C.P. Goerz Berlin Tenax Strut-Folding Camera, ca. 1910s, with Kodak Verichrome Roll-Film Back
CHF 280.00
This particular body is identified on the front standard by the engraved legend "TENAX / C.P. GOERZ BERLIN" along with what appears to be a four- or five-digit factory number (partially legible as beginning "900…"). The format appears to be 6 × 9 cm, consistent with the standard Tenax offering of the era. A circular distance-setting dial, calibrated in Meter from approximately 1 m to infinity (∞), is mounted centrally on the top plate and turns smoothly. The rising/sliding front standard rides on nickel-plated struts that spring open when the hinged front door is released — a mechanism that remains functional and secure on this example. An arrow-and-number marking (visible as "↑ 6850" or similar) on the front panel likely denotes a British War Department or export inspection mark, though this requires further research to confirm.
The rear of the camera has been fitted with a Kodak Verichrome roll-film adapter back, its gold-on-black lettering intact and legible. This type of adapter was widely used in Europe from the late 1920s onward to give new life to older plate cameras by enabling the use of 120 or 620 roll film — a practical accessory that also makes this camera a genuine two-maker collectible. The ground-glass or film-plane area is accessed via the hinged rear door, which is present and functions correctly. The folding wire frame of the brilliant finder is visible on the top, though its precise condition warrants inspection in hand.
The lens appears to be a modest single- or double-element type of relatively small maximum aperture, set in an everset shutter with at minimum B (Bulb) and M (Moment/instantaneous) settings; the shutter release is a small plunger on the lens board. Exact focal length and aperture markings could not be read with certainty from the images. The bellows, visible from multiple angles, show original black fabric/leather construction with functional pleats; one image reveals a small crease or fold mark near the base of the rear bellows wall, which should be inspected for light-tightness before use.
Material: Black leatherette-covered metal body; nickel-plated brass struts, hinges, and hardware; black-painted front standard; rubber/leather bellows
Condition notes
Overall condition grades as VG (Very Good) for a camera of this age. The black leatherette covering shows honest wear consistent with over a century of use: edge loss and scuffing at all four corners of the body and along the base, with the most pronounced loss at the lower-rear corners where the Kodak adapter back meets the main body. The black paint on the front standard has some chipping and surface micro-abrasion but remains largely intact. Nickel-plated struts and hardware retain most of their plating with only minor tarnishing. The bellows appear structurally sound with pleats intact; a localised crease/fold is visible near the base of the rear section and light-tightness cannot be guaranteed without a practical test. The top-plate distance dial is present and turns, with its white-printed scale remaining legible. The Kodak Verichrome roll-film adapter back is in good cosmetic condition with its gold lettering fully intact. No lens fungus is observable at this resolution, though a detailed optical inspection is advised.