Beck
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| Beck Microstigmar macro lenses, date unknown image by Richard Kaye (Image rights) |
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R & J Beck was a renowned British optical company based in London.[1] It was founded in 1843 by the nephews of J.J. Lister, Richard Beck (1827-1866) and Joseph Beck (1828-1891) who were in partnership with a famous instrument maker, James Smith (d. 1870). It started as Smith and Beck. In 1854 the company was renamed to Smith, Beck and Beck. After Smith's retirement in 1865 the company became R & J Beck. It produced a wide range of optical products: microscopes, telescopes, trench periscopes for army officers in the First World War, eye test glasses for opticians (optometer lenses), other optical equipment, and last not least camera lenses and even some cameras. Best known in the camera area are some cameras of the brand Ensign which bear lenses branded as "Beck Ensign". Another highlight in the company's camera engagement is the fact that T. E. Lawrence, better known as 'Lawrence of Arabia', used a plate camera made by Beck.[2]
Cameras
- Dai Cornex (1905)
- Frena (1894)
- Hill Sky Camera (1924)
Lenses
- Asymmetrical Lens[3]
- Autograph Wide Angle Lens (100°) (~1888)[4]
- Beck-Steinheil Orthostigmat lens. Series IV No.1, 2.87"[5]
- Biplanat N° 2, 5"
- Biplanat N° 3, 6"
- Biplanat N° 6, 11"[6]
- Microstigmar
- Multiflex Lens f/8[7]
- Neostigmar Series IIIn No.3 5" [8]
- Rapid rectilinear lens 11 inch f/8 (~1910)[9]
- Symmetrical Lens 11" (1900-1910)[10]
- Variable Softness Portrait Isostigmar Ser.VI f/5.6 (1908)
Links
- R & J Beck NMSI - People
Notes
- ↑ 1867-80: 31 Cornhill; 1881->1900 68 Cornhill.—Factory at Lister Works, Kentish Town, Holloway.
- ↑ T. E. Lawrence and his Cameras at Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford [1]
- ↑ See this image set
- ↑ Beck's Wide Angle "Autograph" Lens at Antique Wood Cameras
- ↑ NMSI - Objects Beck-Steinheil Orthostigmat lens
- ↑ NMSI - Objects Biplanat N° 6
- ↑ NMSI - Objects Multiflex Lens
- ↑ NMSI - Objects Neostigmar Series
- ↑ NMSI - Objects Rapid rectilinear lens
- ↑ NMSI - Objects Symmetrical Lens
