Bertrand Twelve Lens Camera
Replica
Created by Luc Bertrand
Belgium
Ca. 1990s

This beautiful 12-lens quarter plate camera was crafted by legendary craftsman, Luc Bertrand, and is made of old walnut with twelve matching brass lenses, presumably by Darlot. When I purchased the camera, I believed it to be an original wet plate camera circa 1870, but then I found Monsieur Bertrand’s imprint stamped inside the wooden frame of the ground glass holder. Several knowledgeable collector-friends confirmed that it was indeed made by Luc Bertrand who passed away in 2025 at age 82. Normally, I do not collect replicas, but the incredible craftsmanship of this camera, which was based on an actual camera, plus its twelve gem-size lenses, and the outpouring of praise for Monsieur Bertrand’s skill changed my thinking. Luc famously made replicas of several historically important cameras, many of which are held in private collections and museums. They are highly collectible in their own right. I’m delighted to own one of his cameras.