The Calypsophot

Steve · Issue 18, Apr/May 2004 · pp. 50–52

Products mentioned: Calypsophot, Nikonos, Nikonos III, Nikonos IV-A, Rolleiflex, Rolleimarin, Ondiphot, Leica, Aqualung

50 Back in the early fifties as the Aqualung heralded a new adventure sport it was natural that there would be a demand for underwater pictures. The problem was how to safely submerge a camera. Single lens reflex cameras were uncommon in the fifties, so the choice of camera was really between the bulky twin lens reflex models typified by the Rolleiflex and the miniature rangefinder models represnted by the quintessential Leica 35mm. The Rolleiflex inside either the Hans Hass designed Roleimarin or the Cousteau inspired Ondiphot provided the benefits of greater image quality compared to 35mm. The twin lens design which mounted a lens linked to the viewfinder above the actual taking lens allowed the photographer to accurately focus on small subjects like fish. However the TLR cameras normally had fixed lenses precluding the use of wide angles and were bulky and heavy. Rangefinders like Lei…