Instantograph folding field camera 1897 and patented shutter
Lancaster and Sons
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1897
Materials
Wood, Brass, Metal, Glass, Leather, Card
Measurements
Camera open (220 x 225 x 460mm)
Place of origin
Birmingham
Collection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524698.1
Summary
The 1897 Instantograph folding field camera, half plate size, by J. Lancaster & Son with patented lens and separate patented Lancaster shutter. Camera is wooden with moulding black leather bellows, brass fittings and patented lens engraved with "J. Lancaster & Sons Patent Birm-am". F8 Rotary shutter and iris diaphragm. On top printed on white are two labels "THE 1897 INSTANTOGRAM PATENT" and "J. LANCASTER & SON BIRMINHAM". Below this is a small shield shaped manufacturer's mark engraved with "J.L & S OPTICIANS" and on ornate "L". To the rear is a glass focusing screen with large ink square drawn on glass. This can be opened using 4 double brass hinges, each etched with "LANCASTER'S PATENT". Metal shutter sits in brass ring engraved with "LANCASTER'S PATENT".
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
Lancaster and Sons, manufacturer