Cambinox
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| CamBinox image by canon7dude (Image rights) |
The Cambinox is a camera combined with a pair of binoculars, made by J.D. Möller Optische Werke GmbH of Wedel in Holstein, Germany, in about 1956-8.[1] This is the only camera the company is known for. Möller was founded in the 19th century as a maker of optical instruments, and is still in business, as part of the Haag-Streit Surgical group, specialising in surgical microscopes, ophthalmological instruments, etc.[2]
The camera makes 10x14 mm pictures on 16 mm film. Unlike some other camera/binocular devices (see the Nicnon for example) the camera and binoculars are essentially separate devices joined together. The camera, mounted between the two telescopes of the binoculars, has its own lens, a 90 mm f/3.5 Idemar.[3] The lens focuses independently of the binoculars. The shutter control offers speeds 1/30 - 1/800 second, and there are PC sockets for X- and M-synchronisation. The film advance knob, with a mechanical frame counter, is between the two eyepieces. McKeown[4] states there are two models: Model S which has a reticule in one eyepiece (an engraved scale, allowing distances in the view, or the size of buildings, etc. to be estimated) and Model N which has none.
The auctioneer's notes at Westlicht state that the West-German secret service used the Cambinox.
 
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| CamBinox Film. Images by Charlie Kamerman. (Image rights) |
Notes
- ↑ British Patent 767913, Improvements in and relating to Optical Apparatus, filed March 1955 and granted February 1957 to J.D. Möller Optische Werke GmbH; Austrian Patent 189920, filed June 1955 and granted May 1957, and Swiss Patent 331580, filed June 1955 and granted September 1958 (both titled Mit einem Photoapparat kombiniertes Doppelfernrohr - 'Binocular combined with a camera') describe the same device; all at Espacenet, the patent search facility of the European Patent Office.
- ↑ Company history at Möller-Wedel.
- ↑ Cambinox offered for sale at the 23rd Westlicht Photographica Auction, on 25 May 2013.
- ↑ 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 693
