Krauss Daubresse

Unique portable panoramic camera for 359° images on rollfilm. The camera was built by Krauss, based on the patent of M. Achille-Victor-Emile DAUBRESSE. The patent was granted on January 11, 1904. Extremely interesting design, employing two right-angle prisms with a lens between them. The optical axis of the lens is vertical. The ensemble acts as a combination of lens and periscope, projecting the image outward to the periphery of the film chamber. The central portion of the camera rotates manually to tension the spring, and the release button on the bottom of the camera starts the exposure. (The photographer must sit below the camera to push the button, and also to stay out of the picture). The camera design was known from the patent and early literature, but there were no known examples of the camera until 1993. This only known example has serial number 001. Unique and technically advanced camera, still in nearly new condition after more than 100 years. A top prize for any museum or collector of panoramic cameras.- ex Jim McKeown collection