Universal B

Model of 1896

Newman & Guardia Ltd

London

England

Lens:

f6.3, 140 mm Zeiss Patent Anastigmat Series II No. 3, iris diaphragm to f45. Serial no. 23257 (1897).

Shutter:

N&G, sector type, spring powered with pneumatic regulation, speeds 1/2 - 1/100. T setting by short pressure on release with shutter set to 1/2 second.

Construction:

Leather covered mahogany body.

Format:

12, 3 ¼" x 4 ¼" plates held in removable changing box, bag type.

Focusing:

Bellows to 22". Double extension.

Attributes:

Two reflecting view-finders. Two 'T' levels. Automatic counter on changing box. Tripod bushes.

Movements:

Rise and cross front.

Serial Number:

B556 .

Notes:

Address on plaque: Newman & Guardia Ltd. 92 Shaftesbury Avenue. London. W. (1896 - 1897).

With:

Changing box for 12 plates, with plate holders and pressure slide (Serial no. on pressure slide 2550). 1886 and 1892 patents. In Ross case with 111 New Bond St and Cockspur address. Serial no. 1389.
Focusing screen. Case.

The model B was one of the first N&G cameras. It is a detective or magazine camera, it differed from the model A in having double extension. The Universal cameras proved very popular during the 1890s and early 1900s. They incorporated a very accurate and well-made shutter and a removable changing box. Both the subject of N&G patents.

The model B went through a number of minor modifications:

Spirit levels were added, first circular in 1895, then 'T' levels.
The first cameras had a celluloid focusing screen, replaced by glass after about a year.
The small lens door was connected to the shutter release in 1895.
Magnalium lens mounts were used from 1903.

The B was produced until around 1912, it was available in 3 ¼" x 4 ¼", 5" x 4", 9 x 12 cm, 6 ½" x 4 ¾" and 5 ½" x 3 ½" sizes.

References & Notes:

N&G Cameras. N&G Serial Numbers. N&G Universal shutter.

Universal B

Model of 1896

Newman & Guardia Ltd

London

England

Lens:

f6.3, 140 mm Zeiss Patent Anastigmat Series II No. 3, iris diaphragm to f45. Serial no. 20262 .

Shutter:

N&G, sector type, spring powered with pneumatic regulation, speeds 1/2 - 1/100. T setting by short pressure on release with shutter set to 1/2 second.

Construction:

Leather covered mahogany body.

Format:

12, 3 ¼" x 4 ¼" plates held in removable changing box, bag type.

Focusing:

Bellows to 22". Double extension.

Attributes:

Two brilliant view-finders. Two 'T' levels. Automatic counter on changing box. Tripod bushes.

Identification:

The index plate is marked B Z.

Movements:

Rise and cross front.

Serial Number:

B538 .

Notes:

Address on plaque: Newman & Guardia Ltd. 92 Shaftesbury Avenue. London. W. (1896 - 1897).

With:

Changing box for 12 plates, with plate holders and pressure slide (Serial no. on pressure slide 1506). 1886 and 1892 patents. Serial no. 1205.
Changing box for 12 plates, with plate holders and pressure slide (Serial no. on pressure slide 1516). 1886 and 1892 patents. Serial no. 2254.
Focusing screen.

This is an unusual version of the Universal B as it is fitted with two Adams Brilliant view-finders rather than the normal reflecting type. The finders, for some reason, have been made removable though there is no fixing on them that would allow them to clip onto another camera. There are no covers or hoods for the finders.

References & Notes:

N&G Cameras. N&G Serial Numbers. N&G Universal shutter.

Company Details:

Newman & Guardia

Early Photography

Universal B

Model of 1896

Newman & Guardia Ltd

London

England

Lens:

Shutter:

Construction:

Format:

Focusing:

Attributes:

Movements:

Serial Number:

Notes:

With:

References & Notes:

Universal B

Model of 1896

Newman & Guardia Ltd

London

England

Lens:

Shutter:

Construction:

Format:

Focusing:

Attributes:

Identification:

Movements:

Serial Number:

Notes:

With:

References & Notes: