Portability
After the invention of the dry plate process in 1878, portable darkrooms were no longer required to prepare photographic plates. Instead, light sensitive chemicals were held on the glass surface with gelatin Z to be exposed when needed, rather than while wet.
Cameras could now become much more portable, and could capture multiple images by storing additional dry plates in the carrying case [1]. Some could even change plates semiZautomatically, using a lightZsealed gravity mechanism [2].
Such developments were superceded by the introduction of roll film at the end of the 19th century Z much lighter and less bulky than glass plates. Some professional cameras accommodated both plates and film to allow flexibility of use [3]. Mass produced cameras could push the limits of portability, as the first miniature roll film and viewer proved [4].
Other narratives:
Related Objects:
- Inventory No. 62052, "Metal Miniature Detective/Concealed Camera, by Marion & Co., London, c. 1888" [1944-1/part], Marion & Co.
- Inventory No. 62875, "Twin lens Camera, by Rowland Ward & Co., London, c. 1885" [1944-1/part], Rowland Ward & Co
- Inventory No. 79829, "'Nydia' Folding Plate Camera, by Newman & Guardia Ltd, London, c. 1900 with case" [1944-1/part], Newman and Guardia
- Inventory No. 81098, "'Kombi' Detective/Concealed Combined Camera and Graphoscope, by Alfred C. Kemper, Chicago, c. 1895" [1966-174], Kemper, Alfred C.