Antique & Vintage Photographic Equipment

The Adams Idento

Adams & Co

Name: Idento
Manufacturer: Adams & Co
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Construction: Strut style camera, using two fold out side panels to support the lens and shutter assembly. Leather covered wooden frame, with brass reinforced corners
Production Period: 1905 - 1916?

 

Plate / Film Size: 5 x 4 plate
Lens: Ross Homocentric f6.3 (serial no. 68420)
Shutter: Adams Patented Idento Shutter
Dimensions (h x l x w):  
Date of this Example: Unknown
Serial Number: Serial no. 3207 embossed into leather on base
Availability:
  • Common [ ]
  • Uncommon [ ]
  • Hard to Find [x]
  • Scarce [ ]
Inventory Number: 483

Description

Unusual strut style camera, using a similar lens support principal to that of the Shew Xit with two fold out side panels supporting the lens and shutter assembly. Leather covered wooden frame, with brass reinforced corners. The manufacturer's name and address (Charing Cross Rd) are shown in gold script on the top face.

I have not yet been able to date this example (serial 3207) from available material. All the references show similar cameras, but different in subtle details such as the form of the cocking mechanism.

The 1916 Adams catalogue, as presented in the BJPA of that year, gives a fairly detailed description about the camera's capabilities.

Photos copyright © 2009 David Purcell. Do not use without permission.
Click small picture to enlarge.   ClicPic Gallery Software.

 

Notes

This is a relatively uncommon camera, with only a limited number of examples appearing on the market each year.