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Cornu Ontobloc I |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in France from 1945 to (After) 1945.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 10602
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Cornu
Around 1940, Cornu requested Aluvac to cast the bodies and backs of a small 24 x 36 camera in aluminum. These parts were marked as Aluvac 3439 and Aluvac 3440. These components were used for about two decades by two companies to produce numerous popular camera models.
The Société des Établissements Modernes de Mécanique Générale et de Décolletage Jean Cros was established in Saint-Étienne just before 1939 with state funding to support the war effort. Jean Cros had Aluvac mold rocket fins for him.
After the defeat, Jean Cros, forced to refocus his activities in the civilian sector, considered entering the camera manufacturing business. He reconnected with Paul Royet, who had been a "special assignment" employee in his factory until his demobilization, to offer him the position of Director of the photographic section, where everything had to be created from scratch.
In 1941, Jean Cros, the director of SEMM, obtained a license from Cornu to manufacture a camera in Saint-Étienne using these parts. Paul Royet, the future director of SEM, successfully carried out this project
The Ontobloc cameras succeeded the Reyna cameras by abandoning the telescopic lens mount in favor of a rigid mount, simplifying construction and avoiding some issues during shooting. This is what the name "Ontobloc" signifies.
Ontobloc, which is almost a rigid Reyna II.
Ontobloc II, where the integrated viewfinder from the foundry is replaced by a chromed cover, with a richer and less austere appearance.
Ontobloc III, featuring a dual helicoid focus and a lens that opens to at least f/2.8.
In each of these models, you'll find numerous variations due to artisanal construction and the supply challenges of the post-war period.
The first Ontobloc I model retains the needle-type closure mechanism from the Reyna and Reyna-Cross II cameras.
The second model, built on the Sem-Kim body, features a hinged closure and an external latch.
The Ontobloc succeeded the Reyna series. The main modification involved installing a fixed-focus lens, eliminating the retractable tube. The casing protecting the linkage now forms a single unit with the camera body.
Cornu replaced the offset shutter release button with a simpler design. Numerous technical variants characterized the evolution of this family. Ontoblocs have a serial number engraved on the front at the base of the body.
The Ontobloc I models are numbered approximately between 20,000 and 25,000, and they are marked with "Ontobloc" engraving.
This Ontobloc, numbered 22071, is equipped with a Boyer Saphir 3.5/50 mm lens. The back closure is secured by a bar similar to that on the Reyna. The Cornu emblem, a "G" inside a "C" within a circle, is engraved on the top of the cover.
This model was exported to the United States starting from December 1946. United Camera Exchange sold it under the generic name "Monte-Carlo," alongside the Photax and Dehel. To distinguish it, it was marketed as the Monte-Carlo 35.
Interesting links or bibliography :
 de 1946 |
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