Has anyone used the Alsaphot Cyclope?

[tojeem]

Sorry for putting this in "Point-N-Shoot", but I have no idea where it should go.

The camera is not strictly a point-and-shoot. In fact, it seems rather professional-grade and apparently fetches upwards of $2000 online.

It takes 6x9 shots on 120 film, and is completely rigid. It has a Prontor shutter and was released in 1950 (I don't know where... Perhaps France?). To save on thickness, the design includes several mirrors which redirect light onto the film.



Forgive my ignorance but I've never heard of internal mirrors being used for anything other than the viewfinder. I'm quite amazed by this thing.



I'm not sure I'm convinced that mirrors wouldn't impede the photo quality. It's a rarity (only 2000 were made) so I've had trouble locating real-world experiences with it, let alone example photos...

So has anyone used it before, or perhaps owned one in a collection? I'm intrigued.

Steve

[Greyscale]

Interesting looking camera, like they took the fold out of a folder. Does the film need to be loaded backwards? It looks like the film plane would face the back of the camera.

[farlymac]

Nikon used a similar set-up for their Speed Magny 100, which allowed you to use either 107 and 108 Polaroid pack film on a Nikon F body, or type 57 film in the Speed Magny 45.

PF

[petronius]

That´s right, Greyscale, the film looked back!
tojeem, the Scale Focus subforum would fit the Cyclops imo

[batterytypehah!]

^ ... as evidenced by the red window pointing forward! What an amazing solution to a non-existent problem.

Don't all modern Polaroid cameras have mirrors in the image path?

EDIT: Alsaphot would certainly be based in Alsace, non?

[tojeem]

Originally Posted by batterytypehah!

Don't all modern Polaroid cameras have mirrors in the image path?

EDIT: Alsaphot would certainly be based in Alsace, non?

Correct you are. I didn't think of that.

Nor did I think of Polaroid... I guess I'm just surprised to see it in a professional (or at least semi-professional) system. It looks like Alsaphot has dabbled in designing unusual cameras, such as pseudo-TLRs and a 35mm square format SLR, which never went to production.

Thanks everybody for the comments. Petronium, I think you're right. I don't know how to move threads but I'm sure eventually a mod will see, and be kind enough to do so.