Rochester Optical Co. New Model View Camera Var. 3,Wood & Brass, 5x8”, c.1890’s
A back-focusing view camera for amateurs from ~125 yearsago.
Model History:
The RochesterOptical Co. started manufacturing view cameras in 1883. The New Model View was one of theirfirst and longest lasting model, advertised from 1885 through 1902. Variation 3 of the New Modelwas made from c.1890-1902.
This camera isrear focus only via a push-pull arrangement and locked by a thumbscrew on theright of the base rail.
The back issingle swing, the front to back swing being controlled by a thumbscrew on theright side of the rear standard (missing in this case. There is a rising front, controlled with asmall thumbscrew on the front. The reartrack hinges up for compact storage; when down, it is held flat by a lever onthe extension that engages a pin on the main base. The back hinges down to install a plate holder. You have to have a specific RochesterOptical-type holder to fit (not a modern film holder), and none comes with thiscamera. There is a tripod screw on thebottom that does fit modern tripods.
Materials and Condition:
The camera is all cherry wood. It is in excellent condition, with nearly all of its originalshiny lacquer/varnish and very few dings or faults. Its overall impression is that of a very nice wood and brassdisplay piece.
There is acelluloid label on the front that reads: “Standard Rochester Optical Co. Rochester, NY”.It does not have a lens installed.The base is also stamped: “Made by Rochester Optical Co.”
The hardware isnickel-plated brass, which is still shiny and new-looking. All the hardware is present, except theone thumbscrew on the right that controls the front to back swing. Since the photos were taken, this thumbscrewhas been lost – it has been replaced by a simple nut.
The lensboardlooks original to the camera (same color, finish type and shine). A hold had been drilled at one time for anair tube to go through and operate a Packard-type shutter. That shutter is no longer there and the holdhas been filled in. It now has a dropshutter that fits snugly on the end of the lens. This shutter does not look manufactured by any one of thecamera/accessories companies of the era, rather appearing to have been made bya wood craftsman. The slider pieceslides freely, but I can’t find anything that would stop the exposure once itfalls – it wants to slide right out.
The lens is aRochester Optical Co. Single View (single achromat) Lens Variation 2. This is a brass barrel lens with rotatingstops. It is marked quite simply: “R.O.Co. 2”. The number 2 is the correct lens for this camera, having a focallength of about 10”.
The bellowsappear to be made of black fabric. Theylook new, but aren’t. This camera hashad little use, if any. They stretcheasily to the focus point, though they feel stiff. There are no apparent tears, mis-folding, or gluedegradation.
The ground glassis present and looks original.
The camera has astamped assembly serial no: 55.
The camera andlens board have a small collection number “LP157”. This is reversible; if desired, dilligent work rubbing withmineral spirits will remove the number (which is a small piece of paperattached with and covered by Soluvar, an archival but soluble varnishused by museums to attach their numbers) without affecting the finish of thecamera.
This camera hasappeared on my website of view cameras 1870s-1930s, where it is pictured with awooden case and two plate holders similar to those with which this camera would have come. But the case and holders are not included here. The photos here are of the exact camera youare buying, except for the missing thumbscrew.
Size:
~13” long by ~10½ wide by 8” high in operation; ~4½” long by~10½ wide by 9” high when folded.
Shipping weight: 3lb10oz; Box size: 16x14x11”
Domestic Shipping: USPS as calculated
Shipping to USA and Canada only.
