Our Ansco Studio camera with its semi-centennial stand, a cherished relic from the 1900s that forms the foundation of our rich photographic heritage.
This large-format camera, with its 8x10-inch film strip, played a pivotal role in capturing timeless images, embodying a commitment to high-resolution artistry and meticulous detail that resonates with our present-day practices.
The innovative bellows system, allowing for precise focus adjustments between lens and film, remains a testament to the pursuit of sharp, accurate focus—a pursuit of quality that remains at the core of our portrait photography today. Manual adjustments for aperture and shutter speed, likely found on the lens or shutter assembly, reflect the hands-on craftsmanship that defines the era.
In its heyday, this studio workhorse graced our central Dublin studio, immortalising figures such as Pádriag Pearce, James Connolly and a young Eamon De Valera. Not only is this part of Lafayette’s history but it is part of our shared Irish history.
Today, this Ansco Studio camera stands as a proud display in our current studio. Bridging the gap between the rich history of Lafayette Photography in its early days to the modern approach that our Lafayette Photographers employ today. The Ansco Studio camera serves as a reminder of where Lafayette started and how far we have come.
