Finetta 88

1953

Finetta-Werk

Goslar

W. Germany

Lens:

f2.8, 45 mm Finetar. Coated, iris diaphragm to f16. Bayonet mount lens.

Shutter:

Two blade pivoted return, behind the lens, speeded 1/25 - 1/250, B. Flash synchronisation.

Construction:

Metal body.

Format:

36, 24 x 36 mm exposures on 35 mm film in cassette.

Focusing:

Helical to 2' 8".

Attributes:

Direct-vision (lens/lens) view-finder.
Film-advance by spindle, also tensions the shutter. Auto-stop on film-advance. To re-wind, the film-advance knob is lifted which disengages a ratchet and pawl mechanism.
Depth of field scale, frame counter.

Serial Number:

77030 .

Notes:

Retailer's label: Westminster. 24 Charing Cross Rd. W.C.2

With:

Case.

One of the few 35 mm cameras that has film-advance by spindle rather than using the sprocket holes. Early Finetta 88s did not have flash synchronisation, this was added a couple of years later. The camera has bayonet mount lenses. An f4 9 cm lens was sold for the camera as well as extension tubes. The price in 1953 was £20.17.6, this was later reduced.

Several other Finetta cameras were made including the model 99 with motor drive.

References & Notes:

AP 1/7/53, p. S4.; AP 6/6/56, p. S3.; AP 30/6/54, p. 45.

Early Photography