Almshouse Lane, Douglas, Isle of Man, 1898 (b/w photo)

On the back of this photograph John James Frowde writes, "First ten in this section taken with my old 'drop-plate' hand camera with brilliant mirror viewfinder and an easy push-button shutter release. Held against the body, results were invariably as good as with a carefully focussed stand camera. Plates of course. The film camera , used for these 1932 pictures, is a more difficult proposition. Viewfinder undependable; and a push down stiff lever to expose the film. A sharp picture therewith is purely a matter of luck. There is a 'wire screen' viewfinder in the camera like those used by Press photographers. This is quite dependable but involves holding the camera level with the face, and adding to the risk of movement while depressing the lever. 1898. The Almshouses, Almshouse Lane (Thatched House Lane) whilst still occupied as such. Still standing Feb 1933 -isolated."