Rodenstock Citonette Analogue folding camera

Rodenstock Citonette – Trinar-Anastigmat – Compur-Rapid shutter – Germany – ca. 1930–1940

German Rodenstock Citonette rangefinder camera from the thirties, equipped with a Rodenstock Trinar-Anastigmat lens and a high-quality Compur-Rapid shutter. An interesting collectible from the heyday of the German camera industry.

History
Rodenstock was founded in 1877 in Munich and grew into an internationally renowned manufacturer of optical instruments and high-quality photographic lenses.

Although Rodenstock is best known for its lenses, complete cameras were also sold under this brand.

The Citonette belongs to these less familiar camera models. The camera is closely related to the Welta Perle, a compact rangefinder camera from the German manufacturer Welta of Freital near Dresden.

The Citonette combines Rodenstock’s optical expertise with the refined mechanical construction that was characteristic of German camera engineering in the interwar period.

Technical features
-Maker: Rodenstock
-Model: Citonette
-Country of origin: Germany
-Production period: Probably the 1930s
-Type: Foldable plate/roll film camera
-Lens: Rodenstock Trinar-Anastigmat
-Luminance: Probably f/3.5
-Focal length: Probably 7.5 cm
-Lens serial number: 717503
-Shutter: Compur-Rapid
-Shutter manufacturer: Friedrich Deckel, Munich
-Shutter speeds: 1 to 1/400 second, plus B and T
-Film type: 120 roll film
-Film format: Compact medium format, exact image dimensions not established
-Viewfinder: Fold-out optical finder
-Film transport: Manual, with red film control windows

Special features
One of the most attractive features of this Citonette is the combination of the Rodenstock Trinar-Anastigmat lens and the Compur-Rapid shutter.

The Trinar is a classic anastigmatic lens construction developed to combine good optical performance with relatively compact build.

The Compur-Rapid was a high-quality mechanical central shutter from the German manufacturer Friedrich Deckel. With the fastest shutter speed of 1/400 second, it belonged to the more advanced shutters of its time.

The camera has a characteristic fold-out lens stand with metal scissor constructions and a folding bellows. When closed, the camera forms a compact housing that was easy to carry.

Also the fold-out optical finder, the metal control levers, and the original neck strap contribute to its historical appearance.

Condition and operation
The camera is in vintage condition with signs of use and aging appropriate to its age of about 90 years.

The black covering shows localized wear, especially along the edges and corners. Some oxidation, discoloration, and paint damage are visible on the metal parts.
The original strap is present and shows signs of use.

The bellows, lens stand, and folding mechanism are present and appear complete. The lens shows visible signs of use and possibly some contamination.

The mechanical Compur-Rapid shutter functions. The various shutter speeds can be clearly distinguished by ear. The exact accuracy of the shutter speeds has not been checked with measuring equipment.

The light sealing of the bellows and the photographic operation with film have not been tested. For actual photographic use, checking or maintenance may be necessary.

For collectors
The Rodenstock Citonette is a collectible object for enthusiasts of historic German cameras, classic bellows cameras, and photographic precision mechanics.

Rodenstock is best known as a lens manufacturer, which gives the cameras sold under this brand a special place in the history of German photography.

The combination of the Trinar-Anastigmat lens, the Compur-Rapid shutter, and the foldable construction makes this Citonette a valuable addition to a collection of historical photographic equipment.

Photos are part of this auction and provide a good impression of the cosmetic condition and execution of the camera on offer.

The camera will be carefully packed and shipped.