This superb antique camera body in the British 5" x 7½" format dates to the 1880s and came from the workshop of one of the greatest camera makers of the time, George Hare of London. It is a thing of considerable beauty - handmade from only the finest quality closely grained timber, with beautifully executed dovetailed joints, the screw slots all perfectly aligned, quality mauve leather bellows and brass fittings. Bellows extension is achieved by means of a nicely engineered rack and pinion which works faultlessly. The camera is fitted with a rising front and tilting back with reversing capability for both portrait and landscape orientation. The makers plate to the top reads 'G Hare, Manufacturer, 26 Calthorpe Street, London'. There is no model name on this camera, but it is thought to be Hare's 'New Patent' model, which was launched in 1882.

It stands 26cm high, 50cm long with bellows extended.

Condition: This camera body survives in excellent condition, the woodwork retaining its original French Polish with very few blemishes. The brass components are all excellent, again with the protection of their original lacquered finish with only light tarnishing. The thumbscrew to the right hand strut is stiff or possibly seized and the lens board is likely non-original though a perfect fit. The original makers plate is present. The leather bellows are in very good condition, fully light tight and showing only light wear. The bellows extension operates smoothly and without slippage to the rack and pinion. There are numerous marks to the focusing screen. The plate holder is a correct fit and in good condition with scratches, light wear from use. This is a very well made camera which still feels very solid and remains perfectly usable. No lens included.