German Stereo Sliding-Box Camera with walnut body, post-1901
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
post-1901
This German-made stereo sliding-box camera, or Stereo-Schiebekastenkamera, dates to after 1901. Constructed with a walnut body and brass fittings, it is designed for 8.5 x 17 cm plates.
The camera features two landscape lenses with approximate focal lengths of 16-17 cm and sliding apertures ranging from f/16 to f/64. The internal mechanism includes an internal wooden light shield for the double plate holder that slides within a cardboard frame, reinforced with German-language newspaper. The shutter settings include 'M' and 'Z' modes, operated by a knob that requires turning to cock and pressing to release.
A notable mechanical feature is the ground glass, which is set to infinity at a 3 cm extension but automatically retracts when the double plate holder is inserted into the back. The front panel also allows for vertical rise and fall adjustments. The camera exhibits evidence of careful internal manufacturing and appears to have never been used.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- walnut, brass, cardboard
- Plate size
- 8.5 x 17 cm
Technical characteristics
- Focus
- infinity at 3 cm extension
- Movement
- vertical rise and fall
- Apertures
- f/16, 22, 32, 44, 64
- Shutter settings
- M and Z
- Lens focal length
- 16-17 cm
Design
- Type
- stereo sliding-box camera
- Mechanism
- retractable ground glass
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.