Robot Royal III / Royal 24
Introduced in 1953 and produced until 1969 (under the Robot Royal 24 name) the Robot Royal III is arguably the ultimate combination between the precision craftsmanship and unique functionality that had been present one form or another in the Robot camera line. The Robot Royal III took the Royal II and souped it up even further. Like its predecessor, the Royal III makes use of a bayonet-mount, interchangeable lens system that featured really high quality optics from either Schneider-Kreuznach or Carl Zeiss. And like every previous Robot, the Royal III was a mechanical, spring-tensioned masterpiece. By winding a key on the base of the camera, a motor could be tensioned that controlled the shutter, allowed the user to fire off a burst of frames in rapid succession (anywhere from 5-8 frames/second) and automatically wound the film after each exposure. The last major trait that the Royal III shared with its forbearers was its square 24x24mm frame size, producing 50 exposures per roll of film.
With those major similarities noted, the biggest improvement the Royal III added was rangefinder focusing. Taken altogether, the Royal III offered a supremely well made 35mm rangefinder with high quality interchangeable lenses and mechanical motor drive capabilities. The Robot Royal III really was meant to compete with other top tier 35mm rangefinders of the day (think Leica, Nikon and Canon) but in the end took a path into obscurity more akin to the Kodak Ektra. Perhaps it was the uncommon 24x24mm frame size, or maybe it was the proprietary take-up cartridges that were required for use, or maybe it was inferior marketing. Whatever the reason, the Robot Royal III never really caught on with the mass market, despite its decade and a half production run.
Still, if you happen across one of these Royals in your film camera adventures, we'd suggest giving it some due attention. Despite their obscure nature they are surprisingly good cameras.
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