Antique Butcher Midg Falling Plate Camera Aldis Uno F.7.7 Anastigmat Case Plates

The Midg was a popular line of British box-form "falling plate" (or magazine) cameras manufactured by W. Butcher & Sons from approximately 1902 to 1924. Up to 12 glass plates (quarter-plate size, 3¼ x 4¼ inches) loaded into metal carriers held upright by a spring. After exposure a lever on top releases the used plate, the next unexposed plate pushed forward by spring. Built-in supplementary magnifier lenses for distances 4ft, 8ft, 12ft and infinity. Two brilliant viewfinders for portrait and landscape. Famously associated with the 1917 Cottingley Fairies photographs taken by Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths.

This example: Aldis Uno F.7.7 Anastigmat lens — a higher-spec upgrade over the standard Rapid Rectilinear. Multi-speed shutter appears to be working — opens and closes at different speeds when the dial is moved. Front and back both open fine. Top advance lever has some resistance but moves. Comes with multiple original glass plate carriers. Original canvas-and-leather carrying case — straps broken but case intact. Otherwise untested. Sold as a vintage display piece or for restoration. 23x10x19cm.