Alfred C. Kemper (Chicago, IL)
Kombi
1⅛" circular or square
Kombi Camera Serial No.
38485 with an extra back Serial No. 2478
The spare back has a short, blank front in
place to avoid unwanted exposure.
The backs simply slide onto the machined rear of the camera and blank
front. As a result, loaded clips are used on both the camera and
extra back prevent accidental opening.
Serial No. 225
Another example, serial no. unknown
Another example, serial no. unknown
Notes: Circa 1893, the Kombi, by Alfred C. Kemper, was an all-steel camera taking photographs on roll film. When the film was developed into a positive, the image could be viewed through the same lens as took the photo, combining the functions of camera and graphoscope.
Many were sold, but were rapidly
replaced by Kodaks and Brownies. They are not rare, and have
survived probably because they are so interesting-looking and heavy.
Three different examples are shown above.
References:
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Equipments and Materials for
Amateurs, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. (New York, NY), December, 1895, p.
33
Catalogue "G" 1896-1897 Photographic Apparatus and Materials,
Montgomery Ward & Co. (Chicago, IL), p.5
