Spycameras: The Tessina 35mm Subminiature Camera.

The Tessina is probably the smallest half-frame 35mm camera being a diminutive 2 1/2 x 2 x 1 inch (69 x 56 x 27mm) and weighing only 5 oz (166g). It uses 16.5“ (41cm) lengths of standard 35mm film and so film options are extensive. It produces a frame size of 14x21 mm, larger than most other subminiature formats but in a camera smaller than most 16mm cameras. It is a twin-lens reflex with pop-up viewfinder and a clockwork motor drive designed for waist-level inconspicuous photography. It has been in production since the late 1950s. It was designed and patented by Dr. Rudolph Steineck. The camera was manufactured by the Siegrist Company in Grenchen, Switzerland. Before switching to production of the Tessina, the company had manufactured and supplied small precision parts to the Swiss watch industry amongst others. Accordingly, the high quality that Swiss watches are renowned for was reflected in the construction of the Tessina. Over 400 micro parts were used and small rubies