View source for Engineering:K. G. Corfield Ltd

'''K. G. Corfield Ltd''' was an innovative [[Physics:Camera|camera]] and lens manufacturing company based in Wolverhampton.<ref>[http://corfield.org/camera/ The Corfield Story]</ref> The company produced high quality cameras and lenses basing many design features on the [[Company:Leica Camera|Leica]] range of 35mm cameras. One unique design was employed in the ''Periflex'' series of cameras which utilised a novel [[Physics:Periscope|periscope]] 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 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 Wolverhampton to Ballymoney, becoming the only camera manufacturers on the island of Ireland. In the face of face of Japanese and German competition, the enterprise failed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Honeyford |first=Joanne |url=https://niarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CMS-NI100-Book-WR.pdf |title=NI100: Reflections on the Causeway Coast and Glens |publisher=Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museum Services |year=2021 |isbn=9781916149472 |location=Ballymoney |pages=83}}</ref> The company ceased trading in 1971 <ref>[http://corfield.org/camera/page7.htm Endings and beginnings]</ref> 
Subsequently, Sir Kenneth Corfield resurrected the firm to build the ''Architect'' camera and to become involved in the production of Gandolfi cameras.

==Products==
{{div col}}
* Periflex
* Periflex 2
* Periflex 3
* Goldstar
* Interplan
* Architect
* Lumimeter
{{Div col end}}

==Distributors for ==
* Prestolite Electric alternators
* Shirley Wellard Universal Cassettes<ref>[http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/classic_historical/0604sb_classic/ Shirley Wellard Universal Cassettes (retrieved 19 April 2009)]</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Cameras]]
[[Category:Lens manufacturers]]



{{Sourceattribution|K. G. Corfield Ltd}}