Jürgen Lossau is making a new book called Prototype, about movie cameras that never hit the market. Around 100 cameras are in the book, Super 8, Single-8, 16mm and 8mm.
In Jürgen’s own words: Ingenious designs that were too expensive to mass produce. Or were conceived too early. Or too late. Models that could take photos and filming movies. Intelligent design, opulent functions. Inventions between 1935 and 1980. A last look at these analog treasures before they are forgotten. Interviews with constructors and designers.
This is the same publishing house that makes the Super 8 Magazine, and like the magazine it will have both German and English text accompanying great illustrations.
These are some of the prototypes covered in the book:
- Agfa (3x 8mm, 8x Super 8)
- Arri (Super 8)
- Bauer (5x Super 8)
- Beaulieu (2x Super 8)
- Bolex (Super 8)
- Bolsey (8mm)
- Braun Nizo (2x 8mm, 10x Super 8)
- Canon (Super 8)
- Chinon (Super 8)
- Eumig (15x Super 8)
- Fujica (5x Single-8)
- Gakken (Single-8)
- GOMZ (Super 8, 16mm)
- Kodak (2x Super 8)
- Leitz Leicina (12x 8mm)
- Logmar (Super 8)
- Meopta (8mm)
- Nikon (8mm, Super 8)
- Rollei (8mm, 16mm, Super 8)
- Saraber Finetta (Super 8)
- Silma (Super 8)
- Suchanek (8mm)
- Victor (2x 16mm)
- Zeiss Ikon (16mm)
The book is available for pre order on Jürgen’s website. If you are interested, make sure to order now, like I already have, as they only print the exact number they need.
The small gauge film community isn’t big, and these type of books don’t come along too often. Only people with passion for the subject will ever take on such a project, so I have deep respect for what he makes here and very much look forward to get my copy!