufactured by Taylor Hobson (UK), internationally revered as one of the finest vintage lenses in history.
Crucially, this specimen comes with its original "Guaranteed for Life" velvet-lined base, the rare original gold outer box, and the front lens cap. A complete collector’s set of this caliber rarely surfaces on the market.
【Product Details】
Brand: Bell & Howell (Chicago, USA)
Model: FOTON
Serial Numbers: Body: F-2216 / Lens: No. 301609
Lens: Cooke Amotal Anastigmat 2 INCH f/2
Included Items: Original base, original gold box, front lens cap.
【Condition & Mechanics】
As a historical artifact, this item is sold as-is for collection or maintenance purposes. No actual film testing or professional shutter speed calibration has been conducted.
Mechanics: Winding the mechanism and pressing the shutter button triggers an audible shutter release operation. Dial rotations and lens mechanical linkages are moving. (See general views in 20260613_161329.jpg and 20260613_161341.jpg).
Cosmetics: For a piece nearly 80 years old, it is in beautiful cosmetic condition with no major dents or rust. Please note there is a minor lifting/peeling of the leatherette on the left edge of the body, as visible in 20260613_161354.jpg. The interior and pressure plate are shown in 20260613_161557.jpg and 20260613_161602.jpg.
Optics: The rangefinder/viewfinder window is relatively clear (20260613_161445.jpg, 20260613_161449.jpg). The lens contains minor dust and faint haze consistent with its age. There is visible vintage patina/aging (slight edge-wear/paint thinning or faint peripheral haze) around the very outer circumference of the front element, clearly documented in 20260613_161503.jpg and 20260613_161507.jpg. No major fungus or obvious balsam separation detected.
【Shipping】
Due to the high historical value of this item, it will be double-layered with professional shock-absorbing material, packed securely in a rigid box, and shipped via a fully tracked and insured premium international courier service.
Sold as a historical collectible in as-is condition. Please bid only if you understand the nature of vintage photographic equipment.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Bell & Howell
Model/type nr
Foton
Physical condition
Good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1940-1950
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