Difference between revisions of "Tessina"
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksoloway/2947370294/in/pool-camerawiki | |image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksoloway/2947370294/in/pool-camerawiki | ||
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2947370294_f5e05177e8.jpg | |image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2947370294_f5e05177e8.jpg | ||
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| − | |image_text= Tessina | + | |image_text= Tessina 35 |
|image_by=Rick Soloway | |image_by=Rick Soloway | ||
|image_rights=wp | |image_rights=wp | ||
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| + | '''Tessina''' cameras are 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 '''Tessina 35''', the '''Tessina Automatic 35''' and the '''Tessina 35L'''. The L model has the lens mounted on the top, in place of the finder, perhaps intended for use covertly. | ||
| − | The camera | + | 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.<ref name=W2>[http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?f=popup&id=189798&_ssl=off#189798 1963 Tessina 35 Automatic in red finish], with the prism finder, tripod plate, daylight film loader and other accessories, sold at the [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=185086&acat=185086&lang=3 May 2010 Westlicht Auction].</ref><ref name=Man>[http://www.butkus.org/chinon/tessina_auto_35/tessina_auto_35.htm User's manual for the Tessina Automatic 35] at [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Orphan Cameras].</ref> |
| − | + | The camera body is metal, with rounded ends, and measures 69×56×27mm (2½×2¼×1 inch). The camera has a coated Tessinon 25mm f/2.8 lens, and a flash-synchronised shutter with speeds 1/2-1/500 second, plus 'B'. The lenses have a sliding cover for protection. | |
| − | 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 the top is the ground-glass focusing screen, with a mounting for interchangeable viewfinders. The standard finder is a folding waist-level focusing hood and frame finder; this is similar to the one on most full-size TLR cameras, but the front panel of it has a glass lens in, not a folding panel. A vertical magnifying finder, and a prism finder were available as alternatives; these both have dioptric correction (for the user's eyesight).<ref name=W1>[http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?f=popup&id=238491&_ssl=off#238491 Tessina 35] with the prism finder and lightmeter, sold in the [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=232073&acat=232073&lang=3 November 2011 Westlicht Photographica Auction] in Vienna.</ref><ref name=Man></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 accessory shoe, which normally holds an exposure table. An accessory lightmeter exists, which mounts in place of this table.<ref name=W1></ref> | ||
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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]]. The shutter release button is on the front, and is threaded for a cable release. | ||
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| + | The bottom of the camera has several studs to hold a tripod adapter plate, to avoid making room for a tripod bush in the body.<ref name=W2></ref> | ||
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| + | The '''Tessina Automatic 35''' is ''automatic'' in the sense that it has a clockwork film advance, that can be wound in advance for 5-8 exposures.<ref name=Man></ref> This advances the film automatically after the shutter is released. | ||
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==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 23:52, 1 December 2011
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| Tessina 35 image by Rick Soloway (Image rights) |
Tessina cameras are 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 Tessina 35, the Tessina Automatic 35 and the Tessina 35L. The L model has the lens mounted on the top, in place of the finder, perhaps intended for use covertly.
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.[2][3]
The camera body is metal, with rounded ends, and measures 69×56×27mm (2½×2¼×1 inch). The camera has a coated Tessinon 25mm f/2.8 lens, and 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 ground-glass focusing screen, with a mounting for interchangeable viewfinders. The standard finder is a folding waist-level focusing hood and frame finder; this is similar to the one on most full-size TLR cameras, but the front panel of it has a glass lens in, not a folding panel. A vertical magnifying finder, and a prism finder were available as alternatives; these both have dioptric correction (for the user's eyesight).[4][3]
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 accessory shoe, which normally holds an exposure table. An accessory lightmeter exists, which mounts in place of this table.[4]
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 shutter release button is on the front, and is threaded for a cable release.
The bottom of the camera has several studs to hold a tripod adapter plate, to avoid making room for a tripod bush in the body.[2]
The Tessina Automatic 35 is automatic in the sense that it has a clockwork film advance, that can be wound in advance for 5-8 exposures.[3] This advances the film automatically after the shutter is released.
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.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 1963 Tessina 35 Automatic in red finish, with the prism finder, tripod plate, daylight film loader and other accessories, sold at the May 2010 Westlicht Auction.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 User's manual for the Tessina Automatic 35 at Orphan Cameras.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Tessina 35 with the prism finder and lightmeter, 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.
