EQUIPMENT
The FOMU's collection of photographic equipment shows the development of photographic technology from camera obscura to the digital camera. Our versatile collection features almost all camera types and technical innovations. It includes cameras from European, American, Russian and Japanese manufacturers, as well as light meters, projectors and lab equipment. The collection also boasts pieces that appeal to the imagination, such as a camera that is over 4 metres long, spy cameras, magic lanterns, and even a carrier pigeon camera.
With 23,000 objects, the FOMU's equipment collection is very diverse and extensive. The lion's share dates from around 1900 to the 1980s. In terms of size and completeness, it distinguishes itself as one of the leading collections in the world. Its unique character has grown thanks to collections from the Agfa-Gevaert company and the historical private collection of the Swiss camera expert Michel Auer. The Kaiserpanorama is one of the most remarkable items of the FOMU collection.
Carlo Ponti, Megalethoscoop, viewing cabinet for optics pictures, Venice, ca. 1862, Collection FOMU, F/1963/56
Houghtons Ltd., Ticka Watch Pocket, camera in the shape of a pocket watch, London (VK), 1907, Collection FOMU, F/1967/290
Anonymous, Camera Obscura, FR or CH, early 19th century, Collection FOMU, F/1973/139
Albert Darier, L’Escopette, Genève (CH), 1888, Collection FOMU, F/1965/6
Ernst Leitz, Leica A de luxe, 35mm camera Leica A de Luxe, nr. 36880, Wetzlar (DE), 1930, Collection FOMU, F/1973/417
Optikotechna, Spektaretta, Prerov, CZ, circa 1939, Collection FOMU, 2021_0019
Dries Depoorter, Trophy Camera v0.95, Ghent, 2021, Collection FOMU, 2021_0022 ©Dries Depoorter & Max Pinckers
Beau Brownie N°2 (Tan), Kodak, Rochester NY (US), 1930-33, Brownie Doublet 120 rolfilm, 6x9, Collection FOMU F/1969/0057
Magic lantern © Jean Schoenner, Collection FOMU F/1973/0712
Bertillonage police camera with chair, Neue Görlitzer Camera Werke, Görlitz (DE), 1902, Collection FOMU, FHK 02083
CHAIR 3898 / CAMERA 3922
Istanbul Beikoz Fotograf, street camera, anonymous, 1925, Collection FOMU, F/1994/96
Joseph Maes, Kaiserpanorama, 1905, Collection FOMU, F1975/171
Lamberts & Querton, reproduction camera 'The Elephant', 1940, Collection FOMU, F1979/164
Fex/Indo Cortamatic 126, Fex/Indo, Lyon/Paris (FR), 1970, compact camera 28 x 28 mm op 126mm film, Collection FOMU F/1981/197
