Trewinnard Replica Motion Picture Cameras
In the year 2000, motion picture camera collector Gordon Trewinnard started a project to create working replicas of the first movie cameras. Many of the originals are lost, others are permanently lodged in established museums and institutions. For a collector or new museum, these are 'The Impossible Cameras'.
After twelve years, the project to recreate 13 cameras is nearing completion. This website documents the purpose of the project, and the results.
In many cases - Le Prince, Friese-Greene, Jenkins - only short fragments of original sequences survive in any form. Nothing is known to exist from Bouly's experiments. With the original cameras either lost or protected by conservation considerations, the only way to test the potential of these devices was to build replicas. In the case of Acres, Demeny, Edison, and Skladanowsky, films have survived the intervening 20th century, but the only way to experience and understand the problems of creating and shooting with such early cameras was, again, to build working reproductions. Most have now been tested, but further trials continue. The existence of these replicas means that a unique set of 'Impossible Cameras' will soon be available for acquisition by a museum.
Click on one of the names above to see the relevant replica camera
A list of team members, and the many individuals and institutions that assisted with this project, will appear shortly.
Photographs are (c) their respective photographers. Contact: Stephen Herbert, Project Researcher.
After twelve years, the project to recreate 13 cameras is nearing completion. This website documents the purpose of the project, and the results.
In many cases - Le Prince, Friese-Greene, Jenkins - only short fragments of original sequences survive in any form. Nothing is known to exist from Bouly's experiments. With the original cameras either lost or protected by conservation considerations, the only way to test the potential of these devices was to build replicas. In the case of Acres, Demeny, Edison, and Skladanowsky, films have survived the intervening 20th century, but the only way to experience and understand the problems of creating and shooting with such early cameras was, again, to build working reproductions. Most have now been tested, but further trials continue. The existence of these replicas means that a unique set of 'Impossible Cameras' will soon be available for acquisition by a museum.
Click on one of the names above to see the relevant replica camera
A list of team members, and the many individuals and institutions that assisted with this project, will appear shortly.
Photographs are (c) their respective photographers. Contact: Stephen Herbert, Project Researcher.
