Launched to 'meet the the ever increasing demand for an ultra-speed pocket camera, capable of producing photographs under exceptionally unfavourable lighting conditions' the Dallmeyer Speed camera was designed with a fast f/2.9 lens. According to Dallmeyer's catalogue the lens 'opens up a field hitherto unapproachable. Exposures are only about a third of that necessary for an f/4.5 lens'. The camera was made in two plate sizes, 4½ x 6cm. and 3½ x 2½ inches and both models incorporated a cloth focal-plane shutter. The camera was made for Dallmeyer by Newman and Guardia Ltd and the Photographic Dealer reported that four hundred had been sold within the the first twelve months.


The quarter-plate model was introduced in 1927 to join the VP and 3½ x 4¼ inch models at a price of £40.