Stereflektoskop
Voigtländer made a series of cameras called Stereflektoskop between 1914 and 1937.[1] As the name suggests, they are stereo cameras with reflex viewfinders; they are an improvement on the Sterephotoskop cameras, made from 1905-26 (i.e. overlapping with these) which have only a non-focusing reflex finder. They are designed for plates, which in examples seen are in a rapid-changing magazine back. However, as with the later Franke & Heidecke Heidoscop (a copy of this camera) the Stereflektoskop can be used with a film pack holder or a roll film back. Unlike Franke & Heidecke (with the Rolleidoscop), Voigtländer did not make a version of their camera dedicated to roll film.
Stereflektoscop cameras were made in two sizes:
- For stereo pairs of 4×4 cm on 45×107 mm plates, usually in a magazine back. These cameras have the viewing lens placed centrally between the taking lenses. In addition to the reflex finder, there is a folding optical finder (apparently a Watson type, with a single negative lens) on the side.
- 1914 model: with 62 mm f/4.5 Heliar taking lenses, un-named viewing lens, and Voigtländer shutter.
- 1923 model: with 65 mm f/4.5 Heliar taking and viewing lenses (i.e. three lenses the same), and Stereo-Compur shutter.[2][3]
- 1929 model: with three 60 mm f/4.5 Heliar lenses and Stereo-Compur shutter. There is now a folding wire-frame finder mounted on the lid of the folding reflex finder hood.[4]
- For stereo pairs of images (presumably 2¼ inches square, i.e. slightly less than 6 cm) on 6×13 cm plates in a magazine.
All models of the Stereflektokop have a rising and falling front; the lens plate simply slides up under finger pressure.
By capping one lens at a time, it is also possible to make single (i.e. not stereo) exposures.
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). p961-2.
- ↑ 1923 45×107 mm Stereflektoskop; a lot in an auction in June 2008 by Westlicht Photographica Auction in Vienna. Photos show the camera, magazine back and a close-up of the lenses.
- ↑ 1923 45×107 mm Stereflektoskop; a lot in an auction in September 2006 by Auction Team Breker in Cologne. The viewfinder hood on this example appears to have been turned round: McKeown states that it hinges at the back in the first two models.
- ↑ 1929 45×107 mm Stereflektoskop; a lot in an auction in September 2006 by Auction Team Breker in Cologne.
