Camera used in Victorian Times

[MaddieM]

I came across this article today in our UK newspaper. I had no idea the plates were so large. Would a camera like this have been used to take photos of the assassination?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...nique.html

[BettyO]

Fascinating article, Maddie!

Yes, this camera is very similar to the ones that were used to take the photographs of JWB and the conspirators - I've never seen an actual wet plate - but it the same process and no, I didn't realize that the actual plates were that large as well.

Thanks for sharing!

[L Verge]

(07-12-2014 09:20 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Fascinating article, Maddie!

Yes, this camera is very similar to the ones that were used to take the photographs of JWB and the conspirators - I've never seen an actual wet plate - but it the same process and no, I didn't realize that the actual plates were that large as well.

Thanks for sharing!

Also noted on that same page is a new novel about Jack the Ripper - another fascinating murder case for many of us Lincoln assassination addicts.

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(07-13-2014 12:36 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(07-12-2014 09:20 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Fascinating article, Maddie!

Yes, this camera is very similar to the ones that were used to take the photographs of JWB and the conspirators - I've never seen an actual wet plate - but it the same process and no, I didn't realize that the actual plates were that large as well.

Thanks for sharing!

Also noted on that same page is a new novel about Jack the Ripper - another fascinating murder case for many of us Lincoln assassination addicts.

My apologies for thinking the Jack the Ripper novel was new. It was first published in 2005.

[STS Lincolnite]

(07-12-2014 08:09 PM)MaddieM Wrote:  I came across this article today in our UK newspaper. I had no idea the plates were so large. Would a camera like this have been used to take photos of the assassination?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...nique.html

Thanks for posting this. A great article and a good reminder that there are still things of historical value and interest to be found! I have had a couple of opportunities to see period cameras like this and they are truly works of art.

For those interested, I am attaching a link to the Center for Civil War Photography. A good place for information of photography of the period. I have e-mailed them with questions from time to time and they have always been helpful.

http://www.civilwarphotography.org/

[L Verge]

One of the first years Surratt House was open to the public, we had a member who displayed his collection of 19th-century cameras and sample photos. It was very interesting. I recently had someone tell me there was a hand-held camera in 1865. They called it a "pistol camera." I did find reference to such a thing, but not a detailed description. Anyone ever heard of it?

I agree with Scott about the folks at the Center for Civil War Photography. The head man, Bob Zeller, is very nice to work with. Alas, he had never heard of a pistol camera and had his doubts.

[HerbS]

The Eastman House has early photos of the hanging in thier collection.I agree-that the early photos were wet plates!Jack-the Ripper is buried here in Rochester.

[Gene C]

(07-15-2014 09:18 AM)HerbS Wrote:  The Eastman House has early photos of the hanging in thier collection.I agree-that the early photos were wet plates!Jack-the Ripper is buried here in Rochester.

That's interesting about JR. In an unmarked grave?

[BettyO]

Herb - When you say "Jack the Ripper" is buried in Rochester - are you referring to Tumblety?

[L Verge]

I sure hope so, Betty. I can't handle another mysterious grave scenario...

[HerbS]

Yes,it is Tumbelty-it is a marked grave-Sort of one of the"claims to fame"that Rochester has.Along with-Douglass-Anthony-and Eastman among mysterious others!-Herb

[BettyO]

Thanks, Herb!

Here is a site regarding Tumblety's burial site:

http://www.oddthingsiveseen.com/2010/06/...spect.html

Also found this interesting ad online for Dr. Tumblety's services...circa 1858!

   

[RJNorton]

There is a brief newspaper article here. (From the Salt Lake Herald, November 21, 1888)

[HerbS]

My deceased wife is buried there and my plot is there also.Tumbelty-sold porno to Erie Canal Boat Crews and anyone else interested, on the aquaduct that carried the boats through Rochester.