When asked, Francis replied:
1. If you were to choose a favourite film camera from your collection which would it be?
I can’t choose just one, but my current “ walk around “ pair are Otto Berning “Robots”. German made, originally a clock works factory, all have clockwork spring motor drives. First is a Robot I, circa 1936, with 30 mm f2.8 lens. Second is the Robot Star Jr, circa 1950 with 75mm f3.8 lens. Both use 35mm film but frame each image 24mm x 24mm allowing up to 50+ images per roll. The film must be re-spooled into proprietary cartridges on early models.
2. How long have you owned this camera?
Acquired the pair about 2 months ago.
3. How did you come to own this camera?
Purchased from my local camera shop who had them on consignment from an estate collection.
4. What things do you enjoy most about this camera?
Love the square format and mechanical motor drive, nice quality glass, Carl Ziess (30mm) and Schneider-Kreuznach (75mm) They are small but heavy, and record images with a vintage vernacular look about them. Enclosed are sample images (scanned from prints) and digital photos of the cameras.
