Difference between revisions of "Paxette electromatic"
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| − | The '''Paxette electromatic''' | + | The '''Paxette electromatic''' is a series of [[35mm]] cameras produced by [[Braun]] from 1959 to early 1964. They all feature the same compact body, a built-in [[selenium meter]] and coupled with it a trap-needle exposure automatic. When launched in 1959 the original version was advertised as the ''world's first and only truly fully automatic 35mm camera'' causing a legal dispute with [[Agfa]] who launched its superior [[Optima]] a few weeks earlier. Despite the automatic aperture the original electromatic is a rather simple camera with a fixed focus lens and only one shutter speed and film speed setting. The later '''Paxette electromatic II''' (launched in 1960) has a better lens, manual focussing and fully automatic exposure setting, similar to the much more successful Optima. The '''Paxette electromatic III''' (launched in 1961) offers more manual control and shutter priority exposure automation. With the launch of the II and III models the original electromatic was rebranded as '''Paxette electromatic I''' and later succeeded by the model ''Ia'', which was almost as simple but featured an exchangeable lens. |
== Electromatic (I) == | == Electromatic (I) == | ||
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| − | In 1959 the original ''' Paxette electromatic''' was advertised as the ''world's first and only fully automatic 35mm camera''. Its [[selenium meter]] | + | In 1959 the original ''' Paxette electromatic''' was advertised as the ''world's first and only fully automatic 35mm camera''. Its [[selenium meter]] controls the [[Lens#Aperture|aperture]] and gives a green-light sufficiency signal in the viewfinder. But other automatic functions are missing. Instead, the focusing of the Ennagon 1:5.6/40mm lens is fixed, and it has only the single shutter speed 1/40 sec. Even film speed is fixed and only film with 17/18 DIN (40/50 ASA) can be used. The aggressive advertising caused a legal dispute with [[Agfa]] about the definition of the term ''fully automatic''. [[Braun]] lost the case and had to commit themselves not to use the phrase ''First fully automatic camera'' any more.<ref name="Zellner"> Walter Zellner ''Die Kameraherstellung bei Carl Braun in Nürnberg'' (2004, Selbstverlag)</ref> |
The camera obviously was launched on the market a bit pre-mature which can be can be attributed to the fact that there are 3 variants differing in small details, all of which have their own Kadlubek number (BRA1065, BRA 1066, BRA1070). | The camera obviously was launched on the market a bit pre-mature which can be can be attributed to the fact that there are 3 variants differing in small details, all of which have their own Kadlubek number (BRA1065, BRA 1066, BRA1070). | ||
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The first variant can be recognized in particular by the rewind (unlock) button, which is located directly behind the shutter button on the top of the camera and can be easily mistaken with the latter. | The first variant can be recognized in particular by the rewind (unlock) button, which is located directly behind the shutter button on the top of the camera and can be easily mistaken with the latter. | ||
| − | For variant 2, Braun | + | For variant 2, Braun elegantly transformed the rewind button into an inconspicuous rewind slider, which can now be found on the back of the camera, just a few millimeters away from the original location. This second variant also now has a printed warning on the film pressure plate (see picture) that only 17 or 18 DIN films can be used. |
| − | Only the third variant, launched in spring 1960, got rid of the limitation of only one film speed. There was now a small slider at the bottom right of the lens, labeled 16-18-21 DIN, or 10-32-64 ASA in the export version. Interestingly, this is not technically the same, but probably reflects the types of films most commonly available in the respective markets. This was achieved using an "improved" shutter that now controls three speeds (est. 1/40, 1/60 and 1/120 s)<ref name="Zellner"></ref>, which are not officially documented anywhere else. This variant was renamed '''Paxette electromatic I''' in the course of 1960, but you can | + | Only the third variant, launched in spring 1960, got rid of the limitation of only one film speed. There was now a small slider at the bottom right of the lens, labeled 16-18-21 DIN, or 10-32-64 ASA in the export version. Interestingly, this is not technically the same, but probably reflects the types of films most commonly available in the respective markets. This was achieved using an "improved" shutter that now controls three speeds (est. 1/40, 1/60 and 1/120 s)<ref name="Zellner"></ref>, which are not officially documented anywhere else. This variant was renamed '''Paxette electromatic I''' in the course of 1960, but you can still find examples with only '''electromatic''' engraved on the cap. |
| − | The (fixed) lens mostly | + | The (fixed) lens is mostly an Ennagon 5.6/40 mm, a coated triplet, made by [[Enna]]. The later variants can also be found with a ''Katagon'' made by [[Staeble]] (same specification). The camera has a [[hot shoe]], for its time a rare feature, and was actually one of the first cameras introducing it to the market as future standard. |
