Minex Tropical
Camera
Adams & Co., Ltd.
British, 1884–1959
Minex Tropical
ca. 1920
Teak and brass
Purchase
1974.0028.3131
DescriptionFolding mode with Cooke Aviar lens, 6 holders, and case
TextAdams & Company produced some of the highest quality cameras during the first part of the twentieth century. Built of brass-bound polished teak, fitted with a 5¼-inch f/4.5 Taylor-Hobson Cooke Aviar lens, and featuring a focal-plane shutter with speeds to 1/1000-second, the Minex Tropical was the flagship of the company line. Priced at £85 for the 3½ x 2½-inch model (about $5,500 today), this camera demonstrates that this level of craftsmanship came at a premium price.
