X. Lollier "Stéréo-Marine" Stereo Camera and Binoculars, Paris, c.1903
An exceptionally rare Lollier Stéréo-Marine, manufactured in Paris around 1903. This ingenious instrument combines a stereoscopic plate camera with a pair of binoculars in a single compact body, representing one of the most unusual photographic designs of the early twentieth century.
Designed for 45 × 107 mm stereo glass plates, the camera bears serial number 211 and is fitted with a pair of Anastigmat 8/60 mm lenses. It features a fully functional guillotine shutter offering four shutter speeds, a rotating diaphragm with aperture settings f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22, and f/32, as well as a focusing screen back. The camera is accompanied by its original fitted carrying case.
The Stéréo-Marine was produced in an extremely limited quantity, with only approximately 15–20 examples believed to have been manufactured. Today it ranks among the rarest French stereoscopic cameras ever made and is highly sought after by collectors of early photographic equipment.
An outstanding museum-quality example, equally suitable as an impressive exhibition piece or as the highlight of an advanced collection of rare photographic instruments.
Literature: Michel Auer, 150 ans d'appareils photographiques, No. 28.
