Cameras/Expert Profile
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience in the area
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John | 02/05/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank You for the prompt and knowledgeable ..... |
| Joe | 02/05/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | David explicitly answered my inquiry. I will ..... |
| Jay | 01/19/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for the quick response. We will ..... |
| margaret | 10/04/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Sally | 06/08/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Wow! Absolutely gobsmacked by such a knowledgeable ..... |
Recent Answers from David Silver
2012-02-04 Kodak Jr 6.16:
Hi Joe, The Kodak Junior Six-16 is a simple amateur's folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak in a couple of minor variations in the 1930's, for 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch exposures on old #616 roll
2012-02-04 Leica model confusion:
Hello John, You're just a bit confused. This is clearly a Leica III (also marketed as the Leica Model F) made in 1934, and not a Leica IIIa (also marketed as the Leica Model G). They are absolutely
2012-02-02 Rolleiflex DBP 3.5F DBGM Camera in Leather Case:
Hello Debbie, Your Rolleiflex is a traditional medium format twin-lens-reflex camera, made by Franke & Heidecke of Germany in the latter part of the 1950's, for 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch exposures on #120
2012-01-31 Leica camera's - M4, M3, M2:
Hello Donna, Depending on exactly what variants you have and the lenses on them, yes, they might be quite valuable. You need to first understand that none of them are uncommon. Over 59,000 M4's
2012-01-29 Camera equipment:
Hello Jim, Can I assume your intent is to liquidate the equipment? If so, I know it seems like a daunting endeavor, but I can make it all very easy for you. Here's what I recommend you do. Make
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.