Photomatica
Photomatica was a German photo booth manufacturer known for high-quality analog machines produced from 1975 through the 1990s. The company specialized in passport photo booths for German government facilities and transportation hubs.
Company History
Photomatica was founded in Hamburg in 1975, focusing on the professional passport photo market. Their machines were engineered to meet strict German government standards for biometric photographs.
The company's machines were distinguished by precision German optics and reliable chemical processing. Photomatica booths were standard installations in German Bürgerbüros (citizen service offices) and major train stations.
Photomatica maintained operations through the 1990s but could not compete with larger European operators like Photomaton and Photo-Me. The company was eventually acquired and absorbed by a larger operator.
Notable Models
Photomatica Pass-Automat
1975 - 1995
Government-certified passport photo booth. Known for exceptional photo quality and precision.
Cultural Impact
Photomatica machines were the standard for official German passport photos in the 1980s-1990s. Many Germans have childhood memories of getting passport photos in Photomatica booths.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1975
- Headquarters
- Hamburg, Germany
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Status
- Inactive
- Legal Name
- Photomatica GmbH
Geographic Presence
Industry Relationships
- Competitors
- PhotomatonPhoto-MeDeutsche Automaten
Technical Specifications
- Machine Types
- Analog chemical processBiometric passport photo
- Photo Formats
- • German passport format (35mm x 45mm)• 4-6 photos per session
- Processing Types
- • Silver halide chemistry• High-precision optics