Posted 15 years ago
Boots
(1 item)
This is a Star Camera for kids from the 1950's. Made in Japan. It is complete with original box, instructions, 3 rolls of film(2 still in foil wrappers), leather camera case. It is operational and I would rate the overall condition a 9 out of 10. The camera weighs 1.7 oz, and is 2 1/4 " wide and 1 1/2" tall. My questions are: How rare is this and what would its' value be? Thanks for any help you can give me.
I've seen cameras like this, but they are listed as spy cameras.
This particular camera was probably made by the Star Camera Works (Japan) in the 1950s. The camera by itself is worth about $15 - $25, and in my opinion, a complete outfit as shown here would be interesting to a dedicated collector of these at around $55+.
As background, there are several hundred name variations made by numerous companies. Values vary widely. For example, Hit cameras with occupied Japan markings typically reach $85. Gold colored versions can sell for over $250. Most of the common models average $10 to $25 depending on condition, while really rare names or exotic versions go for more.
Otherwise, this type of novelty camera is referred to by collectors as a “Hit style subminiature.” While there was a camera made by Tougodo Optical in the 1950s by the name of “Hit,” the name eventually became a generic collector term referencing inexpensive cameras made of stamped metal using 17.5 mm rollfilm to produce 14 x 14 mm images.
i have a mini camera made in occupied japan. it is in decent shape,everything still rolls and moves.
I have one of these type cameras with an exposed roll of film, where can I get the film developed?