Lopa
The Lopa models I and II are folding plate cameras designed by Magnus Niéll and made by Niéll & Simons of Cologne in about 1902 (or made for them: McKeown states the cameras were made in Berlin by a compnay named Kindermann.[1]) The Lopa I is for single 6.5x9 cm plates, and the model II for quarter-plate (3¼x4¼ inch or 8.2x10.8 cm) plates in a plate-changing magazine.
The cameras are made from sheet aluminium and leather, and designed to be light and to fold extremely small. The lens and I&B shutter are in a shallow front box-section. Film holders attach to a rear frame, joined to the front by a folding wedge-shaped leather section, not unlike the folding 'chimney' hood on an old plate SLR. When the leather part is folded, the rear frame lies horizontal behind the lens/shutter section, so the whole camera is folded flat to the shape and size of a notebook (it is not disguised as a book).
From each end of the lens/shutter section, a rigid strut runs backward, defining the side of the camera. There is a long slot in this strut, in which runs a pin projecting from each side of the rear frame as it is unfolded.
There is a bottom plate of aluminium, hinged to the lens/shutter section and to the bottom of the rear frame. The camera is unfolded by hinging this bottom plate downward and simultaneously rotating the rear frame from between the side-struts into the vertical position. There is a small catch to hold the pin at the end of the slot in the side strut, making the camera rigid when unfolded.
The camera is arranged for vertical ('portrait') pictures as described above. The Lopa I has a small reflex finder built into the front section for horizontal pictures. The Lopa II has a finder with a small hood, mounted externally on the front, and it seems likely that this rotates to be used in vertical or horizontal orientation. Pictures of the camera in some of the patents relating to it also show a frame finder on the rear frame.
There is a swivelling table-stand mounted on the front section.
The camera was sold in the UK as the Pocket Cyko 1 and 2, by J. Griffin & Sons of London.[2]
Notes
- ↑ 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). p720.
- ↑ Pocket CyKo No. 1 at Early Photography
