Nik's Retro Corner

Hi Folks!

As I really love old hardware, not only computer, but also Hi-Fi (low-fi ), (mobile) phones and cameras, I collected some stuff over the years which I want to share with you.
It's not the whole collection yet, but I keep on updating it as soon as the I cleaned it.

Let's start with a really nice swiss made 8mm camera from1958.

Bolex Paillard H8 deluxe

It's a fully spring driven 8mm camera with 3 lenses on a revolvable base. It still works fine, but I won't buy any films for it as they are REALLY expensive and I don't have a projector for them.(pls see THIS PAGE for more info)

---

Some phones.
First one is a DEUTSCHE POST model from 1972 with modified plug to fit into modern routers. Calls can be received but it won't dial out without a impulse-to-tone-dial changer which costs about 40 bucks. This is the most commen phone from it's era and came in several different colors.

---

Next one is a TESLA from 1969, made in the former GDR and is just for decoration ATM. Tried to change the plug to make it compatible, but the phone's cable is too thick to fit into the plug.

---

This is a Siemens CT/R 11. It's the only one that CAN dial out in the way it is. The only keypad phone in the collection so far. Used to be my Dad's office phone in the late 80s.

---

And here it is, the famous Deutsche Post W48 Wählscheibenfernsprechapparat (German Post W48 dial-operated telephone) .
It's from 1955 and also rings on an incoming call, but won't dial out without adaptor (I think I need to buy one for the real retro feeling )

---

And the last for now are these two strange looking OB33 magneto phones.
Just turn the crank to make the phone ring and talk.
They need a local battery to transmit the voice.
Originally there was a 4,5V dry batt inside but I replaced it with a box for 3 AA batteries. One battery was completly dead due to a bend contact, the other one still holds 3,45V after 23 (!!!) years !
The one with the red generator is from 1963, the other one from 1970.

Click here for more info.

---

Last one so far is a Bermuda radio from the former GDR which was made in 1979. Used to work in my Grandma's kitchen. Had to replace the power cable, still works great and sounds really nice.

---

coming up next...
*Technics Stereo Set from the early 80s

That camera is in fantastic condition! even if you dont have the film for it, it makes a great centrepiece to any room i bet lol! (not mine actually my 2 year old would destroy it! lol)

Nice collection, Nik - Really looking forward to seeing your Technics!

Thx Martin.
The camera lenses are a bit dirty and need to be cleaned, but the rest is like new.
Best thing is, it was a gift from the previous owner.
Came with a lot of papers as you can see in the first pic. Manual, table for setting the lenses, service manual etc etc...

OK, I couldn't wait until tomorrow so I went in the basement and took out the

Technics SU-V1X Amplifier

My Dad bought this Amp, a Tape Deck, CD-Player and a F Radio in 1984.
He gave it to me over 15 years ago and it still works.

---

Technics ST-600 FM/AM Stereo Tuner

Matching FM/AM Tuner for the Amp.

sweet, do you use them often? Do you have speakers for it?

nope, I retired the old components in 2012 and bought a new 5.1 receiver from Onkyo.
I sold the speakers in 2014, had no more space for them.
Bought some speakers just 3 months ago for a birthday party, the whole neighbourhood came over to party with us.
Kinda epic I guess...