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Duchatellier Chambre d'atelier |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in France from (Before) 1896 to (Circa) 1910.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 14705
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Duchatellier
Léon Blaise Duchatellier, the son of a weaver, was born on February 4, 1832, in Anet, Eure-et-Loir, France. Documents indicate that in 1866, in Dreux, he worked as a carpenter. By 1891, he was active as a cabinetmaker at 70 Rue des Rigoles in Paris, where he also resided. In 1896, he is listed on the marriage certificate of his eldest son, Léon Auguste (1866-1909), as a manufacturer of photographic equipment at the same address.
Around the beginning of the 1900s, Duchatellier is mentioned as a camera manufacturer. By 1905, his second son, Auguste (1869-1923), who was also a cabinetmaker, began working with him. In the 1905 and 1907 editions of the "Annuaire-Almanach du Commerce, de l'Industrie, de la Magistrature et de l'Administration," they are listed as "Duchatellier Father and Son, camera manufacturers of all systems, work based on plans."
In 1910, Léon Blaise Duchatellier's name is no longer mentioned, but there is still a business at the same address, specializing in automobile cabinetry at 64 Rue des Rigoles, operating as a wine merchant at 70 Rue des Rigoles, and supplying cinematographs at 76 Rue des Rigoles. There is no longer any mention of camera construction. The change in activity and the absence of the "Father" designation may indicate Léon Blaise's passing.
Léon Blaise Duchatellier collaborated with Clément Maurice in the late 19th century. Stereoscopic and non-stereoscopic cameras bearing the name "Clément Maurice & Duchatellier" still exist today (source: Dossier collector N°15 by Jean Loup Princelle).
It is also known that in May 1896, Felix Arnaudin commissioned Duchatellier to build a 13 x 18 cm walnut veneer camera with three double curtain holders (source: Wikipedia). The artisanal nature of their construction explains the scarcity of surviving examples.
Duchatellier's cameras are characterized by their high-quality construction and advanced technical specifications for their time.
It's important to note that Léon Blaise Duchatellier is not related to Henri Charles Duchatellier, the creator of the Gallus brand.
(from Michel d'Arlhac, iconos du Limousin)
This Chambre d'Atelier (studio camera) is a perfect example of Duchâtellier's craftsmanship.
His clientele undoubtedly consisted exclusively of professionals or individuals with a substantial budget who couldn't find what they were looking for among larger manufacturers.
The presented camera is in the 18 x 24 format, constructed from mahogany, a relatively rare choice for studio cameras, with a superb dovetail assembly.
The front section is sliding and its position is secured by two knobs on the top. It features a very large Guerry shutter with double curtains. The lens is missing in this specimen, awaiting the discovery of a suitable replacement.
The intermediate body also locks in place with two large knobs on the top, but it is additionally equipped with two rack-mounted knobs for further adjustments.
The rear section offers several possibilities. There are already large knobs on each side for focusing adjustments, and several other rack-mounted knobs allowing horizontal or vertical tilting with position locks. There is no tilt.
The bellows can be extended further using the large crank at the back of the camera base.
The camera is equipped with a sliding assembly that allows for a quick switch from the ground glass to the plate holder.
As an accessory, a frame can be installed to capture two photos in an 18 x 24 format.
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