{
  "id": 7757062,
  "title": "Classic vintage film cameras: Patent Etui – a gorgeous slimline folding camera",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/classic-vintage-film-cameras-patent-etui-a-gorgeous-slimline-folding",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T09:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Amateur Photographer",
    "slug": "amateur-photographer",
    "url": "https://amateurphotographer.com/technique/film-photography/classic-cameras/classic-vintage-film-cameras-patent-etui-yes-this-is-a-folding-camera/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Patent Etui, a slim folding camera, originated from the French word étui, meaning a case for small objects. When adopted into German, it applied to compact camera designs. Launched in 1921 by Kamera-Werkstätten Guthe and Thorsch, a brand known as KW, this camera was advertised as a revolutionary product, being the thinnest and lightest of its time. When folded, its body width measures a mere 3.5cm. Upon opening, a fold-down bed houses an unusual triangular bracing structure, holding the lens in place at infinity focus. Releasing a small catch and turning a wheel activates a hidden rack and pinion mechanism, allowing the lens to focus from 1.5m to approximately twice that distance. Some models feature a double extension facility for even greater lens advance. Colored versions of the Patent Etui are highly sought after by collectors, while the original price at launch was £11 10s (£11.50) and the current guide price ranges between £80-120, although a recent auction fetched £350. This camera, available in black, grey, brown, red, and blue with matching bellows and covers, shoots 6.5x9cm images on plates, cut film, or 120 roll film.",
  "summary": "John Wade unfolds a duo of slimline beauties from the early 1900s. Showing that folding cameras is nothing new. The post Classic vintage film cameras: Patent Etui – a gorgeous slimline folding camera appeared first on Amateur Photographer .",
  "key_points": [
    "Patent Etui is a slim folding camera from 1921",
    "Measures just 3.5cm wide when folded",
    "Recently sold for £350 at auction"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}