This camerais the first model in the series (1931-1933). The following, the Derby and the Derby II look like it a lot.
It produces 24 x 36 mm negative on a 127 film. There is no self timer and it is fitted with a viewfinder (foldable, Newton, with lift system and crosslinked glass) much simpler than some that followed. The lens could be chosen at the time of purchase (it is screwed and will come off easily). This specimen has a rather basic Foth Anastigmat 50mm 3.5 lens.
The focal plane shutter is identical to that of the following versions I and II. Also identical to that of French Gallus Derlux. This is actually the base plate (curtains type shutter and folding struts) which was transferred to France in 1938 and taken over by Gallus (Levallois). This latter have produced a first variation of the same device (in 3 x 4 cm size), called Derby Gallus. Then they produced the Derby Lux in 1939 and finally, in 1946, the Derlux with their characteristic aluminum body.
As the aforementioned Gallus , the front plate has two holes with well-defined functions . The left in front looking at camera should be used to avoid spurious triggering of the cocked unit if the struts are folded . The shutter release button - that can be seen on the housing - do not flush and is relatively protected. But the execution is not well thought out and pressing a little with your finger , it is possible to trigger the closed camera !
The right hole is used to reach, with a cable release the second trigger dedicated to this purpose. This construction was necessary, the gap between the body and the front panel is too small ( 2.3 cm), to connect the cable release other than through the plate .
The format 24 x 36 mm on 127 type film  did not meet the expected success . This series sold poorly and was quickly replaced. The model is rare, while the Derby 3 x 4 (I and II ) are much more common. The 24 x 36 on the film 127 is also an oddity because there was no gain in number of shots because the film winding was made in relation to the figures in the backing paper and ' tightening the images ' fell under the challenge. Compared to the format 3 x 4 there is a loss of exposed surface for no apparent benefit .
Historically, the German Foth Derby has crossed the Second World War in French hands and died a natural death as the mid- 1950s. Like many of the 3 x 4 , it was compact, making it a notebook camera , we would say today , that the photographer could always have with him . Its different variations met great success.