Skip to content

Phantom photographic unit with camera and processing equipment

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

ca. 1948

The Phantom photographic unit is a specialized, compact portable photographic kit comprising a camera and integrated field processing laboratory. The camera, constructed from polished aluminum, measures 3.75 x 0.75 x 3.25 inches with the lens extended to 2 inches.

It features a rotating lens mount, a built-in labeled rangefinder, an extinction light meter, a shutter-setting wheel, and controls marked for time exposure. The entire system is housed within a custom metal case featuring a pivot carrying handle and internal elastic black-cloth arm covers, allowing for darkroom-style operations. The case includes removable panels that function as a copy board and camera mount track.

Included processing equipment consists of a developing tank, chemical tanks marked for fixing and developer, and storage containers for paper and film, all identified by specific engraved letters. The set also includes 75 mm film discs and sample prints, all transported within a larger 17 x 9.25 x 12.5 inch black Hakuba metal carrying case. The components are extensively marked with engraved and red-painted inscriptions identifying their specific functions within the photographic workflow.

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
polished aluminum
Case dimensions
8.4 x 8.9 x 6.9 inches
Camera dimensions
3.75 x 0.75 x 3.25 inches
Carrying case dimensions
17 x 9.25 x 12.5 inches

Technical characteristics

Features
rangefinder, extinction light meter, shutter-setting wheel, rotating lens mount
Components
camera, developing tank, chemical tanks, paper and film containers, film discs

Design

Inscriptions
PHANTOM CAMERA, PHANTOM PHOTOGRAPHIC UNIT, PRESS CENTRE, D Developing Tank, P CONTACT PRINTS AND POSITIVES, Q PAPER HOLDER, F FILM HOLDER, H FIXING, G DEVELOPER

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.