TESSINA - 1957 - SWITZERLAND (LUGANO)

• Subminiature
• 35 mm
• Rare

The Tessina, produced in Lugano in 1957, and is probably the smallest half-frame 35mm camera ever built. And possibly the strangest. It is a twin-lens reflex with pop-up viewfinder and a clock-work motor drive designed for waist-level inconspicuous photography.

The almost 400 parts used in making the Tessina are manufactured to the same standards as for Swiss watches. Ruby jewels are used to reduce friction and wear, just as in the finest watches. The Tessina is an elegant camera, built with the precision of a fine watch, it's no surprise it was designed in Switzerland. It shares this complexity with another famous Swiss camera, the Compass.

A wrist strap was also available to wear the Tessina as an improbable watch, making the whole inconspicuous picture taking process absolutely impossible.

The ultra-high quality and yet eccentric design of Tessina makes it an incredible collectible to unfold and explore.

Associated project shares

• 1 Share of the 99 Cameras Club project

Discover the club's camera collection. 99 Cameras Club for updates. Read the term and conditions. Note : This Collectible is not an official product from the represented camera manufacturer. It is a replica of an individual camera from the club's collection and holds no rights or relationships with its manufacturer. It should be regarded only as a token of patronage to the 99 Cameras Club.