Difference between revisions of "Gaumont Block-Notes"

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(Detail about the shutter.)
(+links to French and British patents for the camera)
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== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/gaumont/html/block_note_6x9.php Block Notes 6.5×9] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/gaumont/html/block_note_4x6.php Block Notes 4.5×6] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php Sylvain Halgand's  www.collection-appareils.fr]
 
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/gaumont/html/block_note_6x9.php Block Notes 6.5×9] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/gaumont/html/block_note_4x6.php Block Notes 4.5×6] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php Sylvain Halgand's  www.collection-appareils.fr]
 +
* [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=FR&NR=322894A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=4&date=19030217&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP French Patent 322894] and [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=GB&NR=190226068A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=4&date=19031126&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP British Patent 26068] describing the Block-Notes, at [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/?locale=en_EP Espacenet], the patent search facility of the European Patent Office. Both patents were applied for in 1902, and granted to Gaumont in 1903. They mention the possibility of a stereo camera, but make no reference to focusing.
  
 
[[Category: 4.5x6 plate strut folding]]
 
[[Category: 4.5x6 plate strut folding]]

Revision as of 05:58, 2 January 2012

The Block-Notes is a strut folding camera for 4.5×6 cm or 6.5×9 cm plates, made by Gaumont in Paris, from about 1904 (the smaller model) and about 1909 (the larger) until 1924.[1] It was available with a fixed-focus f/9 Hermagis anastigmat lens, or with faster lenses including a Tessar (on the example shown here, this is a Krauss-Zeiss lens, i.e. made by E. Krauss of Paris under licence from Zeiss; other similar examples have been seen;[2] however, one example sold at Westlicht is listed as having a CZJ Tessar).[3][4] Some cameras have a focusing mechanism (the knurled wheel on the rear body in the example illustrated); others are fixed-focus. Early Photography shows a fixed-focus example, which is, however, equipped with a ground-glass focusing screen, and two auxiliary close-up lenses.[5]

The lens of its Newton-type viewfinder is in a frame that slides along the lens board when the camera is folded (also covering the lens). The shutter is cocked by pulling the finder frame into its working position. A ground-glass screen can also be fitted. The example illustrated here has an optional plate magazine back fitted; single plate-holders can also be used.[3]

The shutter is a guillotine type, the blade moves under spring tension, with five instantaneous speeds, regulated pneumatically,[5] plus 'B'.

A stereo model, the Block-Notes Stereo was made from about 1904,[5] in sizes for 4.5×10.7 cm and 6×13 cm plates.[6][4]


Notes

  1. McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover).} p338.
  2. 4.5×6 cm Block-Notes with 72 mm f/4.5 Krauss-Zeiss Tessar, plate magazine and yellow filter, sold at the December 2009 Westlicht auction.
  3. 3.0 3.1 4.5×6 cm Block-Notes with a 7.5 cm f/6.3 Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar, with single plate-holders, sold at the May 2009 Westlicht Photographica Auction in Vienna.
  4. 4.0 4.1 6.5×9 cm Block-Notes with 112 mm f/4.5 Tessar lens, and 6×13 cm Block-Notes Stereo, sold at the November 2003 Westlicht auction.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 4.5×6 cm Block-Notes with 72 mm f/6.5 Krauss Tessar (with only two aperture stops, not an iris) at Early Photography.
  6. 4.5×10.7 cm Block-Notes Stereo with Anastigmat lenses, sold at the May 2011 Westlicht auction.

Links