Tropical Sonnet

c.1909

Nettel Camera Works

Sontheim

Germany

Lens:

f4.5, 4" Cooke Series II Anastigmat, iris diaphragm to f32. Serial no. 51178 (c.1915).

Shutter:

Dial-set Compur, speeds 1 - 1/200, B, T.

Construction:

Teak body with brown leather bellows, focusing screen hood and baseboard.

Format:

6.5 x 9 cm plates held in slides.

Focusing:

Bellows to c. 2' 10".

Attributes:

Frame finder.

Movements:

Rising front.

Notes:

This is a later example fitted with a Compur shutter.

With:

Hooded focusing screen.

The Sonnet survived the merger of Nettel and Contessa in 1919 and for a few years the formation of Zeiss-Ikon. At various times it was made in sizes of 4.5 x 6 cm, 6.5 x 9 cm, 9 x 12 cm and 10 x 15 cm. The tropical finish may have been available in only the two smaller sizes.

Several lenses were fitted in either Compound, Compur or Ibsor shutters. The camera was sold under different names depending on the country. Some models have a brilliant view-finder others do not.

References & Notes:

BJA 1910, p. 11. BJA 1912, p. 9. BJA 1924, p. 696.

Further Information:

Tubbs, ZI Cameras, p.135.

Illustrations:

MA, 245, 1283. Prague Cat. 304, 303. Christie's Cat. 15/3/1992 lots 458, 468 - 471.

Early Photography