Who are we?  Featured Cameras  Articles  Instruction Manuals  Repair Manuals  The Classic Camera Repair Forum  Books  View/Sign Guestbook

Need help researching this Sears Towe... Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

The Classic Camera Repair Forum » Collector's Lounge » Need help researching this Sears Tower Automatic 127 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Ismaelg
New member
Username: Ismaelg

Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 10:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hello,

I recently acquired this camera:

http://images52.fotki.com/v644/photos/4/1233394/8165149/IMGP0783b-vi.jpg

http://images53.fotki.com/v420/photos/4/1233394/8165149/IMGP0791b-vi.jpg

A Sears Tower automatic 127 Electric Eye. The camera is mint in the box but I can't find information on it.
In what years was it offered? Who made it? How rare is it? Any other variations?
All I find is a similar camera called the Tower Camflash without the electric eye.
Does anybody know anything about this model? Anyone has an early 60's SEARS catalog? Any ideas or pointing in the right direction?

Thanks,
Ismael
Chiccolini
New member
Username: Chiccolini

Post Number: 62
Registered: 06-2009
Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

It was made by U.S. Camera Corp. around the early 1960s. There was a similar camera named Tower 127EF with an electronic flash in the flash reflector and a long tubular handle/grip beneath the flash area.

Worth more because it is mint in box but not especially rare. A collector might go as high as $25. to $30. on a good day.

It is similar to the Kodak Brownie Auto 27 and Super 27.
Ismaelg
New member
Username: Ismaelg

Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 02:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Thanks!
I have found some references that say this was probably based on the Mamiya 35 EEF and related to the Tower 39 and 41. Could this be an adaptation of the 35mm camera to the 127 format?

Thanks,
Ismael
Chiccolini
New member
Username: Chiccolini

Post Number: 64
Registered: 06-2009
Posted on Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 02:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Try looking up a Mansfield Automatic 127. It is the same thing also.

Yes, I've heard about those Mamiyas. They do look alike.
Tom_cheshire
New member
Username: Tom_cheshire

Post Number: 208
Registered: 04-2009
Posted on Friday, December 04, 2009 - 03:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

So what happened to your Tower?
Ismaelg
New member
Username: Ismaelg

Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

The camera is mint in the box. All I did was a light external cleanup. But information about it is really scarce. I tried researching the Mansfield Automatic 127 but no luck so far. All I know about this camera is in this thread.

Thanks,
Ismael
Jecicapapa
New member
Username: Jecicapapa

Post Number: 10
Registered: 01-2010
Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 07:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I tried researching the Mansfield Automatic 127 but no luck so far. All I know about this camera is in this thread.
Foto_gaga
New member
Username: Foto_gaga

Post Number: 10
Registered: 02-2010
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 03:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Did you try taking photos with this?

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration