- Joined
- Dec 19, 2017
- Messages
- 3,430
Some Large Format SLRs have no movements, but many have front rise and fall, that includes Quarter Plate SLR's.
An exception is the Marion/Kershaw Soho Reflex, some models of the camera also had front tilt and front swing, in catalogues it's listed as an extra, a Four-Way Swing Front, details and prices on application, This is very unusual for an SLR camera. Always manufactured by Kershaw, they were distributed by Marion & Co, a wholesale distributor which merged into APEM/APM in the 1920, later emerging as Soho Ltd
This is a 5x4 Soho Reflex with a TTH Cooke lens.
Front swing is controlled by pulling the focus knob, disengaging the rack and pinion on the other side, tuning the knob then controls swing. If released it re-engages allowing fine focus with the swing in place, It is rather ingenious. Another feature unique to Soho Reflex cameras is first pressure of the shutter releases springs and smoothly swings the mirror box and mirror closed. You reset the mirror by pushing a lever until it locaks in place
A Soho Ltd catalogue calls the Soho Reflex "The Aristocrat of the Camera World." They were made in 5 British plate sizes, and 4 European centimetre plate sises, Tropical versions as well as Stereoscopic.
The largest were the Soho Reflex Half Plate cameras, I was given one last year.
I must get motivated to restore these cameras.
Ian
An exception is the Marion/Kershaw Soho Reflex, some models of the camera also had front tilt and front swing, in catalogues it's listed as an extra, a Four-Way Swing Front, details and prices on application, This is very unusual for an SLR camera. Always manufactured by Kershaw, they were distributed by Marion & Co, a wholesale distributor which merged into APEM/APM in the 1920, later emerging as Soho Ltd
This is a 5x4 Soho Reflex with a TTH Cooke lens.
Front swing is controlled by pulling the focus knob, disengaging the rack and pinion on the other side, tuning the knob then controls swing. If released it re-engages allowing fine focus with the swing in place, It is rather ingenious. Another feature unique to Soho Reflex cameras is first pressure of the shutter releases springs and smoothly swings the mirror box and mirror closed. You reset the mirror by pushing a lever until it locaks in place
A Soho Ltd catalogue calls the Soho Reflex "The Aristocrat of the Camera World." They were made in 5 British plate sizes, and 4 European centimetre plate sises, Tropical versions as well as Stereoscopic.
The largest were the Soho Reflex Half Plate cameras, I was given one last year.
I must get motivated to restore these cameras.
Ian