Antique Contessa Nettel Tropical Plate Camera - Germany c.1920

Antique Contessa-Nettel Tropical Plate 6x9 Camera. Germany, Circa 1920 This antique Contessa-Nettel Tropical Plate camera, manufactured in Germany circa 1920, is an exceptional piece within the universe of folding plate cameras intended for expeditions, travel and outdoor work. Its construction combines carefully selected materials, from the light wood of its frame to the striking textile bellows in a warm orange tone, typical of tropical versions designed to withstand abrupt variations in humidity and temperature. The working format is 6×9 cm, highly valued in its time for its portability and balance between size and image quality. The body shows excellent integrity, with wood that is superficially alive and without relevant damage. The exterior is covered with deep-textured leather, in burgundy color, where the name Contessa-Nettel appears in relief. The front folding section, supported by articulated metal arms, unfolds smoothly, allowing the firm extension of the bellows. The bellows remains flexible, without cracks and completely light-tight, a particularly valuable feature in a specimen of these characteristics. On the front there is a Compur shutter, one of the most precise and reliable mechanisms of its time. The upper crown activates the selection of speeds and responds properly, while the cocking lever works firmly. The shutter works, offering a level of operability that few specimens preserve after more than a century. The camera shows no visible defects: neither damage to the exterior leather, nor deformations in the wood, nor misalignments in the extension structure. The alignment between the front and rear planes is impeccable, which provides stability to the focus. The lateral viewfinder, with its small optical window, maintains sufficient clarity to compose the image with precision. As a whole, the general appearance is harmonious, with a very attractive contrast between the black of the shutter, the golden tone of some fittings, the light wood and the fluid orange bellows with decorative lines. In a display space, this camera will add a touch of authenticity and character. Its presence is warm, balanced and full of history. It is a piece that invites contemplation, handling and enjoyment of its technical solidity. Its excellent working condition constitutes an added value that will delight demanding collectors, since the possibility of operating the shutter and unfolding the set offers a fully satisfying experience. This camera combines beauty, technique and durability, thus becoming a very attractive acquisition for those seeking quality pieces in the field of classic photography. Measurements: 12.5 × 10.3 cm (4.92 × 4.05 in). History of Contessa-Nettel Contessa-Nettel was one of the most influential German photographic firms of the early twentieth century, the result of the merger, in 1919, between Contessa-Camerawerke of Stuttgart and Nettel Camerawerk of Sontheim. Before joining, both companies had developed prestigious cameras aimed at both professionals and advanced amateurs, with special attention to the design of compact, folding and technically advanced models. One of Nettel’s milestones was the introduction of the “Deckrullo” focal-plane shutter, which allowed higher speeds and more efficient exposure control, while Contessa stood out for its refined lenses and the constructive quality of its frames. Tropical cameras, such as the piece described here, emerged to meet the needs of photographers who worked in regions with high humidity or extreme climatic conditions. These versions used carefully selected woods, resistant materials and highly stable bellows, which contributed to their prestige among explorers, travelers and scholars who documented landscapes, local architecture or ethnographic scenes. Between 1919 and 1926, the firm continued developing models with Compur and Deckrullo shutters, integrating improvements in stability, plate standardization and mechanical precision. In 1926, Contessa-Nettel was integrated into the large Zeiss Ikon conglomerate, together with Ica, Ernemann and Goerz. This corporate movement redefined the German photographic industry, establishing one of the most relevant manufacturers of the interwar period. Although the Contessa-Nettel brand gradually disappeared after the unification, its legacy remained in many of the later models, especially in folding cameras and advanced shutters that led Zeiss Ikon to become an international reference. Today, Contessa-Nettel cameras are highly appreciated by collectors for their construction quality, technical precision and important role in the evolution of plate photography.