Roll-Film Vesta - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Vesta

1912

Adams & Co.

London

England

Image of Vesta

Lens:
f4.5, 112 mm 4 ½" Ross-Zeiss Tessar, iris diaphragm to f32. Serial no. 18220 .

Shutter:
Dial-set Compur, speeds 1 - 1/200, B, T.

Construction:
Leather covered metal body, leather bellows.

Format:
2 5/16" x 3 ½" exposures on 2 ¼" x 3 ¼" roll-film, the image size on the Vesta was slightly larger than normal.

Focusing:
Bellows to 1 ½ yards.

Attributes:
Identoscope brilliant view-finder with automatic adjustment for rising front. Spirit level.

Movements:
Rising front.

Serial Number:
546 .

Notes:
Adams address: 24 Charing Cross Road.

The roll-film model of the Vesta was introduced in 1912 in three sizes:

  • 2 ¼" x 3 ¼"
  • 3 ¼" x 4 ¼"
  • 2 ½" x 4 ½" stereo
The lenses fitted as standard were Ross-Zeiss Tessars of f4.5 or f6.3 or Ross Compound of f6.8. The focal lengths were: 4 ½"; 5 ¼" or 6"; and 3" respectively. In 1913 three extra models were added:
  • 1 ⅝ x 2 ½"
  • 5 ½ x 3 ¼"
  • 5 ½ x 3 ¼" stereo
The post-card model was fitted with 6 ½" lenses, the stereo with 4 ½". Special backs were available for all but the V.P. size enabling plates to be used as well as roll-film.

Following the war (c.1919) the same range of sizes was available the lenses were either f4.5 Ross Xpres on all but the stereo model and f4.5 Cooke on all but the VP and stereo model, the stereo was fitted with an f6.8 Ross Homocentric. During the 1920s the VP size was dropped and the camera featured less prominently in advertising.

Rather oddly the camera is fitted with a detachable foot to enable it to stand upright, when not in use this clips to the front standard next to the lens, a small stud is fitted for levelling the camera when placed horizontally.

The Roll-Film Vesta did not achieve much success and is not often seen today, this is probably due, in part, to the cost of the camera when compared to other models of similar specification, especially those of German origin. However, the Vesta, plate and roll-film models, were much less popular than the Sibyl from Newman & Guardia which was comparably priced.

References & Notes:
BJA 1913, pp. 294, 728, 729. BJA 1914, p. 312. BJA 1920, p. 150. BJA 1922, p. 155. BJA 1929.


Company Details:

Adams & Co.

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