Kaufmann Posographe Light meter
Starting bid
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Expert
Selected by Thorsten Pöllath
Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Kaufmann Posographe – Antique French Photographic Exposure Calculator (c. 1900–1925)
Description
Rare and original Posographe by Kaufmann, manufactured in Puteaux, France, circa 1900–1925.
This ingenious exposure calculator was designed for photographers before the invention of handheld light meters, allowing them to determine the correct exposure times for glass plates and early films.
The Posographe provides detailed guidance (in French) for both indoor and outdoor photography, taking into account:
Aperture / diaphragm values
Subject type (portraits, flowers, details, etc.)
Light conditions (sun, shade, cloudy, interior lighting)
Window type (ordinary, double, large glazing)
Sky color and brightness (stormy, cloudy, blue sky, very clear)
The tool is mounted in a metal frame with sliding and rotating indicators, allowing the photographer to quickly adjust exposure depending on real conditions.
At the bottom is the maker’s inscription:
“POSOGRAPHE. Breveté S.G.D.G. Kaufmann, Constr. 11 rue de la République, Puteaux.”
Details
Maker: Kaufmann (Puteaux, France)
Model: Posographe
Period: Circa 1900–1925
Language: French
Material: Metal frame with printed exposure charts and movable indicators
Dimensions: Aprox: 13cm x 8cm
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related patina. Fully legible and complete (see photos).
Rarity & Collectibility
Kaufmann’s Posographe is highly sought after by collectors of antique cameras and early photographic accessories. It represents a fascinating piece of the history of photography, bridging the gap between guesswork and the invention of modern light meters.
Provenance
Private collection, France.
Shipping
Securely packaged and shipped with tracking.
Kaufmann Posographe – Antique French Photographic Exposure Calculator (c. 1900–1925)
Description
Rare and original Posographe by Kaufmann, manufactured in Puteaux, France, circa 1900–1925.
This ingenious exposure calculator was designed for photographers before the invention of handheld light meters, allowing them to determine the correct exposure times for glass plates and early films.
The Posographe provides detailed guidance (in French) for both indoor and outdoor photography, taking into account:
Aperture / diaphragm values
Subject type (portraits, flowers, details, etc.)
Light conditions (sun, shade, cloudy, interior lighting)
Window type (ordinary, double, large glazing)
Sky color and brightness (stormy, cloudy, blue sky, very clear)
The tool is mounted in a metal frame with sliding and rotating indicators, allowing the photographer to quickly adjust exposure depending on real conditions.
At the bottom is the maker’s inscription:
“POSOGRAPHE. Breveté S.G.D.G. Kaufmann, Constr. 11 rue de la République, Puteaux.”
Details
Maker: Kaufmann (Puteaux, France)
Model: Posographe
Period: Circa 1900–1925
Language: French
Material: Metal frame with printed exposure charts and movable indicators
Dimensions: Aprox: 13cm x 8cm
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related patina. Fully legible and complete (see photos).
Rarity & Collectibility
Kaufmann’s Posographe is highly sought after by collectors of antique cameras and early photographic accessories. It represents a fascinating piece of the history of photography, bridging the gap between guesswork and the invention of modern light meters.
Provenance
Private collection, France.
Shipping
Securely packaged and shipped with tracking.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Kaufmann
Model/type nr
Posographe
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Estimated period
1900-1910, 1920-1930
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