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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 1
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 2
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 3
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 4
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 5
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 6
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 7
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 8
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 9
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 10
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 11
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  • Dacora Digna 1:8/80mm Collapsible 120-Format Camera, Made in Germany 1954-1959 12
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Description

Back in the days before the invention of the modern compact film camera and interchangeable lens SLR systems, cameras with collapsible lenses were among the smallest on the market. The concept is simple - the lens is mounted in a tubular housing which, when the camera is not is use, is pressed into the body where it locks in place, allowing the camera to be inserted into its case; when the user wants to take a photo, she pushes a release button (or, in this case, rotates the barrel) and the housing pops out to the correct focal length ready to take a photo.

Some collapsible cameras were expensive, high-quality items. Some, such as this Digna, were rather more crude, even by the standards of the mid to late 1950s when it was built by Dacora Kamerawerk of Reutlingen (which, incidentally, is the location of Spreuerhofstraße - at 31cm, the narrowest street in the world) - if they're not made to high tolerances, the spring that operates the lens housing frequently shakes collapsible cameras to pieces with various bits falling off; thus, while the Digna isn't as collectible as a Leica or Voightlander, a complete example such as this one is an uncommon find.

Like all very basic, affordable cameras from the pre-plastic and pre-electronic era, it's got plenty of interesting features stemming from the manufacturer's attempts to keep costs low. Made of thin pressed steel, albeit with clever use of corrugations on the base to add strength, it's almost agricultural: open it up and the shutter release mechanism is so crude it's almost beautiful in its simplicity, and the shutter cocking mechanism is probably one of the worst designs in the history of photography - the lens housing must be pushed in to reset the trigger every time the user wants to take a photo (there's also a little sticker in there revealing that this one was originally purchased from Phoco, a camera shop on Lotter Straße in Osnabrück, which is a nice little feature). In other words, this isn't a camera you'd want to use very often, but it's definitely one that will make a fine addition to a collection of vintage cameras.

This example, while complete, is showing its age: there are some spots of corrosion on the front, though these are fortunately very minor, some of the paint has worn off around the lens housing surround and on the base and the viewfinder is very hazy. However, the exposed metal parts on top and the coldshoe are in very fine order, as is the leather (or leather-effect) coating, and the aperture selector (f/8 or f/11), shutter selector (bulb or instant, no speed adjustment) and rotating focus (8ft to infinity) all work. The shutter usually works on instant but is very unreliable on bulb; if you want to restore the camera, it's likely that it just needs a good clean. The lens would also benefit from a clean due to cloudiness around the perimeter, but is free of scratches and - remarkably - there appears to be no dust or fungus inside the barrel. The lens housing, due to the internal design featuring small tabs running along two channels either side, occasionally gets stuck and probably did from new, but frees up easily with a little help; it retracts and locks into the closed position as intended.

We don't have any 120 film to perform a full test but, after close examination, the seals seem to still be light-tight; with so little to go wrong on this model, we have no reason to suspect it couldn't be used - and please note that 120 film is still widely available, should you wish to use it.

The camera is supplied with an original leather case, which shoes signs of having been damp at some point but was dried out before rot set in. It has some cracking, but is complete and retains its strap.

Dacora was founded in 1946 by Bernhard Dangelmaier, a time when camera manufacturers were forced to seek new, cheaper ways to build their products as Germany's steel production had been limited to 25% of pre-war levels. The company was a success and, by 1960, had sold more than two million of its own cameras, most of which were affordable basic models, but it also produced cameras for other companies including some of the better-known names. Production continued through the 60s, ceasing in 1972 when, unable to compete with the even cheaper (and frequently superior) cameras coming from Japan, Dacora fell on hard times and was bought up by a venture capitalist firm which sold off the machinery.

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

We only accept payments made through one of eBay's many approved methods. Please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within two working days.

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within two working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.

About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

Around 4,000 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.

Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Living Well services and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.

It will cost £10.5 million in 2021/2022 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. Contracted services from the NHS are budgeted at £6.98 million, meaning that £3.52 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.