Ica Atom in Landscape and Portrait Formats, 1920

Ica, Dresden. For 4.5 x 6 cm plates; self-erecting; shutters release; includes original focusing screen backs. 1) Atom Type 53 no. J.11508, landscape format, Tessar 4.5/6.5 cm no. 485768 in Ring-Compur; in excellent condition, presumably never used. A 1912 Ica quote states: "This model is the best of its kind available." This holds true to this day. (2/2) – And: 2) Atom Type 51 no. C.18371, portrait format, Helios 8/9 cm no. 346390. (3/2-) – Note: The chosen name "Atom" for this camera at the time was prescient, as the tiny unit stabilizes itself. Instead of relying on heavy, traditional camera mechanisms, tension forces surrounding the lens assembly enable self-stabilization for precise positioning (thanks to strong spring forces in the side struts). Negative examples of this include the imprecise standards found on plate cameras and often on large-format view cameras. This connection was subtly mentioned in product presentations back then but remained outside the realm of public discussion. That same principle of self-stabilization recently played a role in the unfolding of the Webb telescope and its protective shields – and with these two "Atoms," you, too, hold a piece of space in your hands.

布雷克拍品等级是为了方便竞买人判断拍卖品的成色而设置的。布雷克等级用1到6级来标注外观和功能的成色，(从非常好到非常差)。 在目录图册里用括号里的2个数字来表示，前一个数字表示外观成色的级别，后一个数字表示功能成色的级别。如(3/2)表示外观成色是3(满意的)，功能成色2(好)。 成色 定义参照下列标准： 1 - 非常好 (未使用过，没有使用痕迹) 2 - 好 (新，极少的使用痕迹) 3 - 满意的 (普通的使用痕迹) 4 - 及格的 (明显的使用痕迹，某个非主要部件是后配的) 5 - 有缺陷的 (极明显的使用痕迹, 某个主要部件是后配的，功能上有缺陷，需要修理) 6 - 非常差 (严重破损, 缺少重要部件)