Antique Gaumont Chambre Folding Tropical 9x12 Camera. Paris France circa 1905

Antique Gaumont Chambre Folding Tropical 9x12 Camera. Paris, France circa 1905

We present this antique Gaumont Chambre Folding Tropical camera (field camera) in 9x12 format, manufactured in Paris France around 1905 and recognized for its impeccable balance between technical precision and refined French aesthetics. From the first moment it is clear that this is not a common camera. The carefully assembled wood keeps a uniform patina that enhances the details of its structure. The brass fittings add a warm touch and a solidity that is noticeable when handling each component. This union of engineering and beauty makes the Gaumont Tropical a piece to be enjoyed both visually and mechanically.

The burgundy bellows stands out for its deep colour and its excellent condition. There are no light leaks and it maintains the correct internal tension to ensure perfect operation. This type of bellows was common in French tropical cameras designed for demanding field conditions. Its current state makes it clear that it has been cared for with dedication for more than a century. The viewfinder at the top maintains correct alignment and allows precise framing with an agile response. The travel of the front standard is smooth and stable which shows that the mechanisms keep their integrity.

The optical set is one of the most attractive features for advanced collectors. The camera is equipped with an E Krauss Paris number 58030 Tessar Zeiss 1:6.3 F=136 mm, a combination that joins the famous Tessar formula designed by Zeiss with the Parisian manufacture of Krauss, official Zeiss distributor in France. The sharpness offered by these lenses was exceptional for the time and this unit remains clean which allows its performance to be appreciated. The Unicum shutter works although it has not been timed at all speeds. Its opening and closing are correct and the diaphragm responds regularly in each step.

The rear ground glass keeps its surface in good condition and allows the image to be viewed clearly. This camera is delivered with an original 9x12 plate holder, equivalent to the British quarter plate, one of the most appreciated formats for its balance between size and portability. The wood of the holder maintains a rich colour and a firm fit that complements the camera with historical coherence. Complete sets like this are not always easy to find which increases the value of the piece.

The overall condition of this Gaumont Tropical is remarkable for its age. The wood shows minimal signs of time that add character without affecting functionality. The aesthetic coherence of the brass, the burgundy bellows and the compact structure gives the set a beauty that stands out in any showcase or decorative space. Demanding collectors will appreciate its rarity, its solidity and its capacity to transmit the essence of French manufacturing from the early twentieth century. It is a camera with authentic historical presence and its appeal goes beyond the visual. It represents a time when photography opened to the world and tropical cameras accompanied explorers and technicians in their travels. This example is an opportunity to acquire a piece that unites engineering, history and aesthetics in a balance that is difficult to equal.

This Gaumont Tropical preserves exceptional authenticity capable of adding real and increasing value to any serious collection. Its excellent state of conservation together with the Krauss Tessar Zeiss lens makes this an uncommon opportunity to acquire a high quality French camera with incomparable aesthetics. Adding it to your collection means incorporating a mechanical and photographic work that enhances any environment and represents an important part of European technical evolution.

Measurements: 17.2 cm x 14 cm (6.77 in x 5.51 in)

History of Gaumont

The Gaumont company founded in Paris in 1895 occupies an important place in the history of the image. Known worldwide as one of the pioneers of cinema Gaumont developed during its early years a series of high quality photographic cameras intended for professionals travellers and explorers. Its folding and tropical models stood out for the precision of their mechanisms, the solidity of their construction and the integration of first class optics.

Gaumont collaborated closely with E Krauss Paris who distributed and manufactured under licence the Zeiss lenses in France which allowed many of its models to incorporate Tessar lenses famous for their sharpness and reliability. During the first decade of the twentieth century the company developed tropical cameras designed to withstand humidity heat and demanding working conditions during scientific expeditions and long distance travel. The quality of these cameras has made them very desirable today in advanced collections where they are valued both for their rarity and for the important role they represent within French photographic evolution.