Antique Contessa-nettel Adoro Tropical 6.5x9 Camera And Roll-film. Germany Ca. 1923

This antique Contessa-Nettel Adoro Tropen 6.5x9 camera, manufactured in Germany around 1923, is an exceptional piece both for its aesthetics and its technical character. It is one of the most sought-after tropicalized models by the firm Contessa-Nettel, a prestigious German house that shortly afterwards would become part of the legendary Zeiss Ikon. The camera was conceived specifically to withstand adverse climatic conditions, which explains its attractive high-quality varnished wood finish and its reinforced construction with metal fittings. This combination of materials provides a warm, solid, and very elegant presence, typical of the tropical models of the era. The characteristic orange-colored bellows, so typical of tropical cameras, is preserved in very good condition, with only an area of slight wear on one side that does not affect its use or its presentation in any way.

On the front stands a magnificent Compur shutter, considered in its day one of the most reliable and precise mechanisms on the market. The shutter works correctly, with a smooth release and stable response although it has not been timed. Accompanying the assembly, the original Contessa-Nettel lens, with clean glass and no visible signs of fungus or haze, offers excellent sharpness for equipment that is a century old. All the opening and closing mechanics operate smoothly, showing that the camera has been carefully preserved over the decades.

One of the most interesting features of this unit is that, although it was designed for 6.5×9 cm plates, it comes equipped with a rare rear accessory for roll-film. This adapter allows the use of roll film, a characteristic highly valued by collectors and photographers who seek to experiment with alternative formats on antique cameras. The width of the window and the internal layout of the adapter suggest compatibility with film close to the 6×9 cm standard, widely used in the nineteen twenties, which further increases the appeal of the ensemble. This type of adapter is not common to find nowadays, especially in such well preserved and operational condition.

The equipment is completed with its original rigid leather case, with metal closures and robust stitching, although one corner is unstitched. That is, it shows normal signs of use consistent with its age but remains firm, bright, and functional. The case, in addition to protecting the camera perfectly, adds notable historical value, since it is not common to find these accessories together after so many years. The complete ensemble, camera, case, and roll adapter, forms an especially desirable lot for collectors of antique cameras, lovers of German interwar design, and enthusiasts of historical photography.

For its attractive design, its magnificent condition and functioning, this Contessa-Nettel Adoro Tropen is a highly collectible piece and an excellent investment. It is the type of camera that stands out in any showcase, adds character to a photographic studio, and immediately attracts the interest of those who appreciate optical instruments from the past. A fantastic opportunity to add to a collection a piece with history, personality, and exceptional aesthetic presence.

Measurements: 10.2 cm × 12.5 cm (4 in × 4.92 in).

History of Contessa-Nettel

The firm Contessa-Nettel AG was one of the most influential German photographic houses of the period prior to the industrial unification that would give rise to Zeiss Ikon. Its history begins in Stuttgart in 1919, when two previously independent companies merged: Contessa Kamerawerke and C. P. Goerz Nettel. Both companies had a solid reputation in the production of folding and studio cameras, with special attention to quality models intended for both professionals and advanced amateurs. The union allowed the mechanical expertise of Nettel in bellows and shutter systems to be combined with the optical refinement and elegant design characteristic of Contessa.

During the first half of the nineteen twenties, Contessa-Nettel stood out for the manufacture of high-end cameras, many of them designed to withstand difficult climates. Among them were the “Tropen” or tropical models, designed to resist humidity and high temperatures. This type of camera was common among explorers, scientists, and photographers working in European colonies, equatorial regions, or scientific expeditions. The quality of construction, the precision of its mechanisms, and the beauty of its design made Contessa-Nettel a prestigious and coveted brand.

In 1926, the company became part of the Zeiss Ikon AG consortium, a strategic merger that grouped together the main German manufacturers to compete internationally. Many Contessa-Nettel cameras continued to be produced under the Zeiss Ikon brand, which demonstrates the technical and commercial relevance of their designs. Today, the tropical models and the equipment with wooden finishes, such as the Adoro Tropen, are especially appreciated by collectors due to their rarity and their refined balance between engineering and aesthetics. Their historical value continues to grow, consolidating them as emblematic pieces of early twentieth-century photography. We are professional antique dealers. To see more photos of this item, Please click on this link:

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