Wooden Field View Cameras of the United States:

An Identification Guide

 

 

Introduction

 

     From 1870-1930, an explosion in field camera design occurred in the United States.  Rival firms patented designs for beds, reversing mechanisms and plate-holders at a breakneck pace.  The result is documented here: a database of wood and brass wet-plate and dry-plate field view cameras manufactured in the United States between 1870-1930.  Leather-covered hand and stand cameras have not been included; a database of them would have an even greater number of models and variations.

      Links to the camera descriptions and photographs are on the left column of each page, organized by view camera manufacturer, followed by accessories, non-view cameras, lenses and shutters.

    

     The cameras pictured on the pages of this website were formerly part of a private collection.  This collection was donated to and is now located at:

The University of California, Riverside - California Museum of Photography (UCR-CMP)

3824 Main Street, Riverside, CA  92501,  (951) 827-4787, https://artsblock.ucr.edu/Page/research

      Take advantage of the ability to see these cameras in person by making an appointment through the above website.

660detectivessecretdimenovel1888-3000-detail-250.jpg  Photography by Larry S. Pierce

609.rochester.optical-mono.american.challenge-4x5a-w.case&acc - with.cab.card-1800.jpg
[above: a Rochester Optical Co. American Challenge Swivel Bed Camera 4x5" (1881-1887)].  The lady at the right knows an innovative design when she sees one.

 


[above: an E. & H.T. Anthony Fairy Camera Variation 2 5x8" (1896-1898)] made of Circassian walnut rather than mahogany

Using this website

What does a "Variation" mean?
     Some models of view cameras were manufactured over many years, sometimes by different companies, or in different factories.  These factors give rise to variations in appearance, design, or details.  Some of these variations can be followed from year to year in advertisements or catalogs.  Others are merely mysterious deviations in construction.  Still others arise from the use or mixing of old parts to create a camera which, in the view of the maker, was just as much the desired model as would be a camera that matched the catalog exactly.  As significant differences of either type are observed, and to keep them straight, I have called attention to them, by arbitrarily naming them Variation 1, Variation 2, etc. or even Variation 1A, Variation 1B, etc., attempting to list them in approximate chronological order of their likely period of occurrence. These designations only serve to separate the photos and engravings shown here, and may change over time if a new, earlier variation is discovered.

About the dates:   
     Approximate dates of manufacture are given. 
Dates of manufacture have been compiled from original catalogs and literature present at the George Eastman House and catalogs in private hands.  If a model has been specifically introduced (as stated in company literature) or if a complete run of catalogs shows a definite starting or ending date, that date will be indicated without qualification.  A starting or ending which merely represents the first or last appearance in a catalog, which may not be from a complete run of catalogs, will be indicated as circa (c.).  Some manufacturers have few extant catalogs, in which case, the dates for their models may be wildly inaccurate.

Two ways to browse:
   
 1) by manufacturer (links on left side of page): choose a manufacturer and click the thumbnail of the model;
    2) by catalog: choose a catalog here - within the catalog images are hot spots linking to the model shown in the catalog.

 

 

View Camera History and Technology Series: The development of wooden view camera designs during the formative years of photography, 1840 through about 1915. (coming)
          1.  To Turn a Camera - A Survey of Camera Designs 1870-1915 to Enable a Horizontal or Vertical Photograph Format
 

 

 

Examples of View Camera Construction:  a number of trends in woods used, finishes, hardware, general construction, construction details, lenses, carrying cases can be discerned during this period of view camera variability.

Lenses and Shutters:  realizing that the cameras have attached to them a variety of lenses and shutters from the era, separate indexes and thumbnails have been provided for lenses and shutters, as well as information on their appearance in catalogs and patents.  For the most part, these images of lenses and shutters leave something to be desired, since they were pulled from existing images that were much larger.  Some of them are also out of focus, since the original purpose of the image was to illustrate the camera.  While pulling catalog data for lenses or shutters, it seemed logical to pull data for other lenses or shutters advertised from the same company; these entries refer to lenses or shutters for which no photos yet exist, but usually an engraving is available.

  An Old Interest - A New Posting:
Images of H.H. Bennett, Kilbourn City, Wisconsin: Scenic stereographs of the Wisconsin Dells, Devil's Lake, Milwaukee, Chicago, Wisconsin and Minnesota; miscellaneous images of the Bennett family & identified portraits.  H.H. Bennett is one of the premier stereograph producers, who worked from the late 1860's through the 1900's, leaving a legacy of more than a thousand views.
 
 

Site Updates ~April 2014 and following:

Updates to catalogs include both an .html version (web page) as well as a .pdf version.  The .html version consists of a web page containing many files: one image file for each pair of catalog pages scanned.  The .pdf version consists of one file only; this file contains water-marked images of the entire catalog, and requires the Adobe pdf reader or equivalent to view it.

Recent Acquisitions:
◊ Sunart Photo Co. (precursor to Seneca Camera Mfg. Co.) Vici View and Vidi View
Early plate holder box by Scovill Mfg. Co.; 
◊ E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Fairy Camera split in Fairy View Variation 1 and Fairy View Variation 2 (Variation 2 is in the elusive Circassian walnut);
◊ Update on Scovill Mfg. Co. Ne Plus Ultra (A-D) and Ne Plus Ultra (No Letters) with two new examples;
◊ Update on Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Co./Blair Camera Co. Utility Variation 1, Utility Variation 2 and L.M. Prince & Bro. Prince's Improved Utility with two new examples;
◊ Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Co./Blair Camera Co. Champion split into Champion Variation 1 and Champion Variation 2;
◊ Gundlach-Manhattan Optical Co. Korona Royal;
◊ Two new examples of Rochester Optical Co. New Model, Improved, Variation 2 (thick frame);
◊ Anthony Champion Variation 1 split into Champion Variation 1A, Champion Variation 1B and Champion Variation 1C, and emphasis of its relationship to Anthony's Amateur Equipment 1-8;
ФЕД (FED) Командирский (Commander) Leica copy c.1930s; no wood, but brass (1 out of 2 isn't too bad);
◊ New example of Anthony Novel Variation 2;
◊ Another example of American Optical Leader Camera (formerly American Optical Waterbury-type Camera);
Unknown Field View Camera No. 14, similar to Anthony Eureka School Camera and also Unknown 13;
◊ New example of G. Gennert Burlington/Nancy Hanks;
◊ New example of Rochester Optical Co. Ideal Variation 2;
◊ The Scovill & Adams Co. Triad Detective Camera;
◊ New example of the Folmer & Schwing Co. Sky Scraper, Improved View Camera;
◊ Another example of the Scovill Mfg. Co. Ne Plus Ultra (A-D) in a stained finish
No. 0 Graphic - a tiny roll film focal plane shutter masterpiece
No. C Ordinary Kodak
◊