Williamson Kinematograph.
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1898 - 1910
Materials
Mahogany, Brass, Metal, Glass, Leather, Canvas
Measurements
390 x 140 x 412 mm
Collection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525248
Summary
Williamson Kinematograph. (Very early cinematographic camera). A 35mm mahogany-body hand-cranked cinematographic camera with inset brass binding. The camera has an original Williamson Kinematographic lens (as confirmed by the 6 pointed star logo on it) offset to the left. (This is rare as most were replaced later). On the lens ring are engraved the numbers 16,11,8,5.5,4,3.5,F. Attached to the bottom of the lens ring is a brass knurled knob to extend the lens. Under the lens, screwed to the main body facing forward, are 2 small (22mm long)brass circular tubes that are empty.On the right hand side of the body towards the front is a circular glass window through which the film footage counter (missing) would have been viewed. Beneath that is a wing nut fastener, in a circular indentation. Below this and to the rear is the sprocket for the film winding handle (missing). Below this and to the front is a further sprocket . The latter half of the right hand side has a door which can be opened by unscrewing 2 brass catches and pulling on a canvas strap. Inside the camera are 2 pulley wheels connected by a metal band. There are electrical connections and a small electrically operated bell, (possibly a warning when the film was running low?). At the rear on the right is a holder for the key to open the camera doors (missing). On the right is a brass film magazine release button. Beneath this is a brass cover (light plug) to the viewing tube (to view through the lens) and below this is a further brass film magazine release button.The entire left hand side of the body opens by unscrewing 2 brass catches and pulling on a canvas strap. Inside are the 2 sprocket wheels to move the film and the viewing tube running from the back to the lens. There is space above and below this for the 2 film magazines.There is a leather carrying handle, running from front to rear on the top of the body.Markings. On the front, central above the lens is a stamped brass plate, "The Williamson Kinematograph Co Ltd, Manufacturers and Shippers, 28 Denmark St, Charing Cross Rd WC"
Full description
A 35mm mahogany-body hand-cranked cinematographic camera with inset brass binding. The camera has an original Williamson Kinematographic lens (as confirmed by the 6 pointed star logo on it) offset to the left. (This is rare as most were replaced later). On the lens ring are engraved the numbers 16,11,8,5.5,4,3.5,F. Attached to the bottom of the lens ring is a brass knurled knob to extend the lens. Under the lens, screwed to the main body facing forward, are 2 small (22mm long)brass circular tubes that are empty. On the right hand side of the body towards the front is a circular glass window through which the film footage counter (missing) would have been viewed. Beneath that is a wing nut fastener, in a circular indentation. Below this and to the rear is the sprocket for the film winding handle (missing). Below this and to the front is a further sprocket . The latter half of the right hand side has a door which can be opened by unscrewing 2 brass catches and pulling on a canvas strap. Inside the camera are 2 pulley wheels connected by a metal band. There are electrical connections and a small electrically operated bell, (possibly a warning when the film was running low?). At the rear on the right is a holder for the key to open the camera doors (missing). On the right is a brass film magazine release button. Beneath this is a brass cover (light plug) to the viewing tube (to view through the lens) and below this is a further brass film magazine release button. The entire left hand side of the body opens by unscrewing 2 brass catches and pulling on a canvas strap. Inside are the 2 sprocket wheels to move the film and the viewing tube running from the back to the lens. There is space above and below this for the 2 film magazines. There is a leather carrying handle, running from front to rear on the top of the body. Markings. On the front, central above the lens is a stamped brass plate, "The Williamson Kinematograph Co Ltd, Manufacturers and Shippers, 28 Denmark St, Charing Cross Rd WC"
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