The camera obscura has been used for centuries as an artist’s tool but in 1839 the world heard that it was possible to capture the image by chemical means without the aid of the artist’s hand. This book traces the development of the camera from its origins, through the wet collodion period and the boom years for amateur photography which followed the introduction of fast dry plates in the 1880s, and into the 1890s, when roll films and commercial processing made snapshots possible.
The twentieth century brought smaller, even pocketable cameras which led in the 1920s and 1930s to the miniature camera using 35mm film. Novelty and special purpose cameras took panoramic views, made photographs resemble postage stamps or looked like pocket watches.
Clues are provided for dating camera and further information can be found from the comprehensive list of books, museums and collecting and historical organisations.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. The Early Period 1840-80
3. Plate Cameras After 1880
4. Roll-film Cameras
5. Reflex Cameras
6. Miniature Cameras
7. How to Date an Old Camera
8. Glossary
9. Museums
10. Books and Internet Sites
11. Organisations
Index
