Jos-Pe Driekleurencamera (Dreifarbenkamera) - 9x12cm - Large format camera

Original Jos-Pe Three-Color Camera (Tri-Color Camera) for 9x12 cm plate format, produced in the 1920s by Jos-Pe Farben-Photo GmbH from Hamburg. Historical background & operation The company Jos-Pe played a pioneering role in early color photography during the 1920s. Because ready-made color film did not yet exist, this camera uses the principle of simultaneous three-color separation. When the shutter is released, an internal system of partially reflecting mirrors directs the incoming light simultaneously to three separate photographic plates (at the back and at the sides). Each plate recorded one primary color (red, green, or blue). From these negatives a color photograph could later be assembled. Due to the high production costs and complexity, only a few examples of this camera were made at the time. Specifications of this lot • Manufacturer: Jos-Pe Farben-Photo GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) [1] • Type: Three-color camera / Dreifarbenkamera (9x12 cm version) • Camera serial number: 322 (stamped on the front in the lower-left corner) • Lens: Steinheil München Anastigmat Cassar 1:3 f=21 cm (Lens serial number: 202317) • Accessories: Includes the depicted plate cassettes and a violet velvet-lined lens cap. Condition report (Status & Defects) To avoid misunderstandings, please study the status description and the (detail) photos carefully before bidding: • Internal mirror system (beam splitter): The internal V-shaped mirrors are mechanically fully intact. There are no cracks, breaks or glass splinters. The glass itself is clear. In keeping with the age of about 100 years, there is visible aging/patina on the semi-reflective mirror coating (surface oxidation/spots and mild haze on the mirror surface). • Lens: The Steinheil Cassar lens is optically in neat vintage condition: clear and free of scratches. The focal length of 21 cm (210 mm) combined with the high light-gathering power of f/3 is unusually large for this camera system and indicates a professional (studio/portrait) version. • Housing & Bellows: The metal camera body shows normal, light aging and use marks on the lacquer (see photos). The three separate leather bellows are intact. • Mechanics: The built-in shutter cocks and fires. The diaphragm blades are clean and open/close with it. Important note: The diaphragm setting ring currently turns very stiffly (presumably due to hardening of the original 100-year-old grease). The camera would need a cleaning service (CLA) if one wants to restore smooth rotation of the ring. • Missing parts / accessories: There are no loose color filters or additional filter discs included with this lot. On the exterior, one compression spring is missing from one of the cassette holders (clearly visible in the detail photo). The camera is sold in the condition described and depicted, as a historical collectible (not tested with film/plates). The item will be shipped insured."

Estimate:£1,525

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