Stereoscopic Camera, 1925

This amazing stereo camera is a very special piece that dates from 1925. It was made in France and works fine, preserving all its original component parts. This camera is called Le Monobloc and was designed to be used with 6x13 cm glass plates. The negative is printed in black grades over the glass so the plates can be later viewed through a stereo viewer. The camera comes in its original case and is accompanied by a negative charger and the shutter release cable. All these pieces are in good condition.Le Monobloc cameras have a curious history behind. It seems that both Le Monobloc and Le Monobloc Simplifié were designs in which several Parisian makers were specialized between the 1910s and the 1920s. The makers collected pieces and component parts and used them to manufacture the cameras in their workshops. So these cameras are real artisanal items. During World War I times became economically difficult and some makers abandoned the experiment, though other ones kept on with the productions. At least four Parisian makers are known for Le Monobloc and Le Monobloc Simplifié.This particular camera bears some black and gold plates and labels indicating the name of the model and information about the manufacturer. There is a metal plate screwed to the back that shows the inscription MONOBLOC BREVETÉ S.G.D.G., together with some operating instructions. Attached to one side we can see another metal plate with the manufacturers name, JEANNERET & CIE., and his address. The camera is in quite good condition though its faux-leather covering is slightly worn in some places. It mounts two original TESSAR 1:4,5 f=8,5 cm lenses. The leather case shows certainly signs of the trace of time and use, but it still serves its main purpose.This striking Le Monobloc stereo camera is a charming vintage piece, a witness to the early days of photography.Measurements: Width: 17 cm/6.6 in. Height: 7 cm/2.7 in.