{"product_id":"c-1948-general-electric-type-pr-1-exposure-meter","title":"c. 1948 General Electric Type PR-1 Exposure Meter","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"relative basis-auto flex-col -mb-(--composer-overlap-px) pb-(--composer-overlap-px) [--composer-overlap-px:28px] grow flex\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-col text-sm\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69f49932-8450-83e8-b33c-92a2883ba992-9\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-56\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0877db96-9a8b-4d38-8e62-8f7ec7de65cb\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1bcf42u\" data-start=\"330\" data-end=\"342\"\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"344\" data-end=\"555\"\u003eA vintage General Electric Type PR-1 photographic exposure meter, dating to approximately c. late 1940s–early 1950s, with a black case, silver calculator dial, red GE logo, and original-style neck strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"590\"\u003eThe back plate is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"806\"\u003eGeneral Electric Exposure Meter\u003cbr data-start=\"627\" data-end=\"630\"\u003eType PR-1\u003cbr data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"646\"\u003eFor Film or Plates\u003cbr data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"671\"\u003eUse American Standard Exposure Index Numbers\u003cbr data-start=\"719\" data-end=\"722\"\u003eSerial No. L20817\u003cbr data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"746\"\u003eU.S. Pat. 2296670\u003cbr data-start=\"767\" data-end=\"770\"\u003eN.P. 126766\u003cbr data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"788\"\u003eMade in U.S.A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"1227\"\u003eThis was a handheld analog light meter used by photographers to calculate exposure before built-in camera metering became standard. It allowed the user to measure available light and determine usable combinations of shutter speed, aperture, and film speed. Basically, it did the thinking your camera now does automatically, because apparently photographers once had to understand math and light like responsible adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"ery58m\" data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1250\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1463\"\u003eThe GE PR-1 exposure meter was part of the mid-century era of handheld photographic meters, when photographers relied on separate light-reading tools to properly expose film, sheet film, and photographic plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1915\"\u003eThe wording \u003cstrong data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1501\"\u003e“for film or plates”\u003c\/strong\u003e is especially interesting, as it connects the meter to a transitional photography period when roll film was common, but plate and sheet-based photographic methods were still relevant in certain applications. The dial includes f-stop markings, exposure index numbers, shutter speed references, high\/low light settings, and frame rate indicators, making it a compact mechanical calculator for photographic exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"2096\"\u003eIts black case, silver dial, red GE emblem, and industrial faceplate give it strong visual appeal as both a photography collectible and a small piece of American technical design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"189qedo\" data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2116\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2986\" class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2130\" data-col-size=\"sm\" class=\"\"\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2141\" data-col-size=\"md\" class=\"\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2986\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2204\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2159\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eItem\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2204\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003ePhotographic exposure meter \/ light meter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2213\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMaker\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2233\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eGeneral Electric\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2255\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2242\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2255\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eType PR-1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2273\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eEstimated Date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2273\" data-end=\"2302\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003ec. late 1940s–early 1950s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2330\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2312\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2330\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eMade in U.S.A.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2357\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2347\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eSerial Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2357\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eL20817\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2358\" data-end=\"2396\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2358\" data-end=\"2375\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003ePatent Marking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2396\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eU.S. Pat. 2296670\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2433\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2418\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eAdditional Marking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2433\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eN.P. 126766\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2434\" data-end=\"2475\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2434\" data-end=\"2440\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eUse\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2440\" data-end=\"2475\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eFor film or photographic plates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2476\" data-end=\"2521\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2476\" data-end=\"2483\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eBody\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2521\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eBlack case with textured side grip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2603\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2529\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eDial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2529\" data-end=\"2603\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eSilver calculator dial with f-stop, exposure index, and frame markings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2604\" data-end=\"2651\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2604\" data-end=\"2611\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eLogo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2611\" data-end=\"2651\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eRed General Electric emblem on front\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2688\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2660\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eStrap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2688\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eBlack neck strap present\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2756\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2705\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eFunctionality\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2756\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eUntested for accuracy unless otherwise verified\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2850\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2769\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2850\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eVintage condition with surface wear, dial wear, patina, and age-related marks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2851\" data-end=\"2953\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2851\" data-end=\"2867\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eSuggested Use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2867\" data-end=\"2953\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003ePhotography collectible, studio styling, desk object, camera display, prop styling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"2986\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"2965\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eLocation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"2986\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eReno, NV Antiques\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"3000\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3002\" data-end=\"3308\"\u003eThis piece is in \u003cstrong data-start=\"3019\" data-end=\"3040\"\u003evintage condition\u003c\/strong\u003e with visible age-related wear. The black body presents well and retains its classic shape, while the silver dial shows surface scratches, patina, and areas of wear to the printed markings. The red GE logo remains intact and gives the piece excellent display presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3310\" data-end=\"3415\"\u003eThe back plate is legible, with clear maker, model, patent, and serial information. The strap is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3417\" data-end=\"3630\"\u003eFunctionality has not been tested for accuracy. Selenium-cell exposure meters can weaken over time, so this piece should be sold as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3551\" data-end=\"3629\"\u003ecollectible and display object unless tested against a known working meter\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"8ljvi1\" data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3662\"\u003eWhy It Belongs In Your Home\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3925\"\u003eThis is a great small object for anyone who loves vintage photography, old cameras, industrial design, darkroom culture, or technical antiques. The GE logo, calculator dial, patent-marked back plate, and black case make it visually interesting from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3927\" data-end=\"4228\"\u003eStyle it on a desk, bookshelf, studio shelf, darkroom display, or alongside vintage cameras, film canisters, photography books, and brass or black metal objects. It has that excellent mid-century utility aesthetic: compact, practical, graphic, and made before everything became a disposable rectangle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4230\" data-end=\"4379\"\u003eIt is the kind of object that looks good even if you never use it, which is more than can be said for most things currently charging by subscription.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pointer-events-none translate-y-(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom) R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars min-h-(--gutter-remaining-height,0px) group-data-stream-active\/scroll-root:h-[calc(var(--thread-response-height)-16*var(--spacing))]\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43175267598441,"sku":null,"price":40.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/F1C99B2A-1BEB-474D-AB5E-7BB4ACE746E5.jpg?v=1777711870","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/c-1948-general-electric-type-pr-1-exposure-meter","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}