Even as the 20th Century quickly approached and rollfilm continued to grow in popularity, variations of these fine portable cameras flowed into the eager hands of amateur photographers: Full-featured & expensive to entry-level & inexpensive.
Some, such as the Korona Special, represented the high point of artistic expression. Yet nearly all were variations on the basic red-bellows folder theme.
The camera shown here is a puzzle. Its extraordinary craftsmanship is more functional than artistic, yet not quite as sophisticated as solidly built The Henry Clay Camera.
Materials are first rate: Finely pebbled body leather, strong red bellows, robust brass hardware, and furniture quality wooden interior make this an unusual camera.
Impeccable construction with Voigtlaender Collinear II lens.
Then there are the unique details and features not found in any maker's catalogue. An innovative brass rear extension with full swings and tilts. Unusually heavy arched, brass bridge connecting the front-standard uprights.
Now Dig deeper. Hidden beneath the wooden extension bed and leather body covering: Four wood panels in a diamond pattern; an expensive yet elegant construction treasure adding strength and warp resistance. Two tripod mounts placed at different balance points further ensure that the bed remains intact.
Why all the subtle attention to detail?
What can be learned from build-lot number 72 and serial number 121 28?
After months of careful examination and exhaustive research, I still don't know. Maybe someone else does ... feel free to contact me.
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