BritishThe Lancaster watch camera looks like a small round pocket watch, with foldable parts inside that can be stretched out and photographed.
Lancaster clock camera of the late 19th century. Photo: Rare Historical Photos
During the period 1886 - 1900, the photography company J. Lancaster & Son in Birmingham, England, produced a unique device - the Lancaster clock camera. This device is a combination of art and innovative engineering. While not a spy camera in the traditional sense, it is still a prime example of the Victorians' fascination with miniaturization and secrecy.
The brains behind the Lancaster watch camera is James Lancaster, founder of J. Lancaster & Son. Founded in the mid-19th century, the company is best known for its photographic equipment and contributions to the development of early cameras. Lancaster aimed to create a camera that not only worked but was also portable and discreet.
The Lancaster watch camera resembles a pocket watch in the form of a metal cover covering the crystal with intricate nickel plating and a diagonal pattern. Its compact size and elegant appearance make it an accessory that can easily be slipped into a pocket. The camera's round outer shell is engraved with the words "J Lancaster & Son Patent Birmingham".
The camera's most outstanding feature is its self-straightening mechanism. When opened, it extends six spring-equipped telescopic tubes, forming the bellows necessary for taking photos. This feature was not only very innovative but also demonstrated the advanced level of mechanical engineering at that time. In early versions, the camera had an internal meniscus lens accompanied by a simple hand-cranked shutter. As technology developed, later models were equipped with more advanced shutters.
Despite its impressive design, the Lancaster watch camera still causes some difficulties in actual use. The user must remove the frosted glass screen for each exposure by opening four tiny latches and inserting a metal film holder. This process is quite cumbersome and requires careful manipulation, making it difficult to take quick or spontaneous photos.
To fix this, J. Lancaster & Son launched an improved version in 1890. This version had a larger screen frame and traditional light shields, increasing user friendliness but sacrificing some of the clarity. discreet compared to the original model. The introduction of a drop shutter in this model is another notable improvement.
Lancaster watch cameras come in many versions suitable for both men and women. The women's version is more petite, producing photos measuring 3,175 cm x 2,54 cm. Meanwhile, the men's version is larger, producing photos measuring 5,08 cm x 3,81 cm.
The Lancaster clock camera is an important artifact in the history of photography, demonstrating the technical ingenuity of the late 19th century. It also represents a period of technological innovation. meets practicality.
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