Kershaw British Folder (1940's) Camera
Photo thanks to Deirdre Baker
[email protected]
A. Kershaw and Sons Ltd. produced camera parts the late 1880s and then entire cameras
in the 1900s until 1947. The Kershaw 110 and Kershaw 450 were 120 rollfilm folder cameras.
The 110 model used a simple single speed shutter (plus bulb) and modest anonymous f/11 lens
to produce 6x6cm images on 120 rollfilm. As you might expect, the camera was also modestly
priced, and still can be purchased for circa $20. The Model 450 had a faster British made
f/4.5 Etar Anastigmat in a German made Velio shutter. The lens on the model 450 could be
scale focused. The body was the same as the model 110. The model 450 commands a slightly
higher price on the used market (~$30+).
My main interest for including this camera in our listing is to demonstrate that you can
get into medium format for very little money. Another goal is to highlight that the British
also had a well developed optical industry and produced cameras and optics until the post-WWII
period. My understanding is that they still do, but mainly for specialty cameras and optics
which justify the higher labor costs of British labor. Sadly, after WWII and the expiration
of import and currency controls, the mass produced British consumer camera industry - like its
American counterpart - largely succumbed to competition from the Far East.
This camera was made in England, I'm guessing in the 40's. When you press a silver button, the lens pops out of the camera front, like a well-engineered Jack-in-the-box. The camera has two f-stops, (f11 and f16), one (single action) shutter speed, and a fixed focus lens; probably designed for the taking of holiday snaps ;-) The camera body is in great shape with only the slight flaking of paint, which actually is slightly less than I would expect on a camera this old. The bellows look great, as does the camera's interior. Lenses clean and clear. The shutter seems to work smoothly, and the wind-on spins easily. There is a small spot on one shutter blade, which could be rust, but it does not appear to affect the function. Simple, stylish, (and cute!), this is the perfect camera for your summer seaside holiday.