DonIV
Three Spring Motor
Listening to Ray Noble collection
Posts: 169
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Post by DonIV on Nov 1, 2009 11:56:14 GMT -6
MAKER:Thorens MODEL:Excelda Cameraphone SERIAL #: n/a YEARS:1930 to mid 1940s (needs more research) ORIGINAL COST: ? CASE/CABINET SIZE: 11x5x2 inches when closed. TURNTABLE/MANDREL SIZE: 2.25 inches REPRODUCER/SOUNDBOX: Minimal sized built in steel horn with orthophonic styled reproducer MOTOR: Single spring, plate & pillar with only enough power for one side of a 10 inch record. HORN DIMENSIONS: internal and tiny! REPO PARTS: Thumbscrew. This one is missing the leather carry strap, otherwise it's all original. I have the remains of the strap it's just not presentable. CURRENT VALUE MINT:(Not necessarily this machine) $200+ depending on condition and color. INTERESTING FACTS: Made to look like a Kodak folding camera of the same era. This one is a later model with the aluminum diaphragm similar to the Victor orthophonic, earliest models still used a mica diaphragm. FAVORITE CHARACTERISTIC:This is the original "cameraphone", if you Google this term you get hits for cell phones with cameras. These are fairly well made phonographs given their compact size. The paint scheme is unique for sure with the crackle textured effect. These were available in at least black, blue, brown, red, and green. any additional info you have is greatly appreciated
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Post by barnettrp21122 on Nov 1, 2009 19:15:06 GMT -6
These are nice little machines. I picked one up myself at last Spring's show in Wayne NJ. It came with a xeroxed copy of the directions, which recommended using two discs tightened on the small turntable. The extra disc makes for a better flywheel action and smooths out the sound. Bob
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Post by MTPhono on Nov 1, 2009 20:33:28 GMT -6
Nice Don. I have one too - fun little machine. What other colors are there? I believe there is a green. Are there others?
There is an Excelda here in town that I have been offered. I don't know the price or condition but if anybody is interested, I'd be happy to take a look at it and let you know what they are asking for it. I know they don't have a clue what it is or what its worth. It could probably be had for cheap and they would be happy. Let me know.
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Post by Moooperator on Nov 4, 2009 10:47:44 GMT -6
And the blue ones are my favorite color!
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DonIV
Three Spring Motor
Listening to Ray Noble collection
Posts: 169
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Post by DonIV on Nov 4, 2009 18:25:22 GMT -6
Roaring20s alerted me to some really good links to information on these phonographs in his Thorenz Excelda Cameraphone-PhonoFocus 4-5-09 back in April of this year. Roaring20's is a info hound if I've ever seen one. ;D Good job. I printed the instruction manual for posterity. I'm also going to give the double record recommendation a try too. Of the small machines made around this same time I think these are the better built ones. The metal cases have held up pretty well over time. Repeating one of the links here is the array of colors: Various Color Excelda Cameraphones
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estott
One Spring Motor
Posts: 16
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Post by estott on Nov 5, 2009 21:08:48 GMT -6
When the motor was new and at full power it would have had enough strength to play one side of a 12 inch record - barely. They also came with the option of a very nice canvas and leather carrier with a shoulder strap.
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Post by AZ on Nov 5, 2009 23:57:07 GMT -6
These don't take up much room so it shouldn't upset the missus. ;D
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colocrank
Three Spring Motor
The kid with the most toys wins the game
Posts: 114
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Post by colocrank on Nov 8, 2009 2:17:50 GMT -6
I have a brown Excelda but it has the reproducer and tone arm in black and not nickel finish. It is a factory finish and may have been a way to reduce costs near the end of the run. Mine also has a stripped fibre gear and I've never known where to buy a replacement. They are cute little machines and sure don't take up much space.
Thanks for all the input and conversations about these machines.
ColoCrank
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Post by milos74 on Jul 4, 2014 0:13:59 GMT -6
What size is the spring Thorens excelda?
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