CERTO SIX

The Certo Six is a medium format folding monorail view camera with a twin-lens front standard, not a true twin-lens reflex (TLR). produced by Certo-Cameras GmbH of Dresden, primarily from the mid-1930s to the late 1940s; production likely ceased before 1950 due to post-war disruptions.. Designed as a compact and portable alternative to rigid-body TLRs, it delivers 6x6cm exposures on 120 roll film and exemplifies the engineering ingenuity of pre- and post-war German camera design.

Overview

Introduced in 1932 by Certo-Cameras GmbH of Dresden, Germany, the Certo Six was developed during a period of rapid innovation in medium format photography. It targeted amateur and semi-professional photographers seeking high image quality in a more portable form than traditional TLRs like the Rolleiflex. The camera’s defining characteristic is its folding design, which collapses the viewing and taking lenses into a compact leather-covered body, making it significantly more transportable than competitors with fixed lens standards.

The Certo Six occupies a unique position in Certo’s lineup, bridging the gap between the company’s earlier plate cameras and its later 35mm offerings. While Certo was best known for its high-quality plate-film reflex cameras such as the Certo Reflex, the Six represented a strategic pivot toward roll film and greater accessibility. It was offered with a range of lenses and shutters over its 26-year production run, including models equipped with Zeiss Tessar, Schneider Xenar, and Certo’s own Trioplan lenses, typically paired with Compur or Prontor shutters.

The camera features a waist-level viewfinder with a ground-glass screen and a pop-up hood, standard for TLRs of the era. The Certo Six uses a folding monorail design where the entire front standard (with dual lenses) extends forward on rails, but focusing is achieved by moving the rear standard with the ground-glass screen., reducing its size when not in use. This design, while innovative, required precise alignment to maintain focus accuracy, a hallmark of the model’s build quality when properly maintained.

Specifications

Key Features

• Folding TLR Design: Unique among TLRs, the collapsible body allows for significantly improved portability without sacrificing 6x6cm image quality.
• High-Quality Optics: Offered with premium lenses including the Zeiss Tessar and Schneider Xenar, both renowned for sharpness and contrast.
• Precision Shutters: Equipped with either Compur-Rapid or Prontor SVS leaf shutters, providing reliable and accurate exposure control up to 1/400 sec.
• Coupled Focus Mechanism: Focus adjustment via front standard moves both lenses in tandem, ensuring accurate image alignment on the viewing screen.
• Red Window Frame Counter: Simple yet effective system for monitoring film advance using numbered backing paper visible through a rear window.

Historical Context

The Certo Six was launched at a time when medium format roll film cameras were gaining popularity among serious amateurs. The early 1930s saw a shift from glass plates to roll film, and manufacturers sought to balance image quality with convenience. While the Rolleiflex dominated the TLR market, its rigid body made it bulky. Certo’s folding design offered a compelling alternative, particularly for travelers and photographers valuing compactness.

Despite its innovative design, the Certo Six faced challenges. World War II disrupted production and supply chains, and post-war competition from both German and Japanese manufacturers intensified. Cameras like the Yashica-Mat and Minolta Autocord offered more modern features such as automatic film spacing and brighter finders. Nevertheless, the Certo Six had a relatively long production run for its niche, though likely ending in the late 1940s., a testament to its durability and loyal user base. It was particularly popular in Europe, where its German engineering and solid build were highly regarded.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Certo Six is a sought-after collector’s item, especially models equipped with Zeiss or Schneider lenses. In good working condition, values typically range from $150 to $300 for functional examples; higher prices are rare and not well-documented., with fully functional examples featuring rare lens combinations (such as the Trioplan) commanding higher prices. Fully operational shutters and accurate focus alignment are critical to value, as are original leather and a clean, haze-free viewing screen.

Collectors should inspect for common issues: shutter blades sticking due to dried lubricant, light leaks from deteriorated leather bellows, and misalignment of the folding mechanism affecting focus accuracy. The red window is prone to clouding or paint loss, and the folding strut system can become loose over time. Because spare parts are scarce, functional integrity significantly affects desirability. Cameras with original cases, manuals, or accessories also fetch premiums.

Similar Cameras

• Rolleiflex T Model (1930s) – Rigid-body TLR with similar optics and build quality, but less portable.
• Wirgin Edinex 6x6 – Another German folding TLR, though less refined and less commonly exported.
• Yashica 44 – Later Japanese folding TLR offering 4.5x4.5cm format; more compact but smaller negative.
• Fodor Super Six – Dutch-built folding TLR with similar form factor and 6x6 output.
• Koni-Omega Rapid – Professional folding medium format camera, though primarily used as a press camera with interchangeable backs.

Repair & Maintenance

The Certo Six requires no batteries, as it is fully mechanical. However, regular servicing is recommended for reliable operation. The leaf shutters (Compur or Prontor) often require cleaning and re-lubrication if they fail to fire at all speeds, a common issue in long-stored examples. Focus alignment should be checked, as the folding linkage can shift over time, leading to focusing discrepancies between the viewing and taking lenses.

The leather bellows are prone to cracking or developing pinholes, which can cause light leaks. Replacement leather is available from specialist restorers, though the re-covering process is labor-intensive. The red window should be checked for opacity or paint flaking, and the film advance mechanism inspected for smooth operation. Given the scarcity of original parts, repair should be undertaken by technicians experienced with vintage German cameras. Overall, while not as common as other TLRs, the Certo Six remains a mechanically sound and historically significant camera when properly maintained.

eBay Listings

Certo: CERTOTROP 6,5x9,Jos.Schneider & Co Kreuznach XENAR 4,

$289

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