Vélocigraphe

1891

Hermagis

Paris

France

Shutter:

Sector, self-capping, spring powered and regulated, speeds 1 - 7.

Construction:

Polished mahogany body with leather case for concealment.

Format:

12, 9 x 12 cm exposures on plates in sheaths held in changing mechanism.

Attributes:

Two reflecting view-finders.
Falling plate mechanism. The shutter setting lever also operates the changing mechanism. The plates are pushed forward by an arm to which a coiled spring is attached. A frame counter is operated by the mechanism.

Serial Number:

909 .

Notes:

Hermagis. 18 rue Rambuteau. Paris.

With:

12 sheaths. Leather case.

The Vélocigraphe was designed and patented by Ricard and Lacroix. Manufacture was by Hermagis. The Vélocigraphe was an early example of a falling plate camera. The shutter and changing mechanism are well-made and more complex than found on cameras of this type made in later years. The body is of polished mahogany but a thick leather case was provided giving the camera, when not in use, the appearance of a leather case. The Vélocigraphe was made in a number of sizes including stereo.

References & Notes:

BP 10278/1891. Lothrop, Century, p. 59.

Early Photography