VN Press camera
Toronto. In issue 24-2 Bill Belier continued his column “A Treasure From My Collection …” with a discussion of a British Press camera – the VN Press Focal-Plane camera. This VN was picked up at one of our fairs by Bob Lansdale. The VN has a special meaning to his wife, Margaret, also a photographer.
Bill begins, “The “VN” focal-plane press camera was first introduced in 1919 by Peeling & Van Neck Ltd. of London. The camera is referred to, in The British Journal Almanac of 1921 as “the British Anschütz” a reference to the popular Goerz product of that era. Other models with minor modifications were to follow until its demise in the late 1950s.
“Marg’s camera appears to be one of the later versions. To use an old expression, the VN is “built like a truck” and has the weight to prove it. The body is leather covered and of all metal construction with a single fold bellows of heavy leather. The pull-out front lens panel is held rigid by collapsing struts on each side, top and bottom.
“The camera is fitted with a focal plane shutter… 1/10 – 1/1000 sec. It comes equipped with a sports-type view finder and six 9×12 holders. As described above, the camera was offered at £30.0.0 in a B.J.A. advertisement in 1934… Lenses were extra.
“Marg’s camera is equipped with two Ross Xpres lenses, a standard 6”- f4.5, and a wide angle 4”- f4, both in helical mounts. One oddity… the focussing scale is not calibrated in feet or in meters, but in yards.
Members can read the complete article in the 24-3 pdf on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above or at right to join, Send any questions to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
Drop in at our 2025 events – you may find a VN camera, or something else to augment your collection! Next up is our Trunk Sale on July 13th.
