Hendon archives access experience?

I’ve had no problem using a tripod and flash in the exhibition halls before – you can even get a tripod pass

There’s a limited number of passes to (I presume) restrict the number of tripods in use in the museum galleries at any one time. A reasonable system, and I’ve never heard of them running out.

I’ve had no problem using a tripod and flash in the exhibition halls before – you can even get a tripod pass

It’s a while since I’ve been to Hendon but I can’t recall a camera stand either.

On my last visit, I used one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Z2RU-Mini-Clamp-Tripod-Stand-for-Camera-Camcorder_W0QQitemZ200429791244QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_TripodsSupports?hash=item2eaa8be80c

I clamped it to a table leg and positioned the book on the floor beneath it. I got a funny look but no-one said anything. I’ve a feeling that “proper” tripods may be forbidden, along with the use of flash, of course.*

The clamp is cheap and only suitable for light cameras but I got dramatically better results than previous hand held efforts.

*Or maybe I’m thinking of the exhibition halls – I’ve definitely seen a sign somewhere in the building.

less if you can figure out how to connect it the A3/A4 printer inside.
If you do use a camera

Most of the drawings look fine on A3 and that size is 40p a pop. Just go in to ‘print set up’ when you are using the MAC film reader and selct the Xerox printer on the other side of the partition and A3 paper size – (they will show you how – very helpful staff).

Thanks guys.

Best wishes
steve p

I’ve been to the archives at Hendon a couple of time and about a week before I phone them and book a day and tell them what I am after, the staff on all occasions have been helpful.

I have only used the microfilmed reocrds and have been allowed to use a digital camera to copy off the screen, and another person in last time I was there was copying paper records with his camera.

I didn’t see a camera stand in October but it doesn’t mean they haven’t got one.

I haven’t seen a stand, but it’s perfectly acceptable to take a digital camera into the library, and photograph any document, but I’ve always had to use it hand-held, so risking camera-shake. I haven’t tried to take a tripod, but they might frown at that, since they’re a bit pushed for space.
The new printer, for their MAC slides, has a very clear screen, and is easy to photograph; the alternative is to actually print the slide, and each A2 print will cost £2, less if you can figure out how to connect it the A3/A4 printer inside.
If you do use a camera, be aware that the lighting is not the best, and papers tend to take on a nasty yellow cast, especially if they’re getting old.
Edgar

A while ago it was reported here that Hendon now has a copy stand so that you can now take digital photos of their documents. can anybody confirm this?

Best wishes
steve P

Hi Chox,

I think they have to make the copies, as the copier is within their office, and not in the reading room itself.

Thanks for the info guys. It’s probably just some drawings from a couple of AP’s that I want, probably only a dozen or so. I guess I might be able to copy them myself then, I’ll check with them.

Hi Chox,

I have been to DoRIS on many occasion and have found them very helpful.

The best approach is to book yourself into their reading room for half a day or more, and give them an idea in advance of what you are looking for. This way they will have run a search in advance of your visit, and will have all of the relevant material ready for your visit. If your research throws up different things on the day, I have always found them very helpful for making extra searches while I am there too.

Small amounts of photocopying can be managed on the day, however if you require entire AP’s copying they have to send these away, and you will get a parcel in the post!

Give them a call, a friend and me spent all day going through records. They are very helpfull, even to getting books for us to check info.

Chox.

I’ve not done that myself but I’ve always found the staff at DoRIS very helpful so I’m sure a quick phone call to them would tell you how the system works.

Hope this helps.

kev35