Mikroma

1949

Meopta

Prague

Czechoslovakia

Lens:

f3.5, 20 mm Meopta Mirar. Coated. This is a 3 element lens in 3 components.

Shutter:

Pivoted single-blade return, speeds 1/50, 1/100, B. Spring powered, tension regulates speed.

Construction:

Metal body.

Format:

50, 11 x 15 mm exposures on 16 mm cine film held in take-up and feed cassettes.

Focusing:

Click stops to 0.6 m.

Attributes:

Direct-vision (lens/lens) view-finder.
Film advance by claw mechanism linked to take-up spindle, coupled to shutter. By pulling a lever at the back of the camera the film is advanced, on releasing, the exposure is made. Automatic exposure counter.

Serial Number:

4313652 .

With:

Leather case. Two cassettes.
Pamphlet.

This is a very well-made miniature camera. A single lever is used to advance the film and make the exposure, this is clumsy to use and was changed in later models. There are only two speeds marked on the shutter selection disc but intermediate speeds can be set. Other examples have different speeds indicated. Late models have two flash synchronisation sockets on the camera front. The price in 1953 was £28.0.0.

A Mikroma II appeared in the late 1950s with flash synchronisation as well as a separate shutter release and increased speed range. A stereo model 11 was produced. Versions with coloured leather exist.

Accessories included a film winder and a developing tank.

References & Notes:

Blue-Book 1960-1961, p. 71. Blue-Book 1962-1963, p. 72. AP 1/7/1953, p. S6.

Illustrations:

MA, 1607. Model 11. Christie's Cat. 9/11/1989, lot 181.

Early Photography