The Binocular Camera
London Stereoscopic Company
| Name: | The Binocular Camera |
| Manufacturer: | London Stereoscopic Company |
| Country of Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Construction: | Jumelle pattern (mono) binocular camera, which is a named variant of the Carpentier Photo-Jumelle camera. The camera takes 12 holders for 4 x 6.5cm plates, although apparently it could also be used with sheet film. It has an integrated plate changing mechanism that is actuated by pulling on the rod at the side of the camera. Leather covered wooden body; wooden panels to rear and metal lens mounting plate. |
| Production Period: | Unknown |
| Plate / Film Size: | 4 x 6.5cm plate |
| Lens: | Krauss-Zeiss Anastigmatic f6.3 Serial No 15233 (but indistinct) |
| Shutter: | Guillotine shutter |
| Movements: | None |
| Dimensions (w x h x l): | |
| Date of this Example: | c1896 |
| Serial Number: | 6888-10 on side of lens panel; 22504 engraved into adjacent edge of brass plate. |
| Availability: |
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| Inventory Number: | 555 |
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Description
The London Stereoscopic Company Binocular Camera is a named variant of the Carpentier Photo-Jumelle camera. It is marked on the front "The Stereoscopic Co / 106 & 108 Regent St. W / The Binocular Camera", but also carries the J.C. Photo-Jumelle badge in the centre.
Finished in black leather over a wooden body. The camera is in very good condition. It has been protected by a velvet lined, strong hide case, which carries the London Stereoscopic Company badge inside the lid.
The adjacent wooden panel can be removed to reveal the chamber into which the plateholders are loaded into the changing mechanism, which is activated by a rod. This appears to work well in its unloaded state (but I don't recommend inserting the carriers as they are prone to jamming). To remove the back turn the flat brass release so that it is parallel to the side of the camera.
The camera came with 12 loose dark slides, some with plates loaded, a box containing 5 more (mostly damaged, with the spring broken off that pushes the plate firmly against the edges of the holder), cardboard inserts and one developed plate showing a dog in a garden, plus a further 6 prepared plate holders in a Barnet developer box.
Notes
The wooden back that contains the viewing red window is cracked; this is a common fault with these cameras. I have as yet to see one that does not have some form of damage to one or other of the rear panels.