Braun Paxette I

This is a rather nice 35mm compact camera dating from c.1950. We know this is one of the earlier Paxette models because the accessory shoe is integrated into the top housing of the camera and it doesn't have a wind lever (at least it's not meant to, we'll get to that).

It has a nice Pointikar f/2.8 45mm lens and a Prontor-S shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/300, plus self-timer. The shutter is also synchronised for electronic flash and flash bulbs. Most interestingly, the camera has an extinction meter, an early type of light meter that displays different numbers depending on the brightness of the subject.

Clearly the winding knobs were a bit of a faff to use as they were soon replaced with rapid winding levers on later models. This brings us to the winding knob on our particular model. This was home made and added by a previous owner to make winding easier.

The instruction manual assures me that the camera "will be found delightful to handle, thoroughly reliable and an instrument capable of producing the most perfect pictures....Once the mechanical details are mastered every photographic problem can be faced with confidence and the Paxette will become a constant friend and companion of leisure hours."

There is a frame counter that counts backwards from 36 to 1. To rewind this camera you need to press the locking stud on the top housing, then pull up the rewind knob and begin winding. Keep the locking stud depressed throughout.

The extinction meter displays three rows of numbers. To use it, look through the right eyepiece and aim the camera at your subject. "The highest figure which is discernable after looking through the eyepiece for about 20 seconds will be the light value and is the basis for reading off the exposure time from the exposure tables on the camera case."

Extinction Meter Display

Extinction Meter Table

The tables are easy to read. Find the light value in the top row, then scroll down until you find your desired aperture or shutter speed. Bear in mind, however, that the table assumes you are shooting at ISO 50. If you shoot at ISO 100 you need to halve the exposure times. If you shoot at ISO 25 you'll need to double them.

As with all viewfinder cameras, you need to estimate the distance to your subject or use an accessory rangefinder. Usefully, there is a depth of field scale on the lens mount. The lens will focus as close as 3.5 feet.

I can see why for some people having to wait 20 seconds to get a light reading might be a bit of a deal breaker. Having to mentally calculate your exposure settings when you want to shoot a high speed film, when the exposure tables assume you are shooting a low speed film is also a bit of a pain. Clearly this is a camera that requires some patience. You're not obliged to use the extinction meter of course. Use whatever light meter you want. It gives a nice little insight into early 35mm photography though. Certainly if you are in the market for a camera that forces you to slow down and think, this is one for you.