An enormous antique folding studio camera by City Sale & Exchange of London, together with six plate holders, detachable back and focusing screen and a desirable Ross Xpress 14" f4.5 lens. This beast of a camera measures an astonishing 90cm long at maximum extension, stands 37cm high and is 53cm wide. The plate holders are in the British Half Plate format, 6½ x 4¾". The lens, with front optic measuring 80mm in diameter, weighs an incredible 2.3kg (5.1lbs). The camera is of all oak construction with nicely dovetailed joints, the bellows being made from a high quality leather and the fittings in lacquered brass. A makers plaque to the front reads "The Salex, City Sale & Exchange, London". The lens is marked "Ross, London, Patent, 14in Xpress 1:4.5", serial number 140978. The bellows are extended by pulling the handle to the front, with further extension and focusing adjustment being by rack and pinion. Brass plates for attaching this camera to a studio stand are also included. Also available - at extra cost and for UK buyers only - is the magnificent studio stand shown in the last image. Please make contact if you would like both.

City Sale & Exchange was founded in 1881 and operated initially from premises at 81 Aldergate, London.

Condition: The camera survives in good condition. The woodwork is excellent, still protected by its original French Polish. The brass components retain their original lacquer, albeit with some oxidation. The bellows show some wear, notably to the edges, and with a couple of the folds slightly misshapen, but there are no apparent holes and they look to be light-tight. The bellows extension operates correctly, without slippage to the rack and pinion. The lens is very good, some loss of paint to the front rim, optics clear with a few light spots and cleaning marks, no obvious haze or fungus, iris operational. All plate holders are a correct fit, all show wear and tear consistent with age and use but are structurally sound and perfectly usable.

Shipping: Overseas buyers are most welcome, but due to the considerable size of this item, please use the contact form to request a shipping quotation prior to purchase.