Tim Hicks , Nov 04, 2003; 01:27 p.m.
The Dawes 'NELROD' press camera dates from the early 1950's. It was designed with the intention that it would be more handy than the Speed Graphic and that it would have a more sophisticated flash mechanism. Unfortunately it was neither handy or good for flash.
Effectively it a chunky metal box (around 8"x7"x3") with another smaller box on the front which mounted a 135mm lens (other lens options were available) On the top of the lens 'box' there is a large rangefinder dial and arrow indicator. You could read the rangefinder setting from 20 feet away but why would you need to? It has both Focal Plane and Front shutters.
The flash mechanism was not well earthed and if the wiring insulation deteriorated or the atmosphere was damp then the user could receive a massive and unpleasant electric shock. This made it unpopular with pressmen for some reason.
Legend has it the NELROD was named after HMS Nelson and HMS Rodney, they were the ugliest battleships ever built for the Royal Navy but they were very solid and well armoured. The Dawes could probably survive a 16" shell hit or several 1000lb bombs with only minor scratches.
For the above reasons the Dawes was not common and is now rare - I have seen 2 at collectors fairs in the UK in 15 years. Both the ones I saw were in good condition (perhaps the owners passed away ealy after a sudden shock?) But it is not valuable as it does not look too elegant and is not a practical and user friendly LF camera. If I saw another and I had £100 to spare I might buy it as a piece of history - I might even try to take some pictures as a trial of mind over matter. Most collectors are not as insane as me so I guess it would not attract many buyers.
If you think this is a tall tale, take a look at the Peckham Wray SLR LF camera - which is another shall we say 'specialised' British design from the same period. Not everything produced here in the 1950s was bonkers, the 5x4 MPPs are excellent and very practical user cameras - I use 2 of them.
Do be careful, if you drop the Dawes on your foot you may need to visit a fracture clinic.
