19th Century Antique Cameras

4x5 inch size, fitted with an unmarked lens mounted in a Prosch "Triplex" shutter. Introduced in 1885, the New Model Improved differed from the R.O.C New Model Camera by being constructed of fine Honduras mahogany ( rather than cherry ) and utilizing a geared track for rack-in-pinion focusing. The New Model Improved also had single swing provided, with the option for double swing. Sold through 1899, the New Model Improved cameras were very popular and sold for $ 14.00 in 1890. Included in that price, was an ROC single view lens, Carlton sliding tripod and one Perfection Plate-Holder. The camera was offered in sizes from 3.25x4.25 inches through 8x10.

This particular example has dark brown bellows rather than the black bellows found on most ROC cameras. As is the case with most pre 1900 cameras, the smaller sizes are much harder to find ( fewer were made ). 5x8 is the most common size found, while 3.25x4.25 ( 1/4 plate ) and 4x5 are the most difficult to locate.

The Prosch "Triplex" shutter, introduced in 1889, was an improvement on the "Duplex" model ( click here ). The "Triplex" provided for 3 speeds; fast instantaneous, slow instantaneous, and time. "Triplex" and "Duplex" shutters are rarely found in the 4x5 size. Most amateurs who purchased inexpensive 4x5 camera outifts ( for $ 10 to $ 15 ), would not have spent the extra $ 14 to $ 15 for such a high end shutter. Most made due with the simpler single view lens provided in the outfit. The likely buyer of a "Triplex" would have been an advanced amateur who wanted the ability to take action stopping photographs.

Scovill "Waterbury" Camera

5x7 inch size, fitted with a Darlot # 2 Hemispherique Rapide lens mounted in a Cyrus Prosch Co. "Duplex" camera shutter. Named after Scovill's headquarters of Waterbury, Connecticut, this camera was introduced in 1885 and sold through 1900. The 5x7 size was new in 1886, selling for $ 16.00, which included a "Waterbury" lens, tripod, plate holder, and wooden carrying case. Scovill's 1890 Annual advertises, "The Waterbury Cameras are made of mahogony, are well polished, have rubber bellows, folding platform, patent latch for making bed rigid instantaneously, single swing, vertical shifting front, and are as light and compact as substantial cameras can be constructed."

Prosch's instantaneous-type camera shutters were very popular in the late 1880's. The "Duplex" model was sold by Scovill for about $ 12.00, depending on the size ( costing nearly as much as the camera ). The "Duplex" and the later improved "Triplex" shutters, are two of the most beautiful shutters ever made and remain very popular to collect.

This particular Waterbury camera, with it's beautiful dark mahogony finish, is far more scarce than the trademark, golden oak tone finish. Click here for a look at an oak toned example ( courtesy of Milan Zahorcak & PACRIM ).

Blair Camera Co. Improved Cincinnati Reversible Back Camera

5x7 inch size, fitted with a Darlot # 1 Hemispherique Rapide lens. Introduced in 1889, and selling for $ 28.00 with one plate holder and carrying case, the camera is constructed of cherry and mahogony and is fitted with brass trimmings. The camera has rack-in-pinion focusing, a reversible back and a three piece folding bed. Larry Pierce at ( click here ) writes about the Cincinnati camera, "Catalog engravings show a frame bed, whereas the camera in the above photo, while identical to the engaving in every other way, has a solid bed - perhaps a less labor-intensive way to produce a small base." This suggests a second variation of the Cincinnati, or inaccuracies in the engravings ( advertisements ) for the camera.

The Darlot # 1 Hemispherique Rapide lens is actually a normal lens for a 4x5 camera. It is too small to provide coverage for a 5x7 camera, but it is in fact, original to this camera ( original lensboard mounting holes). Blair's 1889 catalog states; "The Cincinnati is made to receive our well known Patent Adjuster and Extension. Any combination for different sizes of Cameras can be made by using adjusters for smaller plate-holders and extensions for larger plate-holders than the camera Proper." It is likely the original owner of this example, used it as a 4x5 camera ( with 4x5 lens ) with the addition of a "adjuster," or "reducing back" as they are known today.

