On auction a Foth Derby II, historic strut-folding camera (with metal support paddles) produced by C.F. Foth & Company starting in 1931. It was conceived in the 1930s as a more affordable and accessible alternative to the much more expensive Leica and Contax cameras of the time. It uses 127 film and introduced the 3×4 cm negative format allowing 16 shots per roll thanks to the two red windows on the back. Unusual for compact and affordable cameras of the period, it features a fabric focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/25 to 1/500 plus bulb. It was equipped with 50mm Foth Anastigmat lenses (serial n.38820), available in a bright f/2.5 version (with 4 elements) rather the more common f/3.5 (a triplet). Helical focusing on a metric (or foot) scale, with a minimum focusing distance of approximately 80 cm. The camera is in reasonably good condition, has some wear from normal use and a small notch on back's left border, as is possible to see from the pictures. The shutter and self timer work well at all speeds; curtains are in good condition; diaphragm blades are clean. A nice camera, not easy to find this version. The stand is the classical brass telescopic type of the same period and measures 40,5 cm closed ad 125 fully extended. Shipping weight is approximately 1,2 kg. and sizes 42x13x9 cm. Will be shipped in sturdy package by express courier.