Founded by collector Arben Balaj
The Vintage Camera Museum was founded in 2023 by Arben Balaj, a collector with 23 years of collecting experience. He set it up to preserve and show the evolution of cameras and optical technology for generations to come.
The museum is run alongside Carshalton Auction, which is why you will see a carshaltonauction.co.uk email address on this site. The cameras on display belong to the museum collection and are not for sale.
The collection
At 11 High Street, Carshalton, SM5 3AP, the museum displays over 2,000 antique cameras, rare lenses and photographic equipment from many eras and countries, from Leica rangefinders and Rolleiflex medium-format cameras to tropical cameras and Cold War spy cameras. Each piece tells a story of invention, artistry and the human desire to capture moments in time. See highlights in the gallery.
From early box cameras and classic film cameras to rare mechanical masterpieces and historic lenses, the museum offers visitors a journey through the technological and artistic milestones of photography. Every artefact is carefully curated and preserved to reflect its originality, craftsmanship and historical significance.
Founded on a deep passion for vintage photography and heritage preservation, the museum is not just an exhibition space but a living archive of photographic history, a place where enthusiasts, collectors, students and tourists can explore, learn and be inspired.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious visitor, we invite you to step back in time and rediscover the art of capturing moments, one frame at a time.