An excellent example of J Lancaster and Son's 1898 Patent 'Instantograph' camera body in the British half plate (4¼" x 5½") format, together with two correctly fitting double dark slide plate holders. 22cm high, 38cm long with bellows extended.

James Lancaster formed his company of opticians in 1835, operating from premises on Bull Street, Birmingham. From the 1870s the company focused almost exclusively on the production of photographic equipment, with the Instantograph becoming one of their most popular lines. These cameras were made in a variety of formats, from quarter plate upwards. By the turn of the 20th century, around ¼ million had been made.

Condition: This camera body is in excellent condition, the woodwork retaining its original French Polish with very few blemishes. The brass components are all excellent, again with the protection of their original lacquered finish with only light tarnishing. Both makers labels are present. The leather bellows are in very good condition, fully light tight and showing only light wear. The bellows extension operates smoothly and without slippage to the rack and pinion. Both plate holders are a correct fit and in good condition with light wear from use.