Benescope
Also known as: Directoscope
Region: France Period: 1890–1930 Tag: Mattey Stereoscope type: Hand-held » Single-view
© Virtual Stereoscopic Museum
Le Benescope is a stereoscope designed for viewing stereoviews that have not been transposed. The transposition is performed optically by means of mirrors and prism lenses within the viewer. This combination produces a lateral correction (left–right reversal) of the images. It performs the same function as swapping the left and right images during the development of the negative.
The design for Le Benescope was patented by Georges Balmitgère, and the instrument was manufactured by Mattey. A variant also exists under the name Le Directoscope, which was likely produced by a different manufacturer.
Related items:Mattey Negative Transposition
Specifications:
Patents and registrations:
Number: 400318
Système optique égalisateur de diamètres apparents, applicable à la stéréoscopie et principalement aux stéréoscopes disposés de manière à annuler, par une seconde inversion optique, l'inversion des images produites par les objectifs, ces stéréoscopes pouvant servir d'appareils photostéréoscopiques inverseurs
Filing: 27-01-1909, Publication: 24-07-1909, Applicant(s): Georges Adolphe Emmanuel Pierre Balmitgère. via: data.inpi.fr
Further reading:
- "Le «Benescope» auto-redresseur" in: Photo-revue (3 July 1910) , pp. 3-4. via: gallica.bnf.fr
- "Le Directoscope" in: Vintage 3D Viewer collection. via: vintageviewers.com