Bausch And Lomb MK28 Binoculars W/J. D. Moller - Wedel Cambinox Camera - Rare
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:31154457 |
Some of the information here is verified by direct observation, some is developed from research on the Internet and is likely correct but not guaranteed. This is a Bausch and Lomb binocular, probably a US Navy 7X50 MK 28 in what appears to be a very clean and original case branded "Hood" and numbered "B18" (no photo). The B&L serial number is VYXX35 which dates it to 1944, the military serial number is 322XXX which dates to the same time-period. What makes these unusu...al, perhaps unique is this. The left side operates like a normal binocular. It comes to focus using the Diopter, and it gives a sharp, clear image. There are some tiny specs in the image which rotate with the Diopter, so cleaning, which I will not attempt, would likely be easy. The right side is entirely different. The objective glass is flat, not a lens, and the ocular is blocked and does not produce an image. Given what follows, that makes sense. Installed inside the right side is a camera. Engraved on the front lens are the words “JDEMAR 1:3.5/90” and “J.D. MOLLER-WEDEL” with a Serial Number 323070. The aperture ring works and the aperture changes (leaf-type). The focus ring also moves smoothly. On the camera body is a button that appears to select film ASA and what I believe is a shutter release button. There are also X and M connectors. On the bottom exterior of the right housing (visible in one photo just below the carry-strap mount) is a tiny button which I believe links to the shutter release inside. Also visible in another photo are a pair of knurled screws that, when loosened, allow removal of the internal parts - particularly, the camera body. Condition, aside from cosmetics, appears fine, particularly the glass. The barrel of the camera appears to have once been painted black. Since most of the paint was gone, I removed the remainder. Looks much better than the photo. The camera body includes a film housing. Research suggests the camera used Cambinox 16mm film (provided by J. D. Moller-Wedel) which produced 20 exposures 10mmX14mm in dimension. When the right ocular is rotated counterclockwise, a gear on a shaft inside it turns another set of gears which seem to be connected to the film canister an which seems to function as the film winder. What I cannot figure out, although there must be an answer, is how the shutter is cocked. Perhaps through the same geared mechanism. This and the photos are enough, I think, to get started. but I will attempt to answer questions. For reason that should be obvious, this item is sold “as-is” no return - no film, no test. Buyer covers shipping and insurance if desired.
