Date of use : 1919 Germany
Kieser & Pfeufer and the Mystery of the "Prinzess" Camera
Kieser & Pfeufer was a photography company that operated in Munich, Germany, between 1898 and 1945 (?). Located at Marienplatz 22, the company specialized in selling cameras and photographic equipment while also holding the title of "Königlich Bayerischer Hoflieferant", meaning it was an official supplier to the Royal Court of Bavaria. Among the company's promotional activities were poster stamps featuring the name "Kieser & Pfeufer" along with images of photography-related products. Dating back to around 1910, these stamps are considered significant collectibles that reflect the advertising approach of the era. The company is believed to have produced a camera named "Prinzess."
However, it is also possible that this camera was manufactured by another company and sold under the Kieser & Pfeufer brand. The "Prinzess" is a strut-folding camera with a metal body covered in leather, designed for use with plates or film packs. The front of the camera extends forward using two pairs of support struts, and the shutter is mounted in an inverted position on the front plate. This unusual design makes adjusting the shutter speed and aperture more difficult, as the controls are located at the rear of the camera.
A model of this camera auctioned by Leitz has been speculated to have links to Rodenstock. However, the camera does not bear the Rodenstock name, and the serial number of the shutter indicates that it was produced before 1912. Despite this, the front of the camera prominently displays the name of Kieser & Pfeufer, based in Munich. Different versions of the camera were equipped with Steinheil 11cm f/4.7 and Rodenstock 105mm f/4.5 Eurynar lenses.
While these high-quality lenses suggest that the camera was a premium product, its unique design elements make it a challenging model to operate. Due to these uncertainties, the "Prinzess" remains one of the more enigmatic cameras in photographic history. It is believed to have been produced between 1912 and 1925. On the back of a related card, the following message is written:
Deutsch (Original):
Lieber Herr Krause,
Bitte senden Sie uns Ihre fotografischen Negative, insbesondere die Aufnahmen Ihrer Glasplatten.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Kieser & Pfeufer
Bitte senden Sie uns Ihre fotografischen Negative, insbesondere die Aufnahmen Ihrer Glasplatten.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Kieser & Pfeufer
English Translation:
Dear Mr. Krause,
Please send us your photographic negatives, especially the exposures of your glass plates.
Yours sincerely,
Kieser & Pfeufer
Please send us your photographic negatives, especially the exposures of your glass plates.
Yours sincerely,
Kieser & Pfeufer
Record Information
Title: Kieser & Pfeufer and the Mystery of the "Prinzess" Camera
Category: Photographic Manufacturing History / Commercial Ephemera
Subcategory: German Camera Trade / Royal Court Suppliers
Country: Germany (Domestic Mail)
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City: Munich
Date of use: c. 1919
Company: Kieser & Pfeufer, Marienplatz 22, Munich (active 1898-1945)
Royal Title: Königlich Bayerischer Hoflieferant (Royal Bavarian Court Supplier)
Camera Model: "Prinzess" strut-folding camera (c.1912-1925)
Object Type: Advertising postcard / business correspondence
Postal Route 🚂: Munich, Germany (Local/Regional Distribution - c.1919)
Estimated Travel Time: 1 day (local Bavarian delivery)
Language: German
Material: Printed card stock
Collection Theme: Bavarian court suppliers, German camera retail, enigmatic camera models
Archival Significance: This postcard from Kieser & Pfeufer documents a prestigious Munich-based Royal Bavarian Court Supplier. The enigmatic "Prinzess" strut-folding camera (c.1912-1925) represents a fascinating mystery—possibly manufactured by another company and rebranded. The camera's availability with high-quality Steinheil and Rodenstock lenses suggests it was a premium product, despite its challenging ergonomics. This item is a primary source for understanding the retail side of early 20th-century German photography and the complex relationships between retailers, manufacturers, and brands.
Research Note:
This article is based on historical research and independent analysis of the material in the author's collection. The text has been prepared as an original interpretative study and does not reproduce copyrighted material.
This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
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