ICA Cupido (6x9, plate)

The Cupido (6x9, plate) by ICA represents a transitional camera in early 20th century photography, offering a plate-based medium format system within a brief production window of 1912 to 1914. As a product of the prominent German manufacturer ICA (Internationale Camera Aktiengesellschaft), it catered to photographers requiring the larger image quality of 6x9 cm plates before the full dominance of roll film. Utilizing 120 film in a plate format suggests a specialized design, potentially employing plate holders adapted for the film spool, rather than being a dedicated plate camera. Its construction would have been typical of the era, utilizing metal and wood for a sturdy, functional body suitable for tripod-mounted use by serious amateurs or professionals seeking portability beyond large format equipment. The Cupido served a niche market during a period of rapid technological change in camera design.