Petzold Flammentachograph

Worldwide the only known example of a special camera to record physiological processes on a photo-sensitive paper strip 5cm wide. Rodenstock Weitwinkel-Aplanat Serie III No.2 Nr.69429, round form brass construction, clockwork motor. The camera was constructed and distributed by Wilhelm Petzold of Leipzig. Originally it was one piece in a scientific array used to analyse blood circulation using gas flames to indicate the pulse rate and strength. This device was used in laboratories from around 1880. Known as the flame tachographe, its function was to amplify weak signals of any kind by means of modulation of gas flames. In order to evaluate the amplitude of the flames photographic records were made in some cases. The technical solution to the recording problem lay in the use of this camera which is both astounding and visionary. Similar to the Lumière brothers´ 360° panorama camera, the Periphote, developed in 1901, the film, in this case the paper, was mounted on a cylinder. In contrast to the panorama camera, the lens was not turned round the fixed film but the paper was turned past a fine slit by a very precise clockwork mechanism. The exposure showed therefore no spatial pictures, but a chronological sequence in the form of a mathematical curve. This extremely rare camera of which probably very few were produced can be seen both as a technical precursor to the panorama camera and the “photofinish” and, in wider sense, also to the optical sound camera. The camera is in beautiful condition and fully functional. It is a sensational discovery from both a scientific and a photo-historical point of view. Engraved: WILH. PETZOLD LEIPZIG, includes a copy of a Petzold catalogue with detailed description.