The Reyna Cross III (Cornu) is a rather rare 35mm camera, made in France in 1944 near the climax of WW II. According to some sources, it was assembled at St.Etienne, in the "free zone" (liberated area?).
I feel fortunate to have a working example, a little piece of history.

Body is solid cast aluminum.
It incorporates double exposure protection and wind lock.
Lens is a fast f:2.9 / 4.5 cm Cross Anastigmat in a self-cocking shutter with B, 25, 50, 100, 200.
Focuses with front lens group, from 0.8 meters to infinity.

On Saturday March 17 I took it,loaded with a roll of Chinese made Special Moments 100 print film, to the Pevely Flea Market, and shot the photo of the caroussel.
On Sunday March 18 I took it to Kimmswick, Missouri. Remaining photos in this gallery were shot there.

Kimmswick is the oldest community in Jefferson County, on the Mississippi River below St.Louis. When Lewis and Clark passed through here in 1803 preceeding their trip up the Missouri River, they noted a settlement at the location, probably started up by the French in the 18th Century. The town was established officially as Kimmswick in 1859. Many old structures from the early days survive.
Note the sad fate of the Riverboat Robert E. Lee, which has been moored at Kimmswick the last few years, the boat now no longer in use.

I shot this series side by side with another camera, a fairly rare black bodied American made Ciro 35 made in Delaware, Ohio. Look for a companion gallery at
www.pbase.com/edkowalski/kimmswick2
All images in both galleries are ©2007 E.J.Kowalski.