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Sem Reyna Cross III |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in France from 1944 to (After) 1944.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 1102
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Sem
Around 1940, Cornu requested Aluvac to cast the bodies and backs of a small 24 x 36 camera in aluminum. These parts were marked as Aluvac 3439 and Aluvac 3440. These components were used for about two decades by two companies to produce numerous popular camera models.
The Société des Établissements Modernes de Mécanique Générale et de Décolletage Jean Cros was established in Saint-Étienne just before 1939 with state funding to support the war effort. Jean Cros had Aluvac mold rocket fins for him.
After the defeat, Jean Cros, forced to refocus his activities in the civilian sector, considered entering the camera manufacturing business. He reconnected with Paul Royet, who had been a "special assignment" employee in his factory until his demobilization, to offer him the position of Director of the photographic section, where everything had to be created from scratch.
In 1941, Jean Cros, the director of SEMM, obtained a license from Cornu to manufacture a camera in Saint-Étienne using these parts. Paul Royet, the future director of SEM, successfully carried out this project
The Reyna Cross III follows the Reyna Cross II by abandoning the telescopic lens mount in favor of a rigid mount, simplifying construction and avoiding some issues during shooting.
However, while Cornu remained an artisanal enterprise, SEM became more industrialized. It's estimated that SEM used 95% of the camera bodies produced, evolving the body according to its needs, while Cornu adapted according to its preferences.
Initially, the Flor Berthiot 3.5 50mm lens remained in the catalog, but soon the Anastigmat Cross 2.9 45mm lens would become exclusive. This lens was supplied by Berthiot and Angénieux.
In each of these models, you'll find numerous variations due to pre-industrialization and the supply challenges of the post-war period.
Ce qui est amusant, c'est que les modifications du boîtier par les fonderies de Nanterre étaient initiées à Saint Etienne, et que Cornu devait s'adapter comme il pouvait. Cela se voit avec l'évolution du système de fermeture. Les premiers boîtiers se ferment grâce à une aiguille, puis par une languette externe (Reyna-Cross III), puis par une languette interne sur les Sem Kim, alors que Cornu choisissait de mettre une charnière et un fermoir. (Ontobloc II)
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