|
Expo Camera Company Expo Watch |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in USA from 1905 to (After) 1905.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 10818
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Expo Camera Company
Traduction Manuel M
The firm Expo camera Co., based in New York, was specialized in the miniature and “spy” cameras.
Camera dissimulated in a false fob watch.
This camera was invented by Magnus NIELL. The American patent dated September 6th, 1904.
The film is usable only in one special cartridge, already full, which contains film 17.5mm for 25 exposures 16x22mm. A great innovation for that time. The ancestor of our dear silver films!
A cassette charged with a Eastman film cost 20 cents.
The lens is inside the winder; the ring of this one acted as cap. It is attached to the watch by a chain.
The shutter is a simple curved and guided plate, out of metal, returned in position “closed” by a spring.
The “shutter release” is sped up “on pose B” by simple and discrete trigger which opens the shutter.
A “winder” advances film and a tiny exposure counter is present on its left.
A viewfinder, a system of enlargement, and a developing tank “full day”, was proposed with the sales, out of accessory.
This camera was also available out of solid silver.
These “watches”, for spies, detectives and Peeping Toms rascals, were manufactured during about thirty year.
The rights were sell to the English company HOUGHTON' S LTD, which produced the TICKA. This one was even produced… with needles!
Diameter out “winder”: 67mm (length with winder: 73 mm)
Interesting links or bibliography :
Add a link or element of bibliography, a picture taken with this camera, a picture of box or an ads about this camera
Your photos taken with the same camera:
Cameras from Ebay France (Expo Camera Company) (Uploaded each 3 hours)