Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Nov 30, 2014 18:12:21 GMT -5
Purchased a few minutes ago on Ebay, the earthly remains of an unknown folder, 1/4 plate?......very interested as it is complete, bar the shutter and lens, and examination of the photos shows what appears to be a pre-first world war camera of some quality. It has vertical and cross adjustment, nickle silver columns, brown leather bellows, brown leather body, mahogany body, with aluminium drop bed. The top of the camera lens plate would take a brilliant type finder that rotates. The focus scale is in feet, in ivory, and it has an ivory insert in the inside frame. It is a slim line camera, much less than most equivalents in thickness, these were usually more specialist cameras for travel. So, an up market late Edwardian camera, or just after WW1, with no clue to the makers, could be English with the foot scale or USA eastman etc., or any one of dozens of continental makes. Any ideas? it only cost a few quid so no problem if not identifiable, and plenty of other lenses would fit, as would shutters.    |
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Post by philbirch on Nov 30, 2014 20:26:52 GMT -5
To me, Its got Houghton-Butcher written all over it, the body shape, the circular hole in the aluminium base where the badge was and even the unique shaped struts. The front standard is a mystery, I know its not yer typical Houghton Butcher shape, more like the Ensign rising front type but its got a unique profile and puts the viewfinder above the lens as opposed to the right (as we look at it). Separate front standards were available with different movements, this may be an accessory one or even third party. I'd bet on the camera being a Houghton-Butcher of some type. Possibly even a JW Smalls of Australia version.
Interestingly it has the European larger tripod screw thread.
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Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Dec 1, 2014 11:43:00 GMT -5
The side struts look like Ensign used well into the 1930's, H/B as well, so Houghton Butcher is a contender all right, I had searched images for all the candidates I could think of. The swag scroll looks familiar to me, but I cannot place the maker.  I think it must be Edwardian in vintage. Further searches will be needed, almost any 125/135 +/- would fit, plus if possible a pneumatic shutter. Being leather I think the bellows will restore with softening and treatment, then hot pressing, after lining cloth is glued to the interior. The brown leather body should restore quite nicely with beeswax. The rest looks in good order bar cleaning up very carefully. Not bad for just over £6! Stephen. |
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retina
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Post by retina on Dec 1, 2014 15:02:58 GMT -5
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Stephen
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Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Dec 1, 2014 15:24:55 GMT -5
Yes, it closely matches the grips, cross slide and columns, also the focus rack, and drop bed. I think it is earlier than the Carbine though.....more suggestions? Anybody got a copy of McKeown's reference guide? Stephen. |
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Stephen
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Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Dec 1, 2014 15:38:50 GMT -5
Nearly solved it, I saw the same model on the Google search, opened up the page, and found myself in my own listing on the forum......must try harder!
Stephen.
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retina
Senior Member
Posts: 72
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Post by retina on Dec 1, 2014 17:02:35 GMT -5
I've been through McKeown's, didn't find anything closer sorry.
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Post by philbirch on Dec 2, 2014 5:17:29 GMT -5
I've got a couple of mckeowns but you try looking!
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Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Dec 2, 2014 9:24:59 GMT -5
If it is pre-first world war, then it is the period that Butchers were the London retail shop, and Houghtons just one of several makers who supplied them with cameras. Trouble is the number of makers in the Edwardian period and the variants they made are legion, with dozens of camera makers in the UK alone.
At least it should be possible to match a suitable lens and shutter, and quite authentic as many such plate cameras were assembled to order.
The type were popular with cyclists and walkers, who found the older wooden framed cameras too big and cumbersome to use, but wanted something better than a box camera. Camera makers made leather cases to fit the top frame of the cycle to take just such a camera as this example.
Stephen.
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Post by philbirch on Dec 2, 2014 19:13:27 GMT -5
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Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Dec 3, 2014 17:55:33 GMT -5
Exactly the type I was describing the camera as suitable for. Further searches seem to aim at a 1908 Ensign brand, sold by Houghton / Butchers before the amalgamation of the companies. Looking out for suitable shutter and lens next. |
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Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Dec 12, 2014 17:09:57 GMT -5
The drop front Camera has finally arrived, Xmas postal delays, and it turns out it is a 5x4 format, a bit bigger than I thought. There are absolutely no marks or identification anywhere on the remains.
The good news is the parts are in good condition, and even the bellows are OK, but need re-forming to shape at the front. The leather is fully lined with blackout cloth.
I only have a couple of 5x2 holders, but can get more. They fit a bit loosely, maybe the difference between metric sizes and 5x4. A Ground Glass focusing screen will be needed as well.
The lens will have to be a longer type than 1/4 plate, shutter to suit. At least 5x4 are relatively common, but lenses are pricy, when designed for 5x4 more modern technical camera types.
5x4 film is still made at present, and it can take paper negatives as well to try it out.
A simple cheap approach would be an enlarger lens, stopped down, with a lens cap as shutter!.
Stephen.
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Post by philbirch on Dec 13, 2014 13:00:04 GMT -5
Nice one Stephen. I have a hint regarding ground glass. I use a piece of laminate sheet - un heated - that is perfect as a sub for ground glass. stick it to the back of some picture frame glass. yes you'll see the glue but it works for me.
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Stephen
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Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Dec 13, 2014 14:24:22 GMT -5
Nice one Stephen. I have a hint regarding ground glass. I use a piece of laminate sheet - un heated - that is perfect as a sub for ground glass. stick it to the back of some picture frame glass. yes you'll see the glue but it works for me. A Return tip... ground glass....., use course car valve grinding compound, rubbed on to the glass with a leather, figure of eight randomise motion, followed by fine grade compound if finer finish needed. With a 5x4 viewing screen then only the course grade is used. If a super fine glass finish is needed, then cerium oxide abrasive at 3000/4000 grit will make screens suitable for 35mm or smaller. Stephen. |
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Post by philbirch on Dec 13, 2014 17:06:23 GMT -5
poundshop laminate is less work  |
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