Dacora Dignette IF

Photos by JPH text by JPH. From the collection of Jean-Paul Houdan. Last update 2023-03-20 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in Germany from 1964 to (After) 1964.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 9745

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Dacora

The brand Dacora was a presence in the photography market from 1946 to the early 1970s. The company's name changed several times, but it is simpler to focus on the brand name. Its founder, Bernhard Dangelmaier, initially named the company DAngelmaier & Co.

The first products manufactured were bakelite box cameras simply named Daco. These were soon replaced by models that were almost identical but made of metal.

Subsequently, Dacora produced a small series of horizontal folding cameras in the 6x6 format, which had moderate success, and another series of rigid cameras with retractable lenses, also in the 6x6 format, called Digna.

It was in 1960 that the first 35mm models appeared in France. McKeown mentions 1958, but the delay in their arrival in France may be attributed to import restrictions. The Dignette and Super Dignette models achieved success and were sold in large quantities.

Throughout the 1960s, the catalog expanded further with new models using Rapid film or the 126 cartridge format introduced by Kodak.
In 1972, the company changed ownership one last time before disappearing.

Dacora produced numerous camera models under both the Dacora brand and other brands such as Hanimex, CIL, Ilford, and more.

The Dignette and Super Dignette are cameras that use 35mm film in the 135 cartridge format. The Super Dignette versions are equipped with a built-in coupled light meter, while among the Dignette models, there is at least one model with a light meter, although it may not be coupled.

The overall design of these cameras underwent a significant change in the late 1960s, adopting a more angular design.

Model	Years (c.)	Lens	Shutter

Dignette
Dignette	1955-58	(1)	(2)	Lever on top which has a specific shape
Dignette	1958-60	(1)	(2) to 1/250	Upper top
Dignette	c. 1960	(1)	(2) to 1/250	New top. Picture counter in a fake button.
Dignette	1960-62	(1)	(2) to 1/300	Top Front face with hubcap
Dignette	1962-64	(1)	(2)	Same shape of top, without fake button. , mais plus de faux bouton pour le compteur. Rewinding by crank
Dignette I	1964	Color-Subitar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 125	Simple camera
Dignette IF	1964	Color-Subitar	Prontor 125	like Dignette I, with bulb flash
Dignette IF	1964	Color-Subitar	Prontor 125	like Dignette I, with bulb flash
Dignette F	c.1966	Color-Isconar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 125	Bulb Flash
Dignette L	1964-?	Color-Subitar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 250	non coupled lightmeter
Dignette E-M	c. 1962-64	(1)	Pronto	Coupled rangefinder
Dignette S-L	1964-?	(1)		non coupled lightmeter and timer
Dignette 125	c. 1968	Color-Isconar 2.8/40 mm	Prontor 125
Dignette S	1964-?	Cassar 2.8/45 mm	(2) Jusqu'au 1/250	Like Dignette, but with timer
Dignette 300	c. 1970	Color-Isconar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 300 X
Dignette 300 L	c. 1970	Color-Isconar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 300 X	non coupled lightmeter

Super Dignette (coupled lightmeter)
Super Dignette	1958-60	Dignar 3,5/45 mm	Vario-LK
Super Dignette	1958-60	Dignar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor-SLK
Super Dignette	1966-64	Cassar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 250 LK
Super Dignette E-B	1962-64	Cassar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor-LK	Coupled rangefinder
Super Dignette Electric-L	c. 1967	Color Trinon-Lanthan 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 300-E
Super Dignette Electric S	c. 1967		Prontor 500 S-E	Timer
Super Dignette Electric-CR	c. 1967	Color Isconar 2.8/45 mm	1/300	Coupled rangefinder
Super Dignette Electric-SR	c. 1967	Color Isconar 2.8/45 mm	Prontor 500 S-E	Timer and coupled rangefinder

1. Multiple lens options.
2. Multiple shutter options.

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This variant of Dignette IF is surprising, because on its hood we find side by side a magnesium flash and a hot shoe for accessory, while the synchro socket of the flash is blocked. Except for an accessory such as a rangefinder, we do not see the usefulness of this claw. However, it is difficult to accommodate a wide accessory such as a rangefinder at this location because it can prevent the opening of the deflector.
Another variant of Dignette IF also has the magnesium flash but not the claw. Its installation is impossible because the part of the cover where it could take place is occupied by the cover of the battery compartment for the magnesium flash.

The installation of the claw is not a DIY because the battery compartment is well made to open on the side, and no longer from the top.

What a strange affair!

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