Difference between revisions of "Tessina"
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| − | The '''Tessina''' | + | The '''Tessina''' is a range of [[subminiature]] cameras made in Switzerland by Sigrist, and distributed by Concava S. A, from c.1960 for around four decades<ref>{{McKeown12}} Page 210. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tessina Wikipedia] quotes a date range of 1957-96, but this is unreferenced.</ref>. For a subminiature, it has three unusual features: it uses [[35mm film]] in special cassettes, running across the bottom of the camera - at a right-angle to the lens axis; it has spring motor [[film advance]], and is a [[TLR]]. There are there models, the 35, 35 Auto and 35L. The L model has the lens mounted on the top, in place of the finder, perhaps intended for use covertly. |
| − | + | The camera body is metal, with rounded ends, and measures 69×56×27mm (2½×2¼×1 inch). The camera has a Tessinon 25mm f2.8 lens, set in a flash-synchronised shutter with speeds 1/2-1/500 second, plus 'B'. The lenses have a sliding cover for protection. | |
| − | + | On the top is the focusing screen, with a mounting for interchangeable viewfinders. One option is a combined waist-level focusing hood and frame finder, as on any full-size TLR camera. This does not have a loupe: one was available as an accessory. A prism finder also exists.<ref name=W>[http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?f=popup&id=238491&_ssl=off#238491 Tessina] sold in the [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=232073&acat=232073&lang=3 November 2011 Westlicht Photographica Auction] in Vienna.</ref> | |
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| + | Also on the top are the focus and aperture dials. The aperture dial has the frame counter fitted on top, while there is a depth-of-field indicator on the focus dial. There is also an exposure table. An accessory lightmeter exists, which mounts on top of this table. | ||
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| + | The shutter speed is set on a dial at the back, where there are also the film advance and rewind knobs, and the [[PC socket]]. | ||
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| + | The image size is 14×21mm - smaller than a standard half-frame camera, but larger than many subminiatures. A daylight loader was available to load the cassettes with 14-20 inches of standard 35mm film, giving between 20 and 30 exposures per cassette. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
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==Links== | ==Links== | ||
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* [http://www.subclub.org/shop/tessina.htm Tessina on subclub.org] | * [http://www.subclub.org/shop/tessina.htm Tessina on subclub.org] | ||
* [http://www.cameraquest.com/tessina.htm Tessina on Cameraquest] | * [http://www.cameraquest.com/tessina.htm Tessina on Cameraquest] | ||
Revision as of 23:09, 1 December 2011
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| Tessina image by Rick Soloway (Image rights) |
The Tessina is a range of subminiature cameras made in Switzerland by Sigrist, and distributed by Concava S. A, from c.1960 for around four decades[1]. For a subminiature, it has three unusual features: it uses 35mm film in special cassettes, running across the bottom of the camera - at a right-angle to the lens axis; it has spring motor film advance, and is a TLR. There are there models, the 35, 35 Auto and 35L. The L model has the lens mounted on the top, in place of the finder, perhaps intended for use covertly.
The camera body is metal, with rounded ends, and measures 69×56×27mm (2½×2¼×1 inch). The camera has a Tessinon 25mm f2.8 lens, set in a flash-synchronised shutter with speeds 1/2-1/500 second, plus 'B'. The lenses have a sliding cover for protection.
On the top is the focusing screen, with a mounting for interchangeable viewfinders. One option is a combined waist-level focusing hood and frame finder, as on any full-size TLR camera. This does not have a loupe: one was available as an accessory. A prism finder also exists.[2]
Also on the top are the focus and aperture dials. The aperture dial has the frame counter fitted on top, while there is a depth-of-field indicator on the focus dial. There is also an exposure table. An accessory lightmeter exists, which mounts on top of this table.
The shutter speed is set on a dial at the back, where there are also the film advance and rewind knobs, and the PC socket.
The image size is 14×21mm - smaller than a standard half-frame camera, but larger than many subminiatures. A daylight loader was available to load the cassettes with 14-20 inches of standard 35mm film, giving between 20 and 30 exposures per cassette.
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). Page 210. Wikipedia quotes a date range of 1957-96, but this is unreferenced.
- ↑ Tessina sold in the November 2011 Westlicht Photographica Auction in Vienna.
Links
- Tessina on subclub.org
- Tessina on Cameraquest
- Tessina on Submin.com
- Tessina, by John Lehman
- Austrian Patent (in German) from 1966 seems to refer to the Tessina.
