Aeronautical and General Instruments
Aeronautical and General Instruments Co. (AGI) of Croydon, later Poole, maker of instruments for military purposes; later maker of cameras.
1915 Company founded. [1]
1936 the company was based in Croydon. It made a military aerial reflex camera which resembled the Reflex Korelle.
1936 Became public company. It was registered as a public company on 3 January, with a nominal capital of £150,000 in 5s. (25p) shares. The objects were to acquire the goodwill, works, designs, and all other assets (except as mentioned in an agreement with Aero Syndicate Ltd) of the business of makers of instruments (other than wireless receiving sets and parts for home use) carried on by Radio Instruments Ltd, of Purley Way, Croydon, and to carry on the business of instrument makers, etc. [2]
1939 See Aircraft Industry Suppliers
1946/7 British imports of optical goods were limited so AGI set up Agilux Ltd as a subsidiary to make cameras for the civilian market. Among the first products was a civilian successor to AGI's reflex camera, the Agiflex. As well as their own brand, Agilux made cameras for others, including Ilford. Unusually, AGI made all of its components, including the lenses and shutters.
1961 Manufacturers of instruments for chemical and engineering trades, optical systems, photographic equipment, cameras, wireless transmitters and receivers. [3]
Early 1960s The company stopped making cameras.
Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd still manufactures a wide range of instruments and systems for the defence and civil markets in Poole Dorset.
Part of Harris West Investments [4]. Subsidiaries include:
- Metalite Aviation Lighting acquired in 2007
- Note: (08/08)
- The company is now based in Poole, Dorset, and has its own website: [4]
See Also
Sources of Information
- Camerapedia [5]