McKellen's Double Pinion Treble Patent Camera

1/2 plate size, fitted with a 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 Dallmeyer Rapid Rectilinear lens ( serial # 34609 ). This camera was introduced in 1884 by Samuel D. McKellen of Manchester England. McKellen, a watch and clock maker by trade, designed a camera for his own personal use, with three important improvements ( "Treble Patent" ) over the view cameras of the period. The three patents included: an integral tripod head built into the camera baseboard; the lens board could be pivoted so that it could be swung to any desired angle; and double rack in pinion focusing adjustment. McKellen's camera was lighter and more useful than any other field camera, but just as rigid. His design won the 1884 Photographic Society of Great Britian's ( later to be the Royal Photographic Society ) award for camera design. Further improvements by McKellen over the next few years, resulted in 5 more patents for the camera. McKellen's design was copied extensively on view cameras through the 1940's. Original cost was about 8 Sterling pounds [ information from "British Camera Makers" by Channing & Dunn ].

This example likely dates to late 1884 or 1885, based on the name and address on the camera's ivory label, the Dallmeyer lens that can be dated precisely to 1884 ( based on serial number records ), and the fact that it only has the three original patented features. This camera's beautiful construction, high quality finish, and its place in camera design history, make it a very special piece.

E. I. Horsman Co. No. 2 Eclipse Camera

3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch size, fitted with a simple meniscus lens with an insertable waterhouse stop. The camera has no ability for adjustments, except for focusing. This tiny, simple camera was marketed as an amateur outfit, likely for children. Measuring only 5 inches square, it has paper ("leatherette") bellows and is of fragile construction. There was also a larger model made, the No. 3 Eclipse, which was 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in size, and of slighty better construction.

McKeown's Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras 9th ed., " E. I. Horsman Co., N.Y.C. In addition to cameras, the Horsman company sold lawn tennis equipment and bicycles. No. 2 Eclipse c1888-1900 3 1/4 x 4 1/4" plates. Polished cherry, Leatherette bellows. Originally advertised in 1888 'with tripod and complete chemical outfit' for $ 5. In 1897, Sears Roebuck still sold the outfit for just $ 4.50."

This example, found with its cardboard waterhouse stop, is complete but has heavy wear. Due to its small size, fragile build, and paper bellows, not many could have survived. McKeown's comments that the camera was sold for 12 years and through Sears, would seem to indicate that many were sold. However, I know of only a few in collections. Finding an example with its waterhouse stop, is even more unlikely, as they were made of flimsy cardboard material and were easily lost.

5x8 inch size, fitted with an unmarked lens mounted in a Queen & Co. instantaneous shutter. Virtually identical in construction to the common Waterbury camera, this example is marked Scovill Mfg. Co. and American Optical Co. ( A.O.C. ). Scovill acquired A.O.C. in 1871, after which they became Scovill's primary camera manufacturer. American Optical Co. stamped cameras, were constructed of finer woods, had a better finish and were more costly. Scovill Waterbury cameras were less expensive, catering to the newly formed amateur market.

This particular camera, circa 1890, has a deep reddish, brown mahogony finsh. Mounted on the camera is a relatively rare shutter sold by the James W. Queen & Company, a large photographic dealer of the dry plate period. An unusual shutter with some construction similiarities to the Prosch shutters, I am unaware of the actual manufacturer. Queen & Co. was a dealer in photography equipment, not a manufacturer, so most items were sold and advertised under their own house name of "Queen." There is a patent date of Nov. 27, 1888 inscribed on the shutter ( a little research at the Patent office will help identify the inventor ). The lens is also unmarked, but very likely a Darlot # 2 Hemispherique Rapide lens.