Prestwich 35mm Cine Camera, Model 4

Prestwich 35mm cine camera, Model 4, serial number 831, with crank handle, viewfinder, 3 external magazines and carrying case but without lens, c.1898.

The Prestwich Manufacturing Company of Tottenham (London) was founded by John Alfred Prestwich (1874-1952) in 1895. Prestwich was an engineer of outstanding ability, who constructed some of the finest cinematographic apparatus of cinema's first decade, he held patents for a number of inventions, not limited to cinematography. After the early 1900s, his work was focused on internal combustion engines, gearing and other systems for motor cars and cycles.

The Model 4 is for film in 500' or 75' magazines. The Prestwich camera was one of the first to be fitted with detachable external film magazines. The feed magazine is on top of the camera; the take-up magazine at the back. The lens panel is removable so that lenses could be quickly changed and at the top left of the side panel is a dial recording the amount of film used.