Gaumont Block-Notes

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The Block-Notes is a strut folding camera for 4.5×6 cm or 6.5×9 cm plates, made by Gaumont in Paris, from 1904 (the smaller model) and 1909 (the larger), until 1924.[1] It was available with a fixed-focus f/9 Hermagis anastigmat lens, or with faster lenses including an f/6.3 Tessar (on the example shown here, this is a Krauss-Zeiss lens, i.e. mad eby E. Krauss of Paris under licence from Zeiss; however, an example sold at Westlicht is listed as having a CZJ Tessar).[2] Some cameras have a focusing mechanism (the knurled wheel on the rear body in the example illustrated); others are fixed-focus.

The lens of its Newton-type viewfinder is in a frame that slides along the lens board when the camera is folded (also covering the lens). The shutter is cocked by pulling the finder frame into its working position. The example illustrated here has an optional plate magazine back fitted.

The Block-Notes Stereo was made, in sizes for 4.5×10.7 cm and 6×13 cm plates[3]


Notes

  1. McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover).} p338.
  2. 4.5×6 cm Block-Notes with a 7.5 cm f/6.3 Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar, with single plate-holders, sold at the May 2009 Westlicht Photographica Auction in Vienna.
  3. 4.5×10.7 cm Block-Notes Stereo with Anastigmat lenses, sold at the May 2011 Westlicht auction.

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