Folding Camera with Wollensak Lens and Shutter, 1905-1925

01

Artifact Overview

Folding cameras were designed to be portable and rugged. The lens sits at the end of a collapsible bellows system, often adjustable to provide better focus. The back of this camera held glass plates for exposure; some models contained cartridges with multiple plates. Once user-friendly roll film cameras were perfected around 1900, plate cameras began to wane.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Folding camera

Date Made

1905-1925

Creator Notes

Camera by unknown maker outfitted with the Wollensak "Autex" lens and shutter.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2003.0.22.36

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Canvas
Cardboard
Felt (Textile)
Glass (Material)
Iron alloy
Leather
Nickel (Metal)
Wood (Plant Material)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 9.5 in
Width: 7.0 in
Length: 10.0 in

Inscriptions

plaque: U.S.A. lens: WOLLENSAK OPTICAL CO. ROCHESTER, N.Y. AUTEX / RAPID CONVERTIBLE 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 lens barrel: RALPH J. GOLSEN SUPPLY CO. CHICAGO plate holder: PAT 4-23-07
Folding Camera with Wollensak Lens and Shutter, 1905-1925