Goerz Minicord I #3729 – Helgor 25mm f/2 – Working – 16mm Cassette – Japan Welcome

GOERZ MINICORD I — HELGOR 25mm f/2 — SERIAL #3729 — FULLY WORKING
One of the three finest subminiature cameras ever made. Early production. Functional.

CAMERA — Goerz Minicord I / Serial #3729 (~1952) 
- Condition: Excellent
- Tested — all functions confirmed working.

The Goerz Minicord is one of only three top-quality subminiature cameras ever produced — alongside the Minox and the Italian Gami 16.
It is the only twin-lens reflex camera ever made in 16mm subminiature format.
Produced by C.P. Goerz in Vienna from 1951. Slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes — fits in a shirt pocket.

TAKING LENS — Helgor 25mm f/2 (6 elements, coated)
- Glass: Clean. No fungus, no haze.
- Deep blue coating intact — characteristic of period Goerz optics.
- Aperture: Clean, oil-free blades. f/2 to f/11.
- Focus: Functional — stiff action typical of unserviced 70-year-old
  mechanics. Covers full range from 30cm to infinity.

VIEWFINDER — TLR prism system
- Bright and clear.
- Light internal dust — no impact on use.
- Prism design produces an upright, unreversed image —
  unique among TLR cameras of any format.

SHUTTER & MECHANICS
- Fires at all speeds — confirmed functional.
- Frame counter: Working (reads 100).
- Built-in depth of field table: Intact and legible.
- Film wind: Smooth and positive.

COSMETIC
- Black leather: Perfect condition — no wear, no marks.
- Chrome panels: Clean overall.
- Two minor impact marks on top panel —
  clearly visible in photos. No functional impact.
- C.P. Goerz Wien logo: Sharp and legible. ✓
- Serial number 3729: Clearly engraved. ✓

INCLUDED
- 1 original 16mm film cassette.

THE MINICORD SYSTEM 

The Minicord uses standard 16mm film in proprietary double-ended cassettes, producing 10×14mm exposures.
The six-element Helgor f/2 lens is an outstanding optical achievement for the format - fast, coated, and capable of remarkable sharpness.

Unlike standard TLR cameras (which use mirrors and produce reversed images), the Minicord's prism viewfinder delivers an upright, laterally correct image - making composition natural and intuitive despite the subminiature format.

Serial #3729 places this example in the early production run, circa 1952 — among the first Minicords ever assembled in Vienna.

WHY THIS CAMERA

- Fully working — all functions tested and confirmed.
- One of only three top-quality subminiature cameras ever made.
- The only 16mm TLR ever produced — a unique photographic instrument.
- Early serial #3729 — first production series, ~1952.
- Black leather in perfect condition — rare at this age.
- Helgor f/2 optics clean — coating intact.
- Original 16mm cassette included.
- Ships from Paris, France — specialist vintage camera dealer.

HONEST CONDITION NOTES 

Focus action is stiff — typical of unserviced mechanics after 70+ years.
Full focusing range confirmed functional.
Two minor impact marks on top panel — shown clearly in photos.
No surprises at reception — full transparency.

CONDITION SUMMARY 

Body: Excellent (2 minor top panel marks — see photos)
Helgor 25mm: Excellent (clean glass, stiff focus — see notes)
Viewfinder: Excellent (bright / light internal dust)
Shutter: All speeds functional
Leather: Perfect
Case: Not included
Cassette: 1 original 16mm cassette included

SHIPPING 

Ships from Paris, France.
Japan Welcome — carefully packed, fully insured, tracked international shipping.
Combined shipping available.

Any questions welcome. Studio photos available on request.