Calypso 35mm Underwater Film Camera Jacques Cousteau Historic Predecessor to Nikonos
Stock Number: 220109
Sold
Circa
1960
Country of manufacture
France
Description
Rare pioneering French Calypso underwater camera and flash unit, developed by Jacques Cousteau in the very early 60s, the predecessor to the popular Nikonos range.
Manufactured by Atoms, distributed by Spirotechnique
The heavy black crinkle painted metal body with faux seal skin panels
Som Berthoit Flor 1:3.5 f=3.5 lens, with shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/1000 second
The shutter is unique, as it simultaneously winds the film when cocking or firing the shutter, as the camera is always ready to fire, there’s a shutter release lock on the top.
Built-in optical viewfinder and optional metal frame view finder fits in the shoe.
Greased O rings seal the body and the lens, the two metal carrying strap attachments, one on each side, are used as opening levers.
The camera is in excellent condition and good working order, noting some corners of the faux seal skin lifting a bit.
The flash unit which plugs into the base plate is of similar build
greased O rings seal the battery and electronics
No signs of water ingress anywhere
Collectable camera not guaranteed working or waterproof
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
Cog Scientific
As a fine art sculpture graduate I have applied my appreciation and understanding of form and function to my lifelong professional career in the antiques trade. Over forty years dealing in what I considered worthy, within the fields of decorative arts and sciences, I have always purchased over a wide spectrum and look forward to offering an exciting variety of stimulating pieces.
