How come on these cameras, the shorter the focal length, the longer the lens?
For my C8 I have the Cinor B 12.5mm 1.9 that is half the height of the Cinor 6mm 1.9.
Makes sense! I love how small and compact they are.
The B8, C8 and generally cameras of that series run nicely and smoothly. Awesome little film cameras!
The reason is lack of space. A true 6 mm wide angle lens would protrude deeply into the camera, it would have to stand close to the film. The mechanical register of the D mount is 0.484" or 12,29 mm. Between the thread flange on which the lens seats and the film your camera has an aperture plate and a revolving shutter. The solution to the cramming problem is a so-called retrofocal optical system, actually an inverted and adapted lens. Pierre Angénieux got famous for his retrofocus concept in 1950.