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Contipho Pocket Primo
France Version française
Photos by - text by Eric Borel. From the collection of -. Last update 2022-10-21 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in from (Before) 1931 to (After) 1931.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 6999

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Contipho 

Not yet translated into English

Ce klapp 6,5 x 9 pour plaque existe en deux versions: Une version de base fixfocus, celle présentée, et une à mise au point par hélicoïde (mieux dotée). On retrouve ce klapp la même année (1931), proposé sous la marque Siva et dénommé Klapp-Pocket...

Contipho Pocket Primo



__________

The Société Continentale de Photographie (Contipho) company was partly composed of the former Jules Demaria establishments. On February 13, 1933, during a meeting of the chamber of manufacturers and dealers in photography, Mr. Jules Demaria, President of the Chamber, informed his colleagues in writing that, as his contract had expired, he was ending his collaboration with the Société Contipho.

In September 1931, the magazine "Lectures pour tous," published by Edi-Monde, paid a visit to the Contipho Establishments. Today, one would call it a sponsored report:

THE CONTIPHO ESTABLISHMENTS: CAPITAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY

I had often been recommended to visit the Contipho Establishments at 113 bis, Boulevard Ney, as it was both a permanent exhibition of photography, phonographs, and radios and a model of organization.

Upon arrival, the wide boulevard, impressive facade, cleanliness, and welcoming reception by an usher who, however, did not let you pass without being authorized by the person you wanted to see. I was led directly to the third floor, to the office of the general manager, Mr. Smoliak, a young and energetic man with a sharp gaze behind his horn-rimmed glasses. I explained the purpose of my visit, which was to see the Contipho establishment in detail and, at the same time, to learn the director's opinion on the future of the photographic trade.
The tour, conducted by Mr. Smoliak, was extremely brief but very interesting. Afterward, he left me in the hands of his key collaborators, all young, if not in age, at least in their enthusiasm. What struck me most about the company was the light, air, and atmosphere of cordiality in which everyone worked, as well as the order that prevailed down to the smallest details. Everywhere, one could see thoughtful and well-planned organization, making the most of each space while still leaving enough room to carry out work seriously.
On the fifth floor, there was the accounting department. On the fourth floor, there was an exhibition hall that allowed both amateurs and professionals to find and try out everything they might need in photography, phonographs, cinema, radio, etc. You could see equipment and supplies from various brands, both French and foreign. In short, you were in the middle of a photography museum, under the supervision of the most qualified person for the job, Mr. Jules Demaria, a knight of the Legion of Honor, and multiple-time president of the French photographic trade unions. His memory lives on, and no customer, no matter how unimportant, is forgotten.
I was then explained the commercial program being envisaged, which, from my point of view, is entirely innovative in France and certainly in many other countries. I congratulated my interlocutor, regretting that I couldn't stay longer.
On the third floor, there was the boardroom, the office of the general manager, administrative services (minimized), advertising services, and the installation of silent and sound systems for cinema halls.
On the second floor, I entered the domain of Mr. Gilbert René, one of our best photographers, who had set up absolutely modern studios in terms of functionality and tremendous efficiency. Each day, they averaged 1,000 portraits, developed several thousand amateur rolls, and printed several thousand advertising photographs. All this was done in the most airy and cordial atmosphere. On the same floor was the retouching workshop, where numerous talented artists worked tirelessly.
On the first floor, well-organized supply stores allowed for the prompt provision of customers' needs.
Finally, on the ground floor, there were workshops for the manufacture of electric or portable phonographs, the mechanics' workshops for the "Maton," the latest marvel from the company. The small "Maton" camera could take photographs directly on paper without the use of negatives or film, resulting in considerable savings for amateurs.

How can one describe in detail such an extensive organization? But I have been assured that our readers can visit this establishment whenever and however they want. We can only encourage such an organization, the expansion of which will benefit everyone.
Those interested in any of the three branches operated by Contipho or just in the rational and modern organization should visit these establishments. The most courteous reception awaits them, I am sure.

My congratulations to the wise leaders and active collaborators of Contipho. R. J.





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