Gundlach Korona V 5x7 - Wollensak Velostigmat Series I 5x7 f/6.3 & Optimo No. 3 Shutter Box camera

Important English-made camera Brand: Gundlach
Model: Korona (Triple extension for long focal length) | Camera type: Large format field camera / bellows folding

Format: 5x7 inches

Year of production: Body ca. 1900–1905 / Lens and shutter upgrade ca. 1910

Country/Region of production: United Kingdom

An extraordinary, museum-quality specimen is for sale: an antique folding field camera Gundlach Korona Series V 5x7 large-format. Manufactured in the United Kingdom during the height of the region's photographic boom, this splendid instrument has been exceptionally well preserved.

This camera represents a fascinating piece of photography history. Although the mahogany body and hardware exhibit the early production side rails in plated metal with the printed inscription "PAT. APPL'D FOR" (dating the body to about 1900–1905), the front optical assembly features a high-grade upgrade dating from 1910. The original owner replaced the initial standard shutter with a higher-quality Wollensak Optimo system to achieve faster and more precise exposure times.

Bellows: Features the highly sought-after burgundy-purple fabric bellows. A light-tightness check confirms there are no pinholes or leaks! The accordion folds are clean, structurally sound, and fully intact.

Wood: The frame of premium mahogany retains a splendid natural luster, deep color, and excellent grain, with minimal signs of wear due to age.

Metal parts: All original nickel-plated brass rails, levers, and focus blocks are present and in excellent, bright condition.

External cover: The outer protective black grained leatherette covering is solid and retains the original leather carrying handle on top and the brass sliding latch.

Shutter: Wollensak Optimo No. 3 (Patent date: June 14, 1910). Unlike most antique shutters, which are often stuck or tacky, this self-cocking mechanism is perfectly functioning. It fires with a firm, crisp mechanical click at all settings, including a 1-second pneumatic delay. - Optics: Equipped with a Wollensak Series I Velostigmat f/6.3 lens in excellent condition, specific for the 5x7 inch format.

Focusing mechanisms: Triple extension system for long focal lengths, fully operational. The front rack-and-pinion focusing motion runs smoothly, while the rear release lever (with spring and detent teeth) operates fluidly, allowing the camera to reach maximum bellows extension.

Viewfinder: The original mahogany brilliant viewfinder mounted on a swiveling support is intact and positioned on the front rail; it swivels to accommodate both vertical and horizontal framing.

This magnificent camera has been kept with meticulous care in a safe home environment for well over a century, protecting it from the deterioration and damage typical of field cameras of that era. It is ideal as a showpiece centerpiece, for a devoted collector, or for a large-format analogue photographer who wishes to take it back into the field.

Condition: excellent, restored
See photos for visual description
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