Ev explains the working and purpose of this strange camera
Toronto. We tend to address each item in our camera collection as model, maker, features, how it works, etc. But some members have a deeper knowledge of science that enhances their assessment of old photographic technology.
An example of such skill was shown by our late editor, Ev Roseborough. He mentions spotting what seemed like an old colour camera but without the registration pins needed to align the various sheets. Ev passed it up at one of our fairs, but was so intrigued, he visited the exhibitor who lived nearby and bought the curious device.
It is featured on the cover of issue 20-1 and discussed in a lengthy detailed article by Ev titled “No Ordinary Camera”. In the article, Ev explains both how it works, what it is, and its’ purpose. Without Ev’s curiosity, skill, and knowledge the device would simply pass from collector to collector as just another strange looking camera of odd and curious design.
Ev’s article begins, “This unassuming specimen of camera manufacturing, when viewed from the front, would be considered well-made despite its warped baseboard.
“Many people saw it at Dave Breeze’s table during [1994] Spring Fair. Without inspection, but hastily noting the three index holes and the appearance of what might have been a repeating back, I assumed it might have been a camera for 3 color separations for such a device as the Kromskop.
“Intrigued, a week later I went to Oakville and brought it home. The plate holder bears an ivory plaque with the name of an early British scientific instrument manufacturer. The name F.E. Becker & Co. appears in an 1894 list of London chemical, glass and apparatus manufacturers.
“The company may have been taken over by W. & J. George Ltd., Proprietors, at the old address 33, 35, 37 Hatton Wall, London EC, England.
“The camera front and back are made from 3/8″ mahogany with mortise and tenon corners, brass bound. They enclose a nine-fold rectangular bellows 7 1 /4″ x 7 3/4” of fine leather. A lens panel would have been 4″ square. The back opening is 2 1 /4 x 3″. …”
To learn more about this instrument and its vital purpose, you will have to read the rest of Ev’s article. Issue 20-1 not handy? Read the issue 20-1 pdf file on the members-only free DVD. Not a member? Let’s fix that now. Go to the MEMBERSHIP sub-menu above (Membership Form), then the article at right (PayPal). Send your cheque with the form or send the form and use a credit card/your PayPal account. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca. Membership and the DVD are well worth the minuscule cost!
