danb7684
23-Jul-2013, 04:42
My father was a professional Photographer for 50 years. This Huge Camera was in his studio, and was used as a decorative piece, I just had to move it into storage and i'm curious about its history. It looks to be in pretty good shape for it's age, I do not know if it was restored or is all original. I would also like to know where I should go for an appraisal and what the best venue would be for a possible sale/auction; I live in the New York City area.
I have spent time researching this camera and have found some information, but cannot find any others that have ever been sold or that are even in existence. Any additional info would be great; specs, details, history, and maybe even the process for putting it to use. I would like to attempt to take a photograph with it, but would have no idea where to start... (What type of film or plate to use? Instructions on the process? How to develop the photo or where to have it done?)
This is the Information I have found so far:
Model: Watson Process Camera
Manufacturer: W. Watson & Sons
Year Manufactured: 1898
Specifications: Constructed of special select seasoned wood to resist rough usage and hard wear. The bellows are constructed of the strongest twill to last a long time. The metal hardware is also stronger than regular. Focusing adjustment is accomplished with an endless screw with square thread. A screen holder is adjusted by rack and pinion. The front has rising motion. Made in several sizes including a 12 x 10, 15 x 12, 20 x 16, and 24 x 20 inches.
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2078s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2078s.jpg.html)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2077s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2077s.jpg.html)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2065s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2065s.jpg.html)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2073s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2073s.jpg.html)
I have spent time researching this camera and have found some information, but cannot find any others that have ever been sold or that are even in existence. Any additional info would be great; specs, details, history, and maybe even the process for putting it to use. I would like to attempt to take a photograph with it, but would have no idea where to start... (What type of film or plate to use? Instructions on the process? How to develop the photo or where to have it done?)
This is the Information I have found so far:
Model: Watson Process Camera
Manufacturer: W. Watson & Sons
Year Manufactured: 1898
Specifications: Constructed of special select seasoned wood to resist rough usage and hard wear. The bellows are constructed of the strongest twill to last a long time. The metal hardware is also stronger than regular. Focusing adjustment is accomplished with an endless screw with square thread. A screen holder is adjusted by rack and pinion. The front has rising motion. Made in several sizes including a 12 x 10, 15 x 12, 20 x 16, and 24 x 20 inches.
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2078s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2078s.jpg.html)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2077s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2077s.jpg.html)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2065s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2065s.jpg.html)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss172/DanB7684/IMG_2073s.jpg (http://s573.photobucket.com/user/DanB7684/media/IMG_2073s.jpg.html)