a cross section of Daguerre’s experimental camera courtesy of A B Nordbok, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Toronto. … of millions and millions of improved designs and variations. Almost all smartphones have a camera module these days. In the phone, the camera computer works its magic so almost all photos are technically perfect. One has to be very, very dull to mess up …
It wasn’t always the case. Back in the era of plates and film, taking a technically sound photo took training and skill. Taking a photo that captured the spirit of the person or event was inherent only in an especially talented and capable individual.
The drawing at left, above is courtesy of Brian Coe’s epic 1978 book published in the USA by Crown and titled, “CAMERAS From Daguerreotypes to Instant Pictures“. While the drawing shows a more elaborate lens as a meniscus, Daguerre’s optician, Chevalier offered an f/19 or so true meniscus lens.
The camera is a simple ‘box in a box’ setup with a mirror (g) to correct the naturally reversed image (f). The lens position and the boxes allowed the subject to placed in sharp focus on the ground glass then replaced with the sensitized silver plate. The small letters a and c show the boxes; b the baseboard they rested on; d the ‘meniscus’ lens; and e the brass lens mount.
While our events today rarely turn up a genuine daguerreotype camera, they do offer many items to add charm and interest to any collection. Next up for 2026 is the famous outdoors Trunk Sale on July 12th on the grounds of Legion Hall #101 down on the southwestern part of Toronto in Long Branch – it is on rain or shine. Email Clint at fair@phsc.ca to reserve a spot or if you have a question.
