223 - Romain Talbot, Berlin | "Photo-Granate" / Errtee Button Ferrotype Camera

Romain Talbot, Berlin | "Photo-Granate" / Errtee Button Ferrotype Camera Estimate: €2,000–2,400 Year: c. 1912 Condition: B+ English: An exceptionally unusual self-contained ferrotype camera designed to hold approximately 100 circular 25 mm tintype plates. Designed for the rapid production of miniature portrait photographs for medallions and photo buttons, the exposed plate was mechanically released from the magazine and transferred through the camera into the processing section below. These ingenious cameras were used by itinerant photographers at fairs, amusement parks, and popular entertainment venues, where a finished portrait could be delivered within minutes. Marketed by Romain Talbot of Berlin and known by various names—including the “Photo-Granate,” “Errtee,” “Wundergranate,” or button tintype camera—it represents one of the most inventive forms of early instant street photography. Includes three original tintype photographs. A remarkably rare and highly distinctive example of early instant portrait photography in good condition; the brown leather covering is a later addition, and the front covering is missing. Provenance: Deutsches Fotomuseum, Markkleeberg. Literature: Hans-Dieter Kleffe / Peter Langner, Historische Kameras, Leipzig 1989, p. 97 English: An extraordinary, self-contained tintype camera designed to hold approximately 100 round tintype plates, each 25 mm in diameter. It was intended for the rapid production of tiny portraits for medallions and photo buttons. After exposure, the plate was mechanically released from the magazine and transported through the camera to the developing chamber below. These ingenious cameras were used by photographers at fairs, amusement parks, and similar venues, where a finished portrait could be handed over within minutes. Distributed by Romain Talbot in Berlin and known by various names such as “Photo-Granate,” “Errtee,” “Wundergranate,” or “Button Ferrotype Camera,” this camera is one of the most original forms of early instant portraiture. Includes three original ferrotype portraits. A remarkably rare and highly distinctive example of early instant portrait photography in good condition; the brown leather covering was added later, and the front cover is missing. Provenance: Deutsches Fotomuseum, Markkleeberg. Bibliography: Hans-Dieter Kleffe / Peter Langner, “Historische Kameras,” Leipzig 1989, p. 97.