Mentor Klappreflex Analogue folding camera





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This Mentor Klappreflex folding reflex camera, fitted with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5 lens, is untested.
Description from the seller
Mentor Klappreflex – Goltz & Breutmann Dresden – Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5 – approx. 1913–1930
Special German SLR camera from Mentor-Kamera-Fabrik Goltz & Breutmann of Dresden, presumably a Mentor Klappreflex from the period 1913–1930.
Mentor belonged to the early German manufacturers of single-lens reflex cameras. The Klappreflex stood out for its fold-out viewfinder shaft, mirror mechanism and retractable front standard with a bellows. A technically interesting construction from the early days of SLR photography.
This camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5, serial number 463799. The Tessar was at the time a valued lens due to its good sharpness and optical performance.
The camera features a mechanical shutter with adjustable spring tension. The original metal speed table (Geschwindigkeitstabelle) is still present, as well as the round factory plate bearing the name Mentor-Kamera-Fabrik Goltz & Breutmann, Dresden.
Features
- Manufacturer: Mentor-Kamera-Fabrik Goltz & Breutmann, Dresden
- Model: presumably Mentor Klappreflex
- Country of origin: Germany
- Production period: circa 1913–1930
- Type: SLR camera with bellows
- Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5
- Lens serial number: 463799
- Shutter: mechanical slit shutter with adjustable spring tension
- Focusing: via ground glass and SLR viewfinder
- Film type: sheet film or glass plates in individual holders
Condition
The camera is in used, largely original condition with clear aging and wear marks. The black covering and finish show wear, especially along the edges and corners. There are also localized damages and loss of lacquer visible.
The bellows, retractable front standard, viewfinder shaft and various original control elements are present. The lens shows visible signs of use. The optical quality and light-tightness of the bellows have not been checked. Film type: glass plates or sheet film, probably 9 × 12 cm format. The presence and completeness of a suitable film holder have not been determined.
The shutter sticks and does not function properly. Repair or overhaul is necessary. The remaining mechanical and optical functions have not been tested. The camera is therefore offered as a non-working collectible item, without warranty of operation.
For collectors of historical German cameras, early SLR constructions and Carl Zeiss optics, this is an interesting specimen. Even as a display camera, this Mentor nicely shows how SLR technology developed in the early twentieth century.
Photos are part of this auction and provide a clear view of the external condition, the parts present, and signs of use.
The camera will be carefully packed and shipped with track & trace.
Mentor Klappreflex – Goltz & Breutmann Dresden – Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5 – approx. 1913–1930
Special German SLR camera from Mentor-Kamera-Fabrik Goltz & Breutmann of Dresden, presumably a Mentor Klappreflex from the period 1913–1930.
Mentor belonged to the early German manufacturers of single-lens reflex cameras. The Klappreflex stood out for its fold-out viewfinder shaft, mirror mechanism and retractable front standard with a bellows. A technically interesting construction from the early days of SLR photography.
This camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5, serial number 463799. The Tessar was at the time a valued lens due to its good sharpness and optical performance.
The camera features a mechanical shutter with adjustable spring tension. The original metal speed table (Geschwindigkeitstabelle) is still present, as well as the round factory plate bearing the name Mentor-Kamera-Fabrik Goltz & Breutmann, Dresden.
Features
- Manufacturer: Mentor-Kamera-Fabrik Goltz & Breutmann, Dresden
- Model: presumably Mentor Klappreflex
- Country of origin: Germany
- Production period: circa 1913–1930
- Type: SLR camera with bellows
- Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 12 cm f/4.5
- Lens serial number: 463799
- Shutter: mechanical slit shutter with adjustable spring tension
- Focusing: via ground glass and SLR viewfinder
- Film type: sheet film or glass plates in individual holders
Condition
The camera is in used, largely original condition with clear aging and wear marks. The black covering and finish show wear, especially along the edges and corners. There are also localized damages and loss of lacquer visible.
The bellows, retractable front standard, viewfinder shaft and various original control elements are present. The lens shows visible signs of use. The optical quality and light-tightness of the bellows have not been checked. Film type: glass plates or sheet film, probably 9 × 12 cm format. The presence and completeness of a suitable film holder have not been determined.
The shutter sticks and does not function properly. Repair or overhaul is necessary. The remaining mechanical and optical functions have not been tested. The camera is therefore offered as a non-working collectible item, without warranty of operation.
For collectors of historical German cameras, early SLR constructions and Carl Zeiss optics, this is an interesting specimen. Even as a display camera, this Mentor nicely shows how SLR technology developed in the early twentieth century.
Photos are part of this auction and provide a clear view of the external condition, the parts present, and signs of use.
The camera will be carefully packed and shipped with track & trace.

