A Newman and Guardia folding single lens reflex camera
N and G.
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1921 - 1925
Materials
Wood, Metal, Leather, Fabric, Glass
Measurements
375 x 150 x 195 mm
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524848.1.1
Summary
A Newman and Guardia folding single lens reflex camera, for plates or roll film. The body is a wooden and metal box structure covered with black leather. There is a ground glass focussing screen on the back of the camera which is mounted in a wooden frame and the frame and the hood are also covered/constructed from black leather and fabric. It is fitted with trellis style side struts to hold the lens standard rigid. To erect the camera the standard is pulled forward until it catches, the top focusing hood being unfolded at the same time. The internal focusing screen is raised into position by a lever on the side of the body. Lens: f4.5, 136 mm Ross Xpres, iris diaphragm to f32. no 103605. The lens standard is equipped with a conventional rising front and an unusual tilting mechanism that acts on the lens panel, controlled by a rotating dial just above the lens panel. Focusing is achieved by a use of a helical mount on the lens rather than by movement of the lens standard, which remains fixed in a single position. The camera can be used with 65mm x 90mm plates or roll film. Reflex viewing through taking lens. Full-size ground glass screen. Magnifier in hood. The mirror trips and is raised by a spring, lowered by hand. Leaf springs near the focusing screen dampen the mirror action. Revolving back, the inner frame of the back is removable to attach a changing box or roll-film back. There is a simple speed selector on the right hand side, speeds 1/10 - 1/800, and the dial to wind up the shutter. The release is on the left hand side (looking from the rear). The width of the slit is varied by a second blind, thus controlling the exposure. Markings: Above the standard is a metal plate bearing the text: "N & G Folding Reflex patent Newman and Guardia Ltd London W." Serial no. FR192 stamped onto plate just in front of hinge line
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
N and G. , manufacturer