Prototype 35mm Camera 'Graf'

This is a formerly unknown 35-mm-camera for 40 exposures 27 x 36 mm on 35mm film in special cassettes (missing). The camera has an uncoupled rangefinder (mirror blind) that is combined with the viewfinder (you have to measure the distance by turning a small knob next to the rewinding knob, read the distance from a scale and then set the distance accordingly with the lever of the lens helicoid). Optical exposure meter next to the finder, after reading the last visible number you transfer the reading to a big round calculator in the middle of the camera top plate to get the exposure data). Self-tensioning lamellary shutter with two positions: „M“ for „Moment“ (instant) and „Z“ for „Zeit“ (B), activated by the small lever above the shutter speed setting lever. With a Reichert Polar f/4 f=50mm, a symmetric double Gaussian type lens (six lenses in four groups, completely symmetrical, just like the original Planar), uncoated, collapsible, distance setting 0,5m to infinity. Rotating diaphragm with three stops („1“ = f/8, „2“ = f/12,5, „3“ = f/25), activated by a small lever next to the lens. Self-timer on the front of the camera body, below is a lever „ZU“ and „AUF“ (closed and open). Detachable camera bottom, a lever „ZU - AUF“ arrests the camera bottom on both ends. The camera is beautifully made of chrome plated brass and covered with structured brown leather. There is no maker’s indication on the camera other than the word „GRAF“ above the lens. From the make of the camera and the technical details we suspect that it could have been made in the 1930s somewhere in Europe (Germany?). The camera seems totally unknown and is possibly one-of-a-kind. Regrettably most camera functions (transport, shutter release knob on body, self-timer) are blocked, but might be partly restorable. Expertise by Dr.Milos Mladek.