Tessina models compared

Tessina camera range has three models, "Automatic 35 mm", "35" and "L". They where sold in four colours silver (brushed aluminium), black (with a black front and lens cover or a silver one), red and gold.

"Automatic 35 mm" has flash sync XFM, the later models XM.

"L" handbook includes details on using the cross coupled exposure meter. It is said to have larger teeth on the aperture dial to engage the needle on the meter but that appears not to be the case. The "L" model has a cut out of the DIN/ASA guide holder so that the cog teeth of the light meter can engage the aperture dial. This simple modification has been applied to some "Automatic 35 mm" and "35" models.

The photograph shows a modified black "Automatic 35 mm", an un-modified "35" and an "L".

The "Made in Switzerland" engraving is behind the lens cover in "Automatic 35 mm" and "35" models and on the lens cover for the "L" model.

The original aperture setting and focus distance dials were in an all silver finish, then with a black rim. Later samples have white numbers on a black dial.

The aperture setting originally shows all options on an outer ring. The later version covers the aperture dail leaving a small window to show the selected aperture.

The focal range guide on the focus dial originally had the aperture numbers printed on either side of the centre of the dial. Later version have a central set of aperture numbers with lines down on either side.

There seems to be a large cross over of these feature. Cameras labelled "L" appearing with a serial number that more commonly is an "Automatic 35 mm" or "35". "Patent Pending" also appears on the highest serial numbers when not engraved on samples with a lower serial number.

Last Updated on 29th July 2022