Queen Bee - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Queen Bee

1903

Early model

Watkins Meter Co.

Hereford

England

Image of Queen Bee Early model

Meter Type:
Actinometer.

Calibration:
Plate speed: 1 - 500 Watkins. Shutter speed: 1/500 - 130. Aperture: f4 - f90.

Attributes:
Actinometer value: 2 - 130.

Identification:
Two comparison tints.

With:
Case. Instructions, 6th edition. Speed List (15 Jan 1909, 17th year of issue, price 1d).

Late model

Meter Type:
Actinometer.

Calibration:
Plate speed: 1 - 500 Watkins. Shutter speed: 1/500 - 130. Aperture: f4 - f90.

Attributes:
Actinometer value: 2 - 130.

Identification:
One comparison tint.

Late model

Meter Type:
Actinometer.

Calibration:
Plate speed: 1 - 500 Watkins. Shutter speed: 1/500 - 130. Aperture: f4 - f90.

Attributes:
Actinometer value: 2 - 130.

Identification:
One comparison tint. Price on box 12/6.

With:
Instructions, 14th edition (c. 1927). Speed Card (17 Jan 1928, 36th year of issue, price 3d). Box.

The Queen Bee was a de-luxe version of the Bee, silver plated with engraved, rather than stamped, figures. The dial was of ivorine with a print of a Bee on it. Early versions, up to around 1910, have two comparison tints later only a single tint was used. Early models were sold with a fitted case and pendulum. Prices: 1903 - 10/-, 1919 - 12/6. Also available with US or continental f number scales or an Autochrome dial.

References & Notes:
BJA 1905, p. 314. BJA 1920, p. 104. Watkins Manual 1911.


Company Details:

Watkins Meter Co.

Actinometers

Stanley Actinometer

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