The Dayspool

The Dayspool came in several sizes and different combinations of lens and shutter. The naming of the models is not as clear as it could be (common with Lizars).

Dayspool No. 1

This first appeared in 1902 in 3 ¼" x 4 ¼", 4" x 5" and 7" x 5" sizes a post-card size was added shortly afterwards. The usual shutter was a B&L Unicum to which a variety of Anastigmat lenses could be fitted. (Any other suitable lens and shutter would be fitted if required). A removable panel was set into the back of the camera, when this was removed the two ends hinged open to allow the film to be loaded. A plate adapter with hooded focusing screen could be fitted.

Around 1908 the No. 1 was improved by fitting a totally removable back which clipped into place at one end. This also had a removable panel into which dark-slides could be fitted. Koilos and Compound shutters were advertised (1906 and 1908 respectively) as options to the Unicum.

Around 1912 the preferred shutter was an Ibso. Production ended during World War I. Some variations are listed: usually the camera had rounded ends but square ends were optional; some versions had extra long bellows extension. As well as the finish of Morocco leather over mahogany the Dayspool was available in polished mahogany and polished teak tropical finish.

Dayspool No. 2

This was introduced along with the No.1 but was available for only about a year. It was a simplified version of the No.1 having no rise or cross front movements and no option for plates. Only a quarter-plate size was made. The shutter was a B&L Gem.

Junior Dayspool

Introduced around 1903 the Junior was made in three sizes - model A, 2 ¼" x 2 ¼"; model B, 2 ¼" x 3 ¼"; model C, 2 ½" x 4 ¼". When introduced the shutter was a B&L Automatic with speeds of 1/25 - 1/100 and fitted with a rapid rectilinear lens. The model B was able to take plates. Later, anastigmatic lenses were offered as standard and also Ibso shutters.

Simplex Dayspool

This model was available for a short time from about 1905. The Simplex came in quarter-plate, 4" x 5" and post-card sizes. It was similar to the No.1 but fitted with a B&L Simplex Automatic T&I shutter and rapid rectilinear lens.

Although not called a Dayspool a stereo roll-film Lizars was produced.

Film sizes