San Giorgio Janua Prototyp / San Giorgio Janua Prototype

Prototype of the Janua with an unusually early serial number, close to those of the extremely rare San Giorgio Safo (200.4xx) and Parva (201.6xx) cameras. Serial production Janua cameras have serial numbers ranging from 450.xxx to early 451.0xx. The prototype offered here differs in several features from the series-produced camera. Shutter speed dial and rewind knob in brass, no scale engraving on the frame counter dial, film transport knob in a different design. Furthermore, the camera is not equipped with a self-timer and also not with a window for the light meter! The "ESSEGI" 5 cm f/3.5 No. 351213 with brass mount and chrome plated front ring. Included: Two of the probably very last, unfinished cameras from the production of San Giorgio, with different manufacturer's engraving "SAN GIORGIO S.I.p.A. GENOVA ITALIA". Camera No. 451040 with shutter speed dial, rewind knob, accessory shoe and film indicator on the back in brass. Without shutter mechanism and baseplate. Camera No. 451050 with shutter speed dial, rewind knob and film indicator on the back in brass. With shutter mechanism, without baseplate. With various spare parts, all in green wooden storage box (ca. 30x34 cm), marked "SAN GIORGIO GENOVA-SESTRI ITALIA "Eicon"" Literature: Marco Antonetto and Mario Malavolti, „Italian Cameras“, p. 156; Pont / Princelle, „300 Leica copies“, p. 142ff.; JCII Camera Museum, „Leica Copies“, p. 19.