The Birtac camera/projector in ever ready leather case. Designed by Birt Acres, made by The Northern Photographic Works, Barnet, 1899. Cine camera/projector for 17.5mm film (slit standard). Ross lens, No 57581 with Waterhouse stop slot (three stop sin top compartment) on internal rack mount for projection; threraded mount on exterior for taking seperate gates for two functions. Beater intermittent; single continuous sprocket. Direct vision finder, ground glass missing, detached, needs repair (in top compartment).
Designed by the film pioneer, Birt Acres (1854-1918), this was the first piece of film-making apparatus intended for taking and projecting films principally for home use - the beginnings of what would become the amateur film market. It used 17.5mm film, which was produced by slitting standard 35mm film in half. the recommended turning speed was about 40 frames per second for which it was necessary to turn the handle at a steady rate of 3 revolutions per second. to help with this, a plumb bob was supplied of the correct length which when hung by its loop swung at the rate of 3 beats per second, helping to indicate the correct speed.
The Birtac was not successful. shortly after its announcement, a rival, the Biokam was announced in march 1899. this home movie outfit was marketed as a snap shot camera and enlarger as well as for moving pictures and was half the price of the Birtac.
Ever ready leather case, detective camera pattern, for use with Britac 17.5mm camera projector.
