Baby Al-Vista

Description

The Baby Al-Vista was made from 1904 to 1908, so calling it a “baby” is a bit of a stretch. But listen: it shoots panoramic images on 120 rollfilm with a swing lens, and unlike most babies, it actually works*. Yes, this ancient camera takes regular film that you can buy at any camera store, and it produces fun wide-angle, swing-lens pictures that you can’t get with any digital camera. Because it is so old, the usual caveats apply: it is delicate, it is fussy, and you have to treat it like a slightly experimental instrument. The top three speeds work; the lowest speed does not complete its travel. The lens originally had a lenscap, but it is missing from this example. Light leaks may occur, and so on. Bit of a rare one, though, and worth using, if you’re willing to put the time in. This camera is in very good condition overall, with light wear on the leather covering, light corrosion on some metal parts.

* many babies refuse to go to work because they do not believe in the inherent virtue of capitalist economic labour theory, and also they can’t stand up.