The first x-ray of a hand ever seen in Britain will be among items on display in an exhibition paying homage to one of the world's most important photographic collections.

The exhibition gives a taste of the world-famous Royal Photographic Society material soon to be housed at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford.

The exhibition, Unknown Pleasures, has also been put together to mark the 150th anniversary of the Royal Photographic Society.

More than 300 items have been selected from the variety of 70,000 photos, photographic plates and 10,000 pieces of camera equipment which are due to arrive in Bradford later this year.

Fashion, travel, medical and architectural photography will be among the subjects covered by the prints in the exhibition.

And items tracing photographic technology, such as experimental cameras, stereoscopic equipment and portable dark rooms, will also be on display.

The Royal Photographic Society was formed in 1853 by a small group of Victorian amateur photographers, including Roger Fenton and Dr Hugh Welch Diamond.

The collection was started in the 1920s by president John Dudley Johnston who sought out important contributions made by 19th century photographers.

Curator Russell Roberts said: "Collections are assembled over time and for many different reasons, reflecting popular and personal taste.

"The Royal Photographic Society collection consists of numerous historical moments, driven by leading personalities within the society.

"At a time when museums did not care for photography as a serious 'art' Johnston ensured that works by leading photographers were saved."

He added: "A lot of the material has not been seen for many years.

"We have acquired one of the greatest records for the study and appreciation of photography in the world.

"There should be something for everyone to identify with in the exhibition which shows how photography changed the way we see things."

The museum has been given a £260,000 Government grant to convert one of its galleries to accommodate the exhibition.

And to secure the well-known photo collection, currently kept in Bath, the museum has had to raise the money itself.

The exhibition will open on Friday and will be shown until March 30.