Camera Obscura
Edinburgh · Scotland
From collectors
Camera Obscura is Latin for darkened chamber or room. It an optical device that projects an image of its surroundings on a screen. Entrepreneurs would take portable obscuras in tents to entertain.
The mechanics of the Camera Obscura are a cross between a giant pinhole camera and a periscope. At the top of the tower is a dark chamber with a mirror on top which reflects light downwards, passing through three lenses before projecting a stunning image of the city onto a large white table. Your guide turns and tilts the mirror to give a 360° tour of Edinburgh while giving a fascinating and fun commentary. Have fun in the mirror maze and Vortex tunnel.
Machine 2: Designs are:
1) Camera Obscura - Edinburgh Castle
2) Camera Obscura
3) Vortex Tunnel
4) Camera Obscura - and World of Illusions
Retired 1: 1) (H) A small camera obscura with 'and world of illusions Edinburgh', 2) (V) A large camera obscura with 'Camera Obscura', 3) (V) Vortex tunnel with 'Vortex Tunnel', 4) (H) Edinburgh castle with 'Edinburgh'
May 5th 2026, machine working well and rolls perfectly
Machines and designs
| Machine | Designs | Coin type |
|---|---|---|
| Machine 2 | 4 | Penny |
| Retired 1 | ? | Penny |
2 photos from collectors
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