Studio camera
Category
Photographic technology
Date
Unknown
Materials
Wood, Metal, Glass, Leather
Measurements
(camera open) 380 x 350 x 415 mm
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524914.1
Summary
Studio camera of unknown manufacture. The camera opens out into four main parts. A mahogany body with nickel metal work on the corners and catches. The main body has a brown leather handle on the top and various catches that allow the camera to be opened up. Inside are red leather tapered bellows which are cracked on the seams in places. The camera stands on two metal feet and on one side is a turning knob that allow the main body to be tilted at a small angle. On the base is an additional wooden block on which there is a tripod bush. The back section of the camera there is a ground glass screen, and this can be brought forward to allow a plate to be inserted into the camera body. this can be achieved by pulling back on two metal springs, one on each side. The lens is a Ross Airo lens which is made in London. f 4.5 number 81607. This lens can be moved up and down by approximately 12 cms within a frame by turning the knobs on the side. The camera lens can be moved forward along the metal track by turning the knob on one side. This can then be locked in place. The rack and pinion frame can be folded down and is able to be linked to the detached extension rack Markings - there is no manufacturers mark on the camera however the number 108 is embossed on all the separate parts as well as on the main body. A photographers handwritten label has been stuck to the lens frame stating "1/2/?? shutter down, open, passport"
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