K. G. Corfield Ltd was an innovative

camera A camera is an optical instrument that can capture an image. Most cameras can capture 2D images, with some more advanced models being able to capture 3D images. At a basic level, most cameras consist of sealed boxes (the camera body), with a ...

and

lens A lens is a transmissive optical device which focuses or disperses a light beam by means of refraction. A simple lens consists of a single piece of transparent material, while a compound lens consists of several simple lenses (''elements ...

manufacturing company based in

Wolverhampton Wolverhampton () is a city, metropolitan borough and administrative centre in the West Midlands, England. The population size has increased by 5.7%, from around 249,500 in 2011 to 263,700 in 2021. People from the city are called "Wulfrunians ...

. The company produced high quality cameras and lenses basing many design features on the Leica range of 35mm cameras. One unique design was employed in the ''Periflex'' series of cameras which utilised a novel

periscope A periscope is an instrument for observation over, around or through an object, obstacle or condition that prevents direct line-of-sight observation from an observer's current position. In its simplest form, it consists of an outer case with ...

viewing system to achieve fine focus. A miniature periscope descended into the optical path of the lens when the film was advanced. This provided a much enlarged view of the central area of the film frame. When the shutter was released, the periscope sprung vertically up out of the optical path and then the horizontal cloth

focal plane shutter In camera design, a focal-plane shutter (FPS) is a type of photographic shutter that is positioned immediately in front of the focal plane of the camera, that is, right in front of the photographic film or image sensor. Two-curtain shutter ...

operated. The company also produced other photographic equipment including the ''Lumimeter'', an exposure meter for use in the darkroom based on the comparison between reflected light from the enlarger and a variable transmitted light from the meter observed in a split screen. When both sides were equally lit, the dial controlling the variable light showed the correct exposure. The driving force behind the company and its products was Sir Kenneth Corfield In January 1959, the camera manufacturer moved from

Ballymoney Ballymoney ( ga, Baile Monaidh , meaning 'townland of the moor') is a small town and civil parish in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. The civil parish of Ballymoney is situated i ...

, becoming the only camera manufacturers on the island of Ireland. In the face of face of Japanese and German competition, the enterprise failed. The company ceased trading in 1971 Subsequently, Sir Kenneth Corfield resurrected the firm to build the ''Architect'' camera and to become involved in the production of Gandolfi cameras.

Products

* Periflex * Periflex 2 * Periflex 3 * Goldstar * Interplan * Architect * Lumimeter

Distributors for

Prestolite Electric Prestolite Electric Incorporated is a global manufacturer and supplier of alternators, starters, electrical equipment, and services to the transportation, industrial, military, marine, agricultural and construction industries. The company sells i ...

alternators * Shirley Wellard Universal CassettesShirley Wellard Universal Cassettes (retrieved 19 April 2009)
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References

Cameras Photography companies of the United Kingdom Lens manufacturers Manufacturing companies based in Wolverhampton Defunct manufacturing companies of the United Kingdom Photography in the United Kingdom {{UK-manufacturing-company-stub