Jaeger-LeCoultre Compass Camera... wow

Thanks for the link. I'd seen an image of one but never knew anything about the details. Fascinating!
 
Hi,

I wish they'd get the name right, it's a Compass Camera; in the same way that we name cameras after the firm that designed them and not after the sub-contracter who made them.

They did a total recall of the first model in the late 1930's and I've seen one or two for sale...

Regards, David
 
I'd sure like to find (in the wild) one of these exquisite little beauties to fondle and play with.

That video in the op of the girl selling the kit was very well done.
 
Its only design flaw seems to be that it took three hands to operate the thing.
A free upgrade for 35mm roll film via a modular attachment. Check out that light meter, fascinating idea.
 
Take a pause.
It needed an adapter to re-load 35mm film.
The most mechanical shutter speeds..
made to use glass plates. sigh. and Band-Aid.
Ya want slow shooting and careful, ya got it.
Oh! Where does glass plates come in that size?
You cut in dark 8x10 glass plates.
Yes! It splinters. Band-Aid.
OH i actually held one, used the shutter speeds.
I remember that 35mm did not fit into loader. sigh.
 
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Leicashop in Vienna has a few Compass for sale, although not for cheap...

35mm sheet film????? :)
There's a nice rollfilm back:

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Credit: Leica Shop Vienna

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Credit: Leica Shop Vienna

Cheers!

Abbazz
 

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I became fascinated with the Compass Camera some years back and nearly bought one. Never mind making photos with it; it's just a fascinating piece of mechanical trivia.

Awkward to use, of course.
Hideously expensive, of course.
Ferociously hard to get serviced if it jams, of course.

Who cares? It's glorious bit of watchmaker's and camera maker's craft from long ago.

G
 
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