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| − | The '' | + | The '''Electromatic II''' was a major upgrade compared to the original model which was continued as ''electromatic I''. It is fitted with an Ultralit 1:2.8/40mm made by [[Rodenstock]], focussed with a twist/screw action. Markings on the lens show that it can focus down to 1m (3.3 feet), although with only a simple viewfinder the photographer must use [[scale focusing]]. In addition to actual distance markings, at around 2m there is a symbol of a person to indicate portraiture, and at around 4m there is a symbol of a building. |
| − | Besides the lens, the most important improvement was the shutter, namely [[Gauthier]]'s '''Prontormat-S''', a so called "Lichtwertverschluss" (light value shutter). It was controlled by the [[selenium meter]] setting distinct shutter-aperture-combinations from 2.8, 1/30s (LV 8) to 22, 1/300s (LV 17). <ref name="Knippsen">[https://knippsen.blogspot.com/2023/11/braun-paxette-electromatic-ii.html Electromatic II] on [https://knippsen.blogspot.com KniPPsen]</ref> These are displayed at the top of the viewfinder. Insufficient light is signaled with a red flag. Besides this ''Auto'' setting the shutter can also be set to ''B'' and ''flash'' (1/30s). For both time settings the full set of apertures can be set manually. Interestingly, the hot-shoe from the original model was again replaced by just a standard flash (PC) socket. | + | Besides the lens, the most important improvement was the shutter, namely [[Gauthier]]'s '''Prontormat-S''', a so called "Lichtwertverschluss" (light value shutter). It was controlled by the [[selenium meter]] setting distinct shutter-aperture-combinations from f/2.8, 1/30s (LV 8) to f/22, 1/300s (LV 17).<ref name="Knippsen">[https://knippsen.blogspot.com/2023/11/braun-paxette-electromatic-ii.html Electromatic II] on [https://knippsen.blogspot.com KniPPsen]</ref> These are displayed at the top of the viewfinder. Insufficient light is signaled with a red flag. Besides this ''Auto'' setting the shutter can also be set to ''B'' and ''flash'' (1/30s). For both time settings the full set of apertures can be set manually. Interestingly, the hot-shoe from the original model was again replaced by just a standard flash (PC) socket. |
{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
|image_source= https://flic.kr/p/2piMHig | |image_source= https://flic.kr/p/2piMHig | ||
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The film speed is set by a small wheel on top of the camera (between 10-400 ASA, or 11-27 DIN). It actually turns the entire spool of the meter, which is located below it. | The film speed is set by a small wheel on top of the camera (between 10-400 ASA, or 11-27 DIN). It actually turns the entire spool of the meter, which is located below it. | ||
| − | There | + | There is also a slimmed-down version called '''Electromatic IIs''', which has the well-known fixed focus 5.6/40 mm lens, but otherwise the same functionality as the II. |
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== Electromatic III == | == Electromatic III == | ||
| − | The later model (1961) ''' | + | The later model (1961) '''Electromatic III''' is still an automatic camera, but rather focussing on the amateur photographer who still wants to have some manual control. The shutter is the '''Prontormatic''' from [[Gauthier]] with shutter speeds from 1/30s to 1/500s and B. In the Auto setting the aperture is set by the meter (shutter priority automatic), but there is also the option of full manual control. The lens is the same as with model II. |
== Electromatic IA == | == Electromatic IA == | ||
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| − | The ''' | + | The '''Electromatic IA''' was launched in 1962 and replaced the "I". It has the same simple shutter and again the hot-shoe. Its main new feature was interchangable lenses through a proprietary lens mount. Only two lenses were available. Besides the standard lens Trinar 40 mm f/2.8 there is a Rotelar 75 mm f/4; both were made by [[Rodenstock]]. <ref name="CJS">[http://www.cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk/paxette/paxette.html#ia Electromatic Ia] on [http://www.cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk Classic-Cameras]</ref> |
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==Links and References== | ==Links and References== | ||
Revision as of 15:19, 30 November 2023
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| Paxette electromatic (original model, 1959) image by Christoph Batz (Image rights) |
The Paxette electromatic is a series of 35mm cameras produced by Braun from 1959 to early 1964. They all feature the same compact body, a built-in selenium meter and coupled with it a trap-needle exposure automatic. When launched in 1959 the original version was advertised as the world's first and only truly fully automatic 35mm camera causing a legal dispute with Agfa who launched its superior Optima a few weeks earlier. Despite the automatic aperture the original electromatic is a rather simple camera with a fixed focus lens and only one shutter speed and film speed setting. The later Paxette electromatic II (launched in 1960) has a better lens, manual focussing and fully automatic exposure setting, similar to the much more successful Optima. The Paxette electromatic III (launched in 1961) offers more manual control and shutter priority exposure automation. With the launch of the II and III models the original electromatic was rebranded as Paxette electromatic I and later succeeded by the model Ia, which was almost as simple but featured an exchangeable lens.
Contents
Electromatic (I)
|
| Back view of the original Paxette electromatic (2. variant with rewind slider and film speed warning). This body was used for the entire series. image by Christoph Batz (Image rights) |
In 1959 the original Paxette electromatic was advertised as the world's first and only fully automatic 35mm camera. Its selenium meter controls the aperture and gives a green-light sufficiency signal in the viewfinder. But other automatic functions are missing. Instead, the focusing of the Ennagon 1:5.6/40mm lens is fixed, and it has only the single shutter speed 1/40 sec. Even film speed is fixed and only film with 17/18 DIN (40/50 ASA) can be used. The aggressive advertising caused a legal dispute with Agfa about the definition of the term fully automatic. Braun lost the case and had to commit themselves not to use the phrase First fully automatic camera any more.[1]
The camera obviously was launched on the market a bit pre-mature which can be can be attributed to the fact that there are 3 variants differing in small details, all of which have their own Kadlubek number (BRA1065, BRA 1066, BRA1070).
The first variant can be recognized in particular by the rewind (unlock) button, which is located directly behind the shutter button on the top of the camera and can be easily mistaken with the latter.
For variant 2, Braun elegantly transformed the rewind button into an inconspicuous rewind slider, which can now be found on the back of the camera, just a few millimeters away from the original location. This second variant also now has a printed warning on the film pressure plate (see picture) that only 17 or 18 DIN films can be used.
Only the third variant, launched in spring 1960, got rid of the limitation of only one film speed. There was now a small slider at the bottom right of the lens, labeled 16-18-21 DIN, or 10-32-64 ASA in the export version. Interestingly, this is not technically the same, but probably reflects the types of films most commonly available in the respective markets. This was achieved using an "improved" shutter that now controls three speeds (est. 1/40, 1/60 and 1/120 s)[1], which are not officially documented anywhere else. This variant was renamed Paxette electromatic I in the course of 1960, but you can still find examples with only electromatic engraved on the cap.
The (fixed) lens is mostly an Ennagon 5.6/40 mm, a coated triplet, made by Enna. The later variants can also be found with a Katagon made by Staeble (same specification). The camera has a hot shoe, for its time a rare feature, and was actually one of the first cameras introducing it to the market as future standard.
|
| Paxette electromatic (variant 3), version with Katagon lens image by Paul Analog (Image rights) |
Electromatic II
|
| Paxette electromatic II image by Christoph Batz (Image rights) |
The Electromatic II was a major upgrade compared to the original model which was continued as electromatic I. It is fitted with an Ultralit 1:2.8/40mm made by Rodenstock, focussed with a twist/screw action. Markings on the lens show that it can focus down to 1m (3.3 feet), although with only a simple viewfinder the photographer must use scale focusing. In addition to actual distance markings, at around 2m there is a symbol of a person to indicate portraiture, and at around 4m there is a symbol of a building. Besides the lens, the most important improvement was the shutter, namely Gauthier's Prontormat-S, a so called "Lichtwertverschluss" (light value shutter). It was controlled by the selenium meter setting distinct shutter-aperture-combinations from f/2.8, 1/30s (LV 8) to f/22, 1/300s (LV 17).[2] These are displayed at the top of the viewfinder. Insufficient light is signaled with a red flag. Besides this Auto setting the shutter can also be set to B and flash (1/30s). For both time settings the full set of apertures can be set manually. Interestingly, the hot-shoe from the original model was again replaced by just a standard flash (PC) socket.
|
| Braun Paxette Electromatic II, bottom view image by Christoph Batz (Image rights) |
The film speed is set by a small wheel on top of the camera (between 10-400 ASA, or 11-27 DIN). It actually turns the entire spool of the meter, which is located below it.
There is also a slimmed-down version called Electromatic IIs, which has the well-known fixed focus 5.6/40 mm lens, but otherwise the same functionality as the II.
Electromatic III
The later model (1961) Electromatic III is still an automatic camera, but rather focussing on the amateur photographer who still wants to have some manual control. The shutter is the Prontormatic from Gauthier with shutter speeds from 1/30s to 1/500s and B. In the Auto setting the aperture is set by the meter (shutter priority automatic), but there is also the option of full manual control. The lens is the same as with model II.
Electromatic IA
|
| Paxette electromatic Ia image by Guy Kokken (Image rights) |
The Electromatic IA was launched in 1962 and replaced the "I". It has the same simple shutter and again the hot-shoe. Its main new feature was interchangable lenses through a proprietary lens mount. Only two lenses were available. Besides the standard lens Trinar 40 mm f/2.8 there is a Rotelar 75 mm f/4; both were made by Rodenstock. [3]
Links and References
- Paxette electromatic user manual at Butkus.org
- Braun Paxette Electromatic II - photos and information from Jonathan's blog
- Paxette Electromatic, Paxette Electromatic I, Paxette Electromatic IIs on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand (in French)
- Calibrating the focus ring on a Paxette on Jonathan's blog
