Bencini N Gabry

Photos by Eric Carlhan text by Eric Carlhan. From the collection of Eric Carlhan. Last update 2024-01-26 par Jacques Bratieres.

Manufactured or assembled in Italy from 1937 to (After) 1937.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 693

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Bencini

The founder of the company, Antonio Bencini, worked with FIAMMA in Florence and FILMA in Turin. In 1937, he moved to Milan and started his company under the name ICAF, before changing it to CMF and ultimately Bencini (source: Marco Antonetto).
The initial proximity of Bencini to Ferrania may explain the similarities between the box designs of the two brands.

The Gabry is named after the diminutive of Gabriella, the daughter of A. Bencini. The change in the spelling of the name to "Gabri" is due to the absence of the letter Y in the earliest version of the Roman alphabet, and its use was disliked by the fascists, who were in power in Italy at the time and sought to honor ancient Rome.
It is a very simple box camera. Its mirror viewfinder can pivot for horizontal shots. The only available setting is the choice between instantaneous and timed exposure.

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This camera, in addition to Gabry's spelling, had different markings: ICAF, CMF. The copy on this page bears the initials of Antonio Bencini. Its placement in the chronology of brand names remains unknown for now. Until further information is available, we categorize it as Bencini.

With this marking, it is the rarest.

Interesting links or bibliography :

Sur mes-appareils-photos.fr, suggested by Eric Carlhan

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