An Omnigraph falling plate magazine box camera.
J. Lancaster & Son
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1890 - 1910
Materials
Wood, Leather, Metal, Glass
Measurements
180 x 100 x 245 mm
Place of origin
Birmingham
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524869
Summary
An Omnigraph falling plate magazine box camera by Lancaster & Son of Birmingham. Wooden body covered in black leather. Black leather handle. Contains 7 metal plate holders, quarter plate size. Sliding door lens cover. Two viewfinders. Front panel hinges upwards on release on catch on base. Rack adjustment. Pneumatic bulb shutter release attached. Achromatic lens and seesaw shutter. Brass shutter and lens surround is marked "Lancaster & Son, Birmingham". On the side are three plaques: a cream inlay printed in black: "The Omnigraph, Patent"; a metal shield etched "J L & S Opticians"; and a black inlay stamped "Jas. Lancaster & Son, Birmingham".
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
J. Lancaster & Son , manufacturer