Mackenstein Fieldcamera 27 x21 cm Large format camera

The H. Mackenstein Chambre photographique de voyage (reiscamera) is a high-quality, foldable wooden plate camera. The camera was built around the turn of the century (ca. 1885–1914) by the well-known French maker Hermann-Josef Mackenstein in Paris. These travel cameras were renowned for their outstanding precision, high-quality woodwork, and ingenious ergonomics.

Key details: Manufacturer: Établissements Mackenstein, founded by Hermann-Josef Mackenstein in 1872 at 15 Rue des Carmes in Paris. Camera type: Plate format of 21 x 27 cm, a professional standard for landscape and architectural photography of the time. Construction: Made of high-quality mahogany with distinctive brass fittings and an inlaid brass carrying handle. These cameras were highly regarded for their craftsmanship and were often used by professional photographers for studio and outdoor shots. Today they are valued by collectors as they represent the transition from glass plates to flexible film.

The shutter responds but the cloth is creased. The camera came into my possession without a lens (unfortunately)

Still a very desirable camera.