Girard Le Radieux Analogue camera

Offered here is a scarce French detective plate‑magazine camera, the **“Le Radieux”** by **Girard & Cie, 42 Rue de l’Échiquier, Paris**, made around 1900 for 9×12 cm plates. This imposing leather‑covered box camera was one of Girard’s most elaborate designs, with twin prism reflex viewfinders, internal plate magazine and automatic changing mechanism for up to 24 plates.

Approximate dimensions: 28 × 28 × 12 cm
Weight 1,5 kg

Cosmetically this example is in very pleasing original condition for its age, with intact leather covering, bright nickel hardware and the beautiful **“Le Radieux – 24 plaques – Girard & Cie – Paris”** name plaque present on the side. The folding handle, door lock and original key are present, giving the camera the look and feel of a small travel case as intended.

### Condition

- Focus ring turns through its range, slightly stiff but fully functional.
- Iris diaphragm opens and closes correctly over the full aperture range.
- Shutter fires on its various speed settings; speeds are **not** accuracy‑tested.
- Both prism viewfinders present, bright and very usable for framing.
- Interior magazine retains **10 original metal plate sheaths** with springs and guides.
- External plate‑transport crank turns, but plate movement and frame counter are not fully understood and therefore **mechanism and counter are sold untested**.
- Leather covering generally very good with age‑typical marks only, no major losses.
- Metal fittings show light oxidation in places but no heavy corrosion or obvious repairs.
- Original side name plate intact and legible; original key included.

Mechanically, the combination of working focusing ring, responsive iris and running shutter makes this an excellent candidate for sympathetic servicing if the next owner wishes to explore the magazine function. The two prism viewfinders are bright and clear, a rare bonus on a camera of this type and age.

Inside, the camera retains **10 original metal plate sheaths** in the magazine, with the internal springs and guides present as noted above. As mentioned, the external crank for the plate transport turns, but the plate movement and frame counter have not been adjusted or verified by a specialist, so the changing mechanism and counter are offered **untested and sold as‑is for display or expert overhaul**.

Serial number **167333** (with internal marking “E2”) is visible inside the body, which may be of interest to specialists tracking production of these rare cameras. Overall this is a very attractive, substantially complete Le Radieux, seldom seen on the market, ideal for the serious collector of French detective cameras, plate magazine systems or early 20th‑century Girard & Boitte apparatus.