{"product_id":"benetfink-falling-plate-camera-c-1903","title":"Benetfink \u0026 Co Falling Plate Detective Camera — 12 Plate Holders, Original Label, Antique c.1903","description":"\u003cp\u003eA wonderfully characterful and rare antique falling plate camera, produced by Benetfink \u0026amp; Co of Cheapside, London, dating from around 1903. Falling plate cameras of this type represent a pivotal moment in photographic history — the automated plate-change mechanism allowed photographers to make multiple successive exposures without interruption, a revolutionary capability in the era before rollfilm became universal. This example retains its original label inside the front door — a remarkable survival after more than 120 years. Twelve plate holders are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note this is an antique item. All wear, ageing, and patina described below are consistent with its age and form part of its authentic historical character.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition for age — honest wear and tear consistent with over 120 years of use and storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Age-related colour loss in places, light surface tarnish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal label:\u003c\/strong\u003e Present inside the front door — a significant survival.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFront door:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens to give access to the lens and mechanism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRear door:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens for plate loading — spring plate-retention mechanism intact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrop mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lever on top of camera — drops exposed plates to the floor of the camera body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMain lens:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two viewfinders — both show age-related marks, distress, and some loss of silvering; two small front viewfinder lenses are cloudy, possibly some fungus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeather handle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact but well-used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlate holders:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 included — some surface tarnishing\/rust, most show some colour loss consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benetfink \u0026amp; Co, Cheapside, London — a celebrated Victorian and Edwardian photographic and optical retailer and importer, based in the City of London. Benetfink supplied and badged a range of cameras and photographic equipment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, acting as a retailer for both British and Continental manufacturers. The Benetfink name on a camera is a strong indicator of quality and London provenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Falling plate camera — 12 glass plates are loaded through the rear door and stacked in line, held by a spring. After each exposure, a lever on the top of the camera drops the exposed plate to the floor of the body, advancing the next plate into position.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e c.1903, England.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e An exceptionally rare and evocative survivor from Edwardian London — the Benetfink name, original label, and complete set of plate holders make this a highly desirable collector’s piece, a magnificent display object, and a superb prop for period drama.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Benetfink","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65773801046365,"sku":"0370","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/57_519e75d1-84c3-4e7b-a745-5201dbfee106.jpg?v=1788276691","url":"https:\/\/curiooptics.com\/products\/benetfink-falling-plate-camera-c-1903","provider":"Curio Optics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}