On the North Side of Pittsburgh, near Allegheny Commons, is the Photo Antiquities Museum. Located upstairs near a classic old camera store, this museum is packed with great old cameras and photographs.
As we arrived there was a sign that says ‘buzz here’ – we did and at first nobody came so we went next door to the camera shop. Someone from the shop took us back over and by then Frank from the museum was waiting at the door for us.
He lead us upstairs to a real hidden treasure of Pittsburgh.
After a brief explanation on the history of photography, he showed us where the various rooms were located for each topic – Antique photographs – The Pittsburgh Photo History Room – and finally the Camera Collection!
Their collection is vast. Many have small tags detailing important facts like manufacturer and date.
Many look very different to today’s cameras.
Most have a great look to them – imagine the memories each created over the years.
In addition to the still photography there was an extensive collection of video recorders (aka – movie cameras).
Kodak had a grouping by itself.
Also included were ancillary items such as light meters.
And film (what is film???)
Shelves of cameras.
An early motion picture cameras with a crank.
A Magic Lantern viewer. It was an image projector for transparent plates.
If you are reading this blog you must like photography – and if you like photography you will love the Photo Antiquities Museum for the camera collection alone.
And if you love vintage photographs this is the place – there are plenty to keep you occupied for hours.
A bit thanks to Frank for showing us around.
RDZ Photography 