the itinerant photographer’s wet-plate camera
Toronto. I often mention that wet plate cameras usually self destruct as they are used. In this rare example shown in Bill Belier’s column in issue 26-4 it is described by its present owner – Mike Robinson.
Bill begins, “Our ‘treasure’ this month is from the collection of our multi-talented Program Chairman, Mike Robinson, …lecturer, contemporary daguerreotypist, wet-plate photographer and replica builder of early landmark cameras. His story follows…
“The maker of this mahogany and brass half-plate camera was a Mr. C. Burr, described as a ‘London optician and camera maker, 1862–1865’, about whom I have uncovered very little information to date.
“Hopefully, with continued research, I will learn more about this early British craftsman. The sliding box design is of the earliest type of camera construction which was used for daguerreotype, wet-plate collodion or calotype paper negatives. This camera is equipped with a Petzval design portrait lens with Waterhouse stops and a focusing knob.
“The lens (serial #3254) is believed to be original equipment as I found no flange markings or additional mounting screw holes on the body.” …
Yes, indeed. Members could read all about this wet plate camera in Bill’s column in the issue 26-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. See top or at right “Membership” to join – it’s cheap and easy. In the rare case of questions, email them to member@phsc.ca.
