ICA Reicka (strut-folding)

The Reicka (strut-folding) represents a significant early milestone in 35mm photography, introduced by the German conglomerate ICA (Industrie- und Camera-Actiengesellschaft) in 1910. As one of the very first cameras designed to utilize the 35mm cine film format for still photography, it predates the more celebrated Leica by over a decade. The camera features a strut-folding design, typical of the era, where bellows and struts collapse the lensboard into a compact, protective body. This construction prioritized portability, targeting photographers needing a more versatile and smaller alternative to cumbersome plate cameras of the time. While specific technical details like lens and shutter specs are not readily available from the provided information, its existence underscores ICA's role in exploring the potential of 35mm long before it became the dominant format. The Reicka represents an experimental yet practical phase, highlighting the engineering challenges and market curiosity surrounding miniature photography before its later, explosive success.