The German Braun company made a number of 35mm cameras, and their Paxette series have a confusing array of names, since it seems that many cameras simply say "Paxette" on them without additional identifying nomenclature. The one pictured above is Super Paxette IIL (note - I originally called this a IL, but the fact that it has an interchangeable lens makes it a IIL, according to McKeown's catalog -- and he should know!), a compact rangefinder camera with a nice metal body. Many of the Paxettes have removable front elements that allow interchangeable lenses, like some of the Kodak Retinas. The rangefinder on this one is out of adjustment, but everything else seems to work just fine. Here are a few images from the first roll of film - admittedly, a long-expired roll of Ilford Delta 400...
Adrienne on the deck
The front garden. Note there is some flare.
Hydrangeas.
hi
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That is a really pretty little camera, and I'm embarrassed to admit I'd never heard of the Paxettes. I always learn something when I visit here.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the sometimes-confusing world of Dr Braun.
ReplyDeleteYou do indeed own a Super Paxette IIL, & each part of that rather long handle is important in denoting your camera's features.
Personally, I think the IIL & IIBL (with uncoupled Bewi selenium meter) are the most useable Paxettes.
The rangefinder is a very basic affair and, I've found, quite easy to calibrate. The most difficult task is rewinding the reputably fragile winder spring before replacing the top plate.
Paxette's Achilles heel was the variable quality of their lenses. The best standard lens I've found so far is the Staeble Braun-Color Ultralit f2.8/50mm - definitely not as flare-prone as the Steinheil Cassarit.
I had an early Paxette in the mid 1950s & still have some excellent slides taken with it on Kodachrome 25
ReplyDeleteThis is not a Super Paxette II, but rather a III.
ReplyDeleteNo, it's a IIL.
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