The Tessina is probably the smallest half-frame 35mm camera being a diminutive 2 1/2 x 2 x 1 inch (69 x 56 x 27mm) and weighing only 5 oz (166g).

It uses 16.5" (41cm) lengths of standard 35mm film and so film options are extensive. It produces a frame size of 14x21 mm, larger than most other subminiature formats but in a camera smaller than most 16mm cameras.

It is a twin-lens reflex with pop-up viewfinder and a clockwork motor drive designed for waist-level inconspicuous photography. It has been in production since the late 1950s. It was designed and patented by Dr. Rudolph Steineck.

The camera was manufactured by the Siegrist Company in Grenchen, Switzerland. Before switching to production of the Tessina, the company had manufactured and supplied small precision parts to the Swiss watch industry amongst others.

Accordingly, the high quality that Swiss watches are renowned for was reflected in the construction of the Tessina. Over 400 micro parts were used and small rubies were used to prevent wear in moving parts.

There are three models of Tessina; the original '35', the 'L' and the Automatic. The original has X, F, and M synch; the L and the Automatic have X and M synchronization, and a standard PC flash connector. The other differences is that the L has larger grooves on the shutter wheel to mate to the optional exposure meter.

Most are finished in bright 'chrome' stainless steel or brushed aluminium, but a few are finished in red, gold or black.

Two versions of the black finish are found. One has a soft finish and the front and back are brushed aluminium. The other has a crackle surface including front and back. These coloured versions fetch a healthy premium in price.

Even rarer is the "silent" Tessina, intended for clandestine work, fitted with a Teflon disc to apply friction to the gears, reducing the noise of the built-in spring drive. For complete silence a noise free version without spring drive was available.

Used by the CIA, the East German STASI and the KGB, the Tessina has been evidenced as used in concealments such as cigarette packets or glasses cases.

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