Busch, Emil 9x12 Analogue camera

This fascinating bellows camera is an Emil Busch Rathenow 9x12, manufactured in Germany in the early decades of the twentieth century, probably between 1910 and 1920. Emil Busch A-G of Rathenow was one of the most prestigious manufacturers of optics and precision instruments, active since the eighteenth century, and its cameras are valued for their build quality and the excellence of the lenses.

The model in question is a folding plate camera in the classic 9x12 cm format, very widespread among serious photographers of the era. The mounted lens is a fine Emil Busch Doppel-Anastigmat with a focal length of 12 cm (120 mm), a symmetrical lens corrected for astigmatism that guaranteed sharper results than simpler lenses. The central shutter, visible in the detail, offers several shutter speeds in addition to T and B settings, allowing creative control of the exposure.

The camera body is characterized by a solid frame covered in black leather, with a double-extension bellows that allows focusing on close subjects or using lenses of different focal lengths. An interesting detail is the swiveling "brilliant finder" positioned above the lens, which lets you compose the image in either horizontal or vertical orientation, accompanied by a small spirit level bubble to ensure the camera is perfectly level during the shot. The aesthetic condition, considering its over-a-century age, appears good, making it a collectible piece of great historical value.