Back from the dead
Amateur Photographer|February 20, 2024
How John Wade, with a lot of help from Mike Rignall, revived a lost camera
Back from the dead

Collectors are often drawn to particular makes, models or types of camera. For some time, I have had a strong interest in, and have carried out a lot of research into, the Wray Optical Company that, for many years, was based at Bromley in Kent. They were principally lens makers, respected the world over for their quality. But they also made a few cameras which, in all honesty, were not so well received.

A bit of background

The Wrayflex was one camera that did gain a modicum of success. Wray made three models in 1951, 1953 and 1959. But, partially due to the quirky designs of the first two, they never really made it up there with the Big Boys. By the time they got the design more on the right track with the third model, the Japanese had arrived to show everyone they could do the job better and cheaper. In the end, across the three Wrayflex models, only a little over 3,000 cameras were ever manufactured. What shouldn't be overlooked, however, is that the Wrayflex was Britain's only really serious attempt at producing a 35mm single-lens reflex. That's why Wrayflexes now appeal to collectors like me, and it's why the cameras, despite a certain unpopularity when they were manufactured and first sold, now command high prices.

But even more intriguing are the cameras Wray tried, and failed, to produce in any significant number before the Wrayflex.

Following World War Two, around 1946, Wray built six prototypes of what would have been Britain's first 35mm camera. They called it the Owl and sent their reps out with samples to gauge feedback from dealers.

The reaction wasn't good and the camera never went into production. Today, for collectors, those six prototypes have become very desirable, rather rare and, when the last one was sold at auction a few years back, extremely expensive. (Don't bother trying to find one. I have two and I know the whereabouts of the other four!)

Bu hikaye Amateur Photographer dergisinin February 20, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Amateur Photographer dergisinin February 20, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Choice cuts
Amateur Photographer

Choice cuts

How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least

time-read
4 dak  |
September 24, 2024
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Amateur Photographer

How good a camera can you buy for just £140?

Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money

time-read
5 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
Amateur Photographer

Round Five: The Best of the Rest

The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category

time-read
3 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer of the Year

Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

time-read
4 dak  |
September 24, 2024
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Amateur Photographer

FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks

Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide

time-read
10+ dak  |
September 24, 2024
140 years of Amateur Photographer
Amateur Photographer

140 years of Amateur Photographer

As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past

time-read
8 dak  |
September 24, 2024
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Amateur Photographer

John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien

Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 10, 2024