PLEASE NOTE THAT I WILL BE AWAY UNTIL 3 MARCH. NO ORDERS WILL BE PROCESSED UNTIL MY RETURN.

A very large, complete and extremely impressive antique studio camera outfit comprising an enormous mahogany and brass studio camera by Kodak of London fitted with an early, large and very desirable 15" x 12" Rapid Rectilinear lens by the London Stereoscopic Company, and presented together with the correct mahogany and cast iron studio stand, also by Kodak of London.

The camera, believed to a variant of the company's 'Century' dating back to the early 1900s, is in the British whole plate (6½” x 8½”) format and measures an astonishing 30" (76cm) at maximum extension and stands 16" (42cm) high, and up to 5ft 4" (165cm) when mounted on the tripod stand. It bears the original maker's plate for Kodak of London and another for the retailer, Sands Hunter & Co, also of London. It is complete with its original - and still functioning - pneumatic shutter housing a magnificent 15" x 12" lens by the London Stereoscopic Company Ltd bearing the serial number 8025. The camera back may be orientated in either landscape or portrait format. Four (later) plate holders and a period focusing cloth is also included.

The outstanding mahogany and cast iron adjustable studio stand is by the same maker, also bearing its original brass maker's plate embossed with the words 'Manufactured by Kodak Ltd, Kingsway, London WC2'. Its large 43cm x 76cm (17" x 30") felt-lined platform is suspended between a pair of substantial uprights, its height being controlled by means of a spring-assisted rack and pinion operated by a substantial cast iron flywheel to the side. The mechanism is extremely effective, lifting the camera with ease. The height of the platform can be set to any height between 70cm and 120cm, with the elevation of the platform being adjusted by means of an extending strut below. The entire apparatus sits on three castors to allow it to be wheeled across the studio floor. A foot to the front can be lowered by means of a lever operated cam, which at the same time raises the front castor to prevent further movement. The stand measures 125cm x 85cm x 85cm.

Condition: The entire outfit survives in very good condition and makes for an extremely impressive display piece which could also be used if you have the requisite skills. The camera bears its original French polish, generally with good colour and shine, though also slightly dull to the front standard and with some surface blistering to the rear, likely from contact with photographic chemicals. Elsewhere there are the usual - albeit minor - scuffs and scratches. The brass components retain their original protective lacquer, showing only minor oxidation and wear. The bellows are very good, a little dusty and with some minor edge wear but still completely light tight. The ground glass screen is in good order. The pneumatic shutter functions correctly and there is a valve to enable the shutter to be locked open for timed exposures. The lens barrel is very good, again protected by its original lacquer. The optics are very good indeed, free from cracks, chips, separation, haze and fungus and with only some very minor peripheral and cleaning marks. The Waterhouse stops are, however, missing. The lens is possibly older than the camera itself, with the lens board having been replaced at some stage. Nonetheless, it focuses perfectly well. The plate holders all have wear, consistent with age and use. The tripod stand is simply magnificent! It survives in very good condition, possibly with some light restoration here and there. There are a small number of old worm holes which have been treated for peace of mind. All of the cast iron components are in excellent condition. The rack and pinion mechanism operates smoothly. The locking pin is inoperable but nonetheless the platform holds its height well, even when considerable downward force is applied. The elevation strut functions correctly, locking to the desired angle. The mechanism for lowering the front foot functions correctly. The felt is believed to be original and is in good condition. The original brass maker's plaque is present.

This is one of two complete antique studio camera outfits that I presently have available. Please see my other listings if you are interested in this kind of thing.

UK buyers only. Collection in person or delivery by private courier, chargeable at cost.