Nagel Pupille – 127 Film – Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5 – Rare German Compact – VGC

Description

The Nagel Pupille is a rare and exquisitely crafted 3×4cm roll film camera, produced in Stuttgart, Germany between 1931–1935 by Dr. August Nagel, prior to his merger with Kodak AG. This compact marvel uses 127 film to produce 16 exposures per roll, and is fitted with the legendary Leitz Wetzlar Elmar 5cm f/3.5 lens — the same optical formula found on early Leica cameras.

The Pupille features a rigid body, helical focusing mount, and a Compur shutter with speeds from T, B, 1s to 1/300s, all housed in a sleek black enamel finish. Its folding optical finder and accessory shoe allow for external rangefinder or reflex finder attachments, making it a versatile tool for the serious photographer of its time.

Often described as the “Queen of the 3×4 cameras,” the Pupille is a testament to Nagel’s engineering brilliance and a precursor to the Kodak Retina series.

Condition

Very good vintage condition. Elmar lens optics clean — no haze, fungus, or scratches. Shutter fires across all speeds except 1s . Helical focus smooth. Body shows light wear consistent with age. Leather case in matching condition.

Key Features

• Format: 127 roll film (3×4cm, 16 exposures)
• Lens: Leitz Wetzlar Elmar 5cm f/3.5 (coated or uncoated)
• Shutter: Compur (T, B, 1s–1/300s)
• Focus: Helical mount with scale focus
• Viewfinder: Folding optical finder
• Accessory shoe: For rangefinder or reflex finder
• Body: Rigid metal construction, compact design
• Made in Germany by Dr. August Nagel

Included Items

• Nagel Pupille camera with Elmar lens
• Leather case 

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