The Amazing 120~130 year old Falling Plate Camera, did I get it working
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2024
- My love of old cameras is not always about the camera itself, the age and history always fascinated me, making them enjoyable not only for taking pictures but also visually beautiful that grace any collection, this is a truly fascinating camera, enjoy. Your contributions help me make these learning video's.
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At a time when cameras are considered outdated after less than a decade through the advance of technology there is something wonderful about reviving a camera that is over a century old. Thank you for this.
Your welcome
I love these cameras. In France we call them "Detective camera".
About the focus: you put film inside but it's for plate, so you have to put extra stuff behind the film to have the same depth, usually 1.6mm
You've done a terrific job getting that camera fixed up, Martin! Hope you are well my friend. John Pictorial Planet
Thanks, John, not groundbreaking images lol but I did get it working to some degree
the little catches look like they're there to prevent the swiveling metal piece on the front panel to rotate too far in either direction. just a guess!
My thoughts Martin. The light leaks are probably caused by exposures being taken without the front wooden cover in place. I would think this should be in place when you take the exposures otherwise you would get light bouncing around the film chamber where the plates are and creating light flashes (e.g. like on you your photos). The camera was designed for much much slower ASA material which would of course not be so prone to light leaks.
I think the fact that the shutter and bulb release are 'outside' the lens compartment indicates that the shutter should be used with the front wooden flap up so reducing any light noise that could get in.
I would also think that if you shot onto photo paper you would not get so much of an issue as the material is less sensitive to the light that could get in at various stages.
To check just expose One plate and do not use the falling mechanism with the front door closed and just open the slide on the wooden flap to show just the lens. Don't let the plate fall. Take the plate out and develop as usual. This will eliminate subsequent exposure leaks and fogging, and anything else related to the falling plate mechanism that could be creating your light leaks. Also make sure the front flap is closed with just the lens showing (use your bulb release).
I would try doing all that with one sheet of film then developing, and then doing the same thing with paper (slower ASA) to see if there is any difference. If they are good try one with the front flap down (as you had it when taking photos) and test the dev again... etc etc.
Good luck.
Yes i think thats correct, I need to restore the holders to a matt black also the inside of the camera MB and put light tight foam on the back door, I think that should improve things
It occurs to me the camera might work well with a paper neg. Easier to handle under safelight and perhaps more authentic in terms of ISO and spectral sensitivity. You would also be able to back the neg with a thin card spacing piece the thickness of a glass plate to bring the emulsion layer nearer to the desired film plane.
You know I never gave that a thought, annoyed I didn't do that, thanks for reminding me, I will do more mods on the camera and try paper negs
Martin. The black plate on the front door protects the lens and shutter from accident and dust. The camera may be as recent as c 19 19. You are correct about the inside front being mahogany, however its veneer, originally this was highly polished.
I have used many falling plate cameras in my time, mainly with paper negatives. I haven't seen that set up where the rails and spring are removable, and with the plates with different cut outs at the top.. The ones I have (Houghtons, Butchers) generally have the rails attached on the inside of the cabinet and the spring is attached to the back door. The falling plate knob on all mine has a spring in it, so it returns to normal position. So the cut outs are in the same position on all the plates. So yours might be an earlier one? You didn't mention what the small leaver does, the one marked 1, 2, 3 in roman numerals. This maybe be for different shutter speeds? Just a thought.
A company called Zebra makes glass film plates. I ordered dry plates coated with an emulsion ready to use in my 5x7 view camera. Very nice quality, reasonably priced and fast shipping to the USA.
I think they even make custom sizes.
It's very fortunate this camera fell into your capable hands. This was so interesting and enjoyable. Thank you.
I just love these vintage camera videos you produce! I'm always amazed at the simplistic, yet highly functional nature of these old cameras.
Thanks for this - I've just been given a falling plate camera which happens to be the first of that type I've ever got my hands on. I'm now inspired to see if I can get any sort of image out of it. I'm contemplating using photographic paper, either standard and then scanning and inverting image digitally, or even trying my hand at a reversal process. Or maybe getting some of Ilford's direct positive paper, once I'm sure it works. It is, I think 4.25" by 3.25".
That focus incongruity could, partially, be explained by the plate thickness and film flatness. To me, that simple lens acquitted itself, its age and handmade origin decently. I thought this was very interesting and your presentation was delightful, “per usual”.
Hi Martin, great to see you rescue another camera from oblivion! Wondering about your focus mishap in the 1st shot - easy to misjudge distance, or like you say helicoid out of whack, or perhaps to do with film not being the same thickness as a plate? Perhaps slide a sheet of card or plastic into the holder behind the film - will also help secure it. Keep up the good work 👍
Yea there is a lot to think about, I think the aperture of f32 would have compensated for any slight error in distance
By amazing coincidence, one of Whitstable Photographic Group members brought a very similar camera to our vintage camera club night in February 2024. A fascinating device, well done Martin!
That was interesting Martin. There’s something special about old cameras, and it must have been satisfying to get it working again and as you said to become part of its history by using it.
Yes I really enjoyed it
SO much more interesting than the latest techno-masterpiece Sony Z8 (etc) reviews. Thanks for all the effort you put in to bring back such a lovely old, well designed gem of Victorian engineering.
Thank you
Amazing work Martin - thank you for posting your fantastic videos!!!!!
Such a cool camera, love it! Well done!
Martin, try photo corners for holding the film. I do that when I'm shooting paper negatives and they hold the paper nice and taut and flat.
Great video, such fun to see the old cameras work.
Yea great will try that , thanks
Really cool camera! Great to see it back in action!
Hats off to you Martin.
Thank you
Thank you Martin, very interesting experience of this very old Camera with a Master like you 🙏🏼💐
What a way to enter the year! Thank you for this wonderful video
Thanks
I heard that London is very lively this Spring Festival!😊
The captive plate and slot release looks a better mechanism than the one found in the Murer’s Express Newness models aka detective cameras. For my model B it tends to release more than one plate at a time. With pull rod focusing and punched hole apertures it's even more advanced than later box cameras. Great video.
Thanks for watching
Great video Martin
Is the sliding plate at the front not simply a dust cap? The 2 spring tabs on the back will hold it in the open or closed position when in the correct orientation
That cylinder over the viewfinder is brilliant. Amazing idea.I have a couple of the drop plate cameras one of which had an exposed and developed plate with it. They did
take nice photos.
Yes I think with a little more setting up etc it will take decent images, better than I got in the video
Inspired by your presentation….. I found and ordered an Archer & Sons, Liverpool, 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 falling plate camera…. Probably made by Murer, of Italy!
Thanks!
That sounds great,
I got my Archer & Sons falling plate camera, and cleaned it up, cleaned the lenses, and oiled & polished the “Morocco” leather covering. It looks great! The 5 metal plates, don’t all drop yet, but maybe with the added weight of a glass plate in them, they would?!
Mine has a very different drop mechanism from yours, and also a later shutter and lens set up.
It also has a 4 setting lever that seems to put 2 glass filters, and two no filters in place?! There is no film speed, but aperture setting from 4-128 ( old US settings, even though it’s a UK built camera. Curious what they did and thought back then?! Will be fun to test out!
PS… there’s also a dial for shutter speeds of 1/30 - 200…. Amazingly…. Pretty fast for 100ish years ago.
Your video really took me on a fantastic journey. What a wonderful and curious box camera.
It was, great fun working with old cameras
Amazing results and I love your taking us on your journey. Excellent!
Your welcome
Another beautiful camera rescued with love. I suspect the light leaks are something to do with the falling plate mechanism, ie light getting around the edges of the plate holder during exposure of the other negative. It's wonderful to see your work with these old cameras.
Never thought of that, I think your spot on with that
Inspirational as always Marti ! Thank you.
Thank you
very nice!
Genius camera! Thanks for the video.
your welcome
Very enjoyable video. Thanks for sharing
Your welcome
I love seeing the results of the wonderful engineering that went into these incredibly simple devices. The ability to take several photos in fairly rapid succession on glass plates at the time must have been a welcome advance in photography. Depending on how many holders it can hold, the photographer using this would no doubt be much quicker than others when it came to being ready to take photos number 2, 3 and so on. I hope you can find more information about the manufacturer and any marketing techniques they might have used to sell these brilliant cameras. Considering the age of the thing and the lens, I think the results are great!
I keep trying to get info from the web and also asked a very knowledgeable friend but cant get any reliable info
Amazing video and camera - my god what a great piece of engineering!
Simple and effective
Hi Martin, great video. What a lovely camera. Is it possible the light leak could be from the pressure of the spring plate, im guessing this wasnt in place when you tested it?
It could be, more testing required I thinks
Wonderful!
Happy New 2024 !! Martin 💪🏻
And the same to you, thanks
Just when i got my GAS in order along comes another interesting camera to try! I have a small folder that was designed for glass plates but i managed to get a set of holders which take film. Ive yet to try these. As per other comments i woukd put some black cardboard behind the sheet film to push the film in the same plane as a glass plate would sit. Definitely try a slow film and if the camera was mine id be off to a river with waterfalls to get that slow movement of water. Thank you for a really interesting topic.
Yes I will try all that but next time paper negs 😀
Hiya Martin! That cmaera is really interesting😊 Quite the impressive engineering.
Question - I have an extra Konica Genbakantoku "Zoom" point and shoot which covers 28-56mm. It is waterproof and, from what I read, cold proof. They were made for the construction industry.
I've put a couple of rolls through it, and the lens is tack sharp. Do you take channel donations? I got it for free, but I already have a Konica "DD" I am keeping, and the two are too similar to keep both. You mentioned the weather, so I thought you may be interested.
Cheers
Hello, Mr. Henson and JW48335. I love your enthusiasm and vibrant community for photography. I’m discovering the fascinating history of photography, and very much want to explore large format photography, and traditional processing & printing. Meanwhile, I’m just using my iPhone 13 Max Pro for landscape and macro photography, but the outdoor elements of forests, creeks, ravines, and waterbird habitats are challenging for iPhone photography. For years, I used Sony digital cameras for underwater/harsh conditions conditions, but my dream is to pursue film photography. Anyhow, if Mr. Henson chooses not to bring your camera into his collection, I would be thrilled if you considered me. I’m very happy to contribute to both of you in exchange, whether you’d like some of my raw footage for your personal library of stock photos, or my organic homemade venison jerky, or suggest your own good ideas. Regardless, thank you for stimulating my interest to capture the seasons, flora, and fauna of my forest on film. Donna
Yes I regulary get old cameras donated, some work others not, but still love to see them , thank you
I wonder if the light leaks are from the plate dropping mechanism, based on the positions. Especially the second frame, since it was being held in place for some time until you exposed and dropped it.
I think that was the problem, given this a very old camera.
on both images I see light coming in?
nice.
About the light leak... could it be that when you drop the first negative and then open the shutter for the second exposure that light somehow reflects onto the dropped negative? Probably with old ISO 3-6 plates it wasn't an issue, but it is with modern films?!
Having used alot of falling plate cameras in my time, the dropped negative would face down on the bottom of the camera, or plate, and when the shutter is fired the light hits directly to the standing plate, and as the inside of the camera is totally black there is no chance of light hitting the fallen plates. Unless the plates aren't lying down flat? I must say, I haven't had any issues with light leaks with my old falling cameras,.Its quite rare.
Great video Martin, it nice to see one of these beauties working. You had mentioned dry plates were too expensive, I assume you mean from companies like JLane and zebra dry plate, I was wondering if you had tried expired dry plates? I find they work amazingly despite their age, in a lot of cases better than expired film.
Will have to look out for them, not sure were to look though
honestly, it looks like the the plate on the front door may have at one time had a shutter mechanism. quite possibly for setting a shot using 't' and setting an external trip. at least that's what I'd guess with the right angle tab on the inside of the plate. or even a mechanism to hold the plate in either position.
You could well be right, food for thought, thanks
@@martinhensonphotography most welcome
I guess loading was easier back then as plates were (and are) ortochromatic and you could load the holders under red safe light. So maybe ideal for paper negs or direct positive paper. Just thinking loud here and not having read other comments.
I also think the camera was built to be operated with the front door closed as well as opened, so that swinging plate that covers the lens is meant for camouflage reasons (someone mentioned detective cameras) or lens protection and the two metal strips should hold it open or closed. There would be a rubber hose connecting the shutter and the nipple in the side and you are able to connect a bulb that you hide in your hand from the outside and can take photos unnoticed. Of course you need to smash a bottle every time you change plates to hide to sound. Thanks for an interesting camera presentation, never seen one like it before!
Hi Martin. When you say "glass plates" do you mean that this could have been used with autochrome technology?
It might be a bit old for that , I was talking about dry plates for black and white images
I wonder if the glass in the front cover is actually a lens, maybe for close up pictures.
It not glass just a round opening
@@martinhensonphotography Ah, well, bit of a mystery.
W Butcher & Sons
The Midg camera?
I checked them but they dont look the same , near enough though lol
Maybe it is a Houghton Klito camera c1905 (saw one on etsy
No, its not. The Houghtons and Butchers are different.
I’m actually impressed with your restoration of the camera, then the results that you got….. not bad at all given that it was all by guess & by golly….
Thank you
Could it be a model known as a “Detective camera”. It looks like you could set it all up close the front door open the swivelling flap then shoot with the air release and people will think the camera is not in use. There are examples in Google images. Not sure who this one was made by though.
Not sure, I think it might be a little big unless it was seen as a carry case and not camera, interesting
@@martinhensonphotography Been thinking about this a lot today. When you think about it the length will be determined by the need for room for the plate to fall, the combined length of the plate holders and finally the spring mechanism. Looking at Camera Wiki there are a number described as detective cameras very similar in size and operation. Looking again at the angel image could it be flare and not a light leak? If the camera was intended to be used with the front flap closed and the swivelling plate opened then effectively it is acting a large lens hood. The lens at the time was probably uncoated and easily prone to flare from the sky as you used it. If you decided to use the camera again it may be an idea to try one with the front flap closed and see if it makes a difference. Interesting camera and well explained as all your videos are.
Is it a Thornton Pickard?
It could well be, but it would be guessing without actual photos which I cannot find on the web
With reference to the first image could the 8 feet focus mark really be 8 meters ?
That would explain the in focus background ..
All in all a great video thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
What camera is this?
Its a falling plate camera, no manufactures name though
Nice camera, but why not shoot onto paper? That way you can load in a red light and will not scratch so easily? Then just contact to reverse.
Yes great Idea, will do that, yes, another project, thanks
It is much more likely that the plates would be orthochromatic that could be loaded, unloaded and developed under a red safe light.
Yes you would be correct considering its age
Looks like an early Houghton Holborn Ilex or Klito
😻 'promosm'