Braun Paxette Electromatic I |
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Manufactured or assembled in Germany from 1960 to 1961.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 1672
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Braun
Although the company existed as an optician since 1915, it wasn't until 1948 that Braun (Karl Braun AG or Carl Braun) started selling cameras. The initial models were fairly simple box cameras. The construction of some boxes was outsourced to Linden, a metallurgical company. Throughout the 1950s, the number of camera models built by Braun increased. The box camera range was quickly complemented by a series of folding cameras with technical levels dating back to pre-war times. The 35mm cameras from the Paxette series found success for almost two decades. However, facing competition from Asia in the 1960s, the company soon ceased this activity to refocus on the production of slide projectors, with the popular Paximat series since 1955. The company became Braun Photo Technik GmbH in the early 2000s. As of 2023, the company still exists and manufactures binoculars and action cameras.
This company, based in Nuremberg, has no connection with the household appliance company (Braun AG, later Braun GmbH), founded in 1921. The confusion between the two companies arises from the fact that Braun GmbH also built slide projectors (such as the Braun D7).
The main series of Braun cameras were :
Box | Box 6x6 or 6x9 |
Norca | Folding 6x6 and/or 6x9 on film 120 |
Gloriette | Compact film 135 |
Paxina | Compact 6x6 on film 120 |
Paxette | Compact film 135 |
Paxette 28 | Compact film 126 |
Paxette 35 | Compact film 135 |
The Paxette Electromatic cameras make up a small series of automatic cameras where there are no longer settings for speed, aperture, and distance for some. The light meter automatically adjusts the aperture. A green signal in the viewfinder indicates correct exposure; otherwise, a flash must be used.
non-exhaustive | Years | Film | Lens | Shutter | Sensitivity (DIN) | Focusing | |
Electromatic I | ![]() |
1960-63 | 135 | Ennagon or Katagon 5.6/40 mm |
16 to 21 | No | |
Electromatic I A | 1961 | 135 | Trinar L 2.8/40 mm |
Prontor-Lux (1/120) |
15 to 21 | Yes | |
Electromatic II S | 1962-63 | 135 | Katagon 5.6/40 mm |
Prontormat S (1/300) |
11 to 27 | No | |
Electromatic II | 1962-63 | 135 | Ultralit 2.8/40 mm |
Prontormat S (1/300) |
Yes | ||
Electromatic III | 1961 | 135 | Ultralit 2.8/40 mm |
Prontor-matic (1/500) |
11 to 30 | Yes |
__________
Despite its somewhat ordinary appearance compared to contemporary cameras of the same range, this small 35mm camera hides some innovations.
In the viewfinder, in addition to the bright frame, there is a reticle that facilitates aiming. This reticle is actually a bulb that lights up green when the shooting parameters are correct. The energy for the bulb is presumably supplied by the light meter. On my copy, the green color is almost invisible.
It is equipped with a flash contact in its accessory shoe.
The adjustment settings are extremely simple; there is no focusing as the Ennagon 40mm lens is a fixed-focus. Below the lens, there is a film sensitivity setting: 16, 17/18, 21 Din. The aperture is controlled by the light meter (priority to speed, fixed at 1/50).
Here comes a peculiarity of some Paxette models. The camera has two levers: one for film advance, the other marked R is used for rewinding.
Its previous owner, Mr. Etienne, who generously gifted it to me, has been extremely careful, and the camera is like new.
![Braun Paxette Electromatic I](../../braun/images/Braun_Paxette_electromatic.jpg )
Interesting links or bibliography :
Sur mes-appareils-photos.fr, suggested by Eric Carlhan |
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