Purma Special 127 film camera.
Purma
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1937 - 1951
Materials
Bakelite, Metal, Glass, Perspex
Measurements
72 x 152 x 70 mm; 55 mm (Depth)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524655.1
Summary
Purma Special 127 film camera. Black bakelite body in a streamlined rhomboidal shape. Lens: Beck Anastigmat F/6.3, 2¼". Fixed aperture. Metal guillotine shutter near the focal plane comprising two metal plates that slide together across the film gate. Slow, medium and fast speeds: 1/25, 1/150, 1/450. Spring powered, separate capping blade. Speeds varied by the position of brass cam/weight which changes the slit width by acting on the second (following) plate. The cam is free to rotate, the position of the camera determines the position of the cam and so the slit width. Perspex viewfinder on top of body. Bakelite lens cap which, when removed, allows lens to pop out on a spring. Central on top of the body is a swivel lever which must be engaged to cock the shutter ready for release. Markings: on front, above lens: "Purma Special" engraved in gold/yellow colour. Stamped in body on front at top: "Made in England".
Provenance
Part of the Fenton Collection. A gift from British Film Institute in 2017. From 1986-1999, part of BFI collection for the Museum of the Moving Image. BFI purchased collection in 1986 from James Fenton's Museum of Photography, Port Erin, Isle of Man 1976-1986
Makers and roles
Purma , manufacturer