Kenilworth

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The Kenilworth[1] is a box camera for 2¼-inch square exposures on 120 film, made in the 1930s by Standard Cameras Ltd of Birmingham, England.[2] McKeown states that the camera can also use 620 film, but this seems unlikely from pictures of the film-holder, where the spool-holders plainly have studs, to fit the holes in the ends of a 120 spool.[3]

There are two models of the camera. In both, the body is made from a combination of pressed metal and cardboard, the front, rear, top and bottom being card, with the side panels of painted metal. The card part of the body may be black or brown; the side-panels are always black.

The camera has a reflex viewfinder, positioned centrally above the lens, giving it almost the look of a pseudo-TLR. In Model I (identified on the badge simply as the Kenilworth) the finder has a square front lens. That in Model II is round, and slightly larger than the taking lens (though not nearly as large as that on the Ensign Ful-Vue). The top lens of the finder is only a little larger than a normal brilliant finder. Model II has a folding cover over the top lens of the finder, adding to the TLR look.

Model II also has two pull-tab controls on the right side; one to select aperture, and one for 'T' shutter. Model I has no exposure adjustments.

The film winding knob is on the left side. There is a catch on the right side panel for loading film; in Model I this is a small lever; Model II may be seen either with the same lever, or with a small flat knob. The catch allows the left side panel to be removed, together with thee film-holder parts which are attached to it. These parts are all made from pressed and spring steel. The film is guided through a slightly curved path to allow for the simple lens.


Notes

  1. Kenilworth is a small town just outside Coventry in England.
  2. 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). p901-2.
  3. See for example, this picture by Paul Hillman at Flickr.