Watkins & sons (vroege versie) Exposure Meter Light meter
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Watkins & Sons (early version) Exposure Meter, a brass instrument dating ca. 1890–1900 with blue glass filter lens and original engraved exposure dials, in very good physical condition and not tested.
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Description from the seller
A beautiful and extremely rare piece of photography history:
an original Watkins Standard Exposure Meter. This cylindrical instrument was patented in 1890 by the legendary British photographic pioneer Alfred Watkins (Hereford) and is an absolute must-have for collectors of early camera equipment.
This specific specimen is a very early model, recognizable by the engraving on the front: "Sole Makers R. Field & Co. Birmingham". This firm produced the meters on commission for Watkins until about 1900, after which Watkins took production into his own hands.
The instrument is made entirely of solid brass and features the original, beautifully engraved rings for calculating exposure (including F-stop and S shutter speed). On the front is the iconic blue glass filter lens. This actinometer worked at the time with an integrated roll of light-sensitive paper that darkened under light, after which the exact exposure time could be calculated via the rotating rings.
Features & Condition:
Manufacturer: R. Field & Co., Birmingham (for The Watkins Meter Co.)
Dating: ca. 1890 - 1900
Material: Brass (patinated), blue glass
Engravings: Very clear and legible: "Watkins Exposure Meter - Patent - Sole Makers R. Field & Co. Birmingham". The numbers and scales on the rings are also very sharp.
Condition: In a stunning, authentic state with a splendid natural patina. The rings rotate smoothly. The blue glass is completely intact with no cracks or deep scratches. A unique opportunity to add an iconic, early 19th-century exposure meter to your collection in this exceptional condition!
A beautiful and extremely rare piece of photography history:
an original Watkins Standard Exposure Meter. This cylindrical instrument was patented in 1890 by the legendary British photographic pioneer Alfred Watkins (Hereford) and is an absolute must-have for collectors of early camera equipment.
This specific specimen is a very early model, recognizable by the engraving on the front: "Sole Makers R. Field & Co. Birmingham". This firm produced the meters on commission for Watkins until about 1900, after which Watkins took production into his own hands.
The instrument is made entirely of solid brass and features the original, beautifully engraved rings for calculating exposure (including F-stop and S shutter speed). On the front is the iconic blue glass filter lens. This actinometer worked at the time with an integrated roll of light-sensitive paper that darkened under light, after which the exact exposure time could be calculated via the rotating rings.
Features & Condition:
Manufacturer: R. Field & Co., Birmingham (for The Watkins Meter Co.)
Dating: ca. 1890 - 1900
Material: Brass (patinated), blue glass
Engravings: Very clear and legible: "Watkins Exposure Meter - Patent - Sole Makers R. Field & Co. Birmingham". The numbers and scales on the rings are also very sharp.
Condition: In a stunning, authentic state with a splendid natural patina. The rings rotate smoothly. The blue glass is completely intact with no cracks or deep scratches. A unique opportunity to add an iconic, early 19th-century exposure meter to your collection in this exceptional condition!
Details
Era
1400-1900
Brand
Watkins & sons (vroege versie)
Model/type nr
Exposure Meter
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Not tested
Estimated period
1650-1700, 1850-1900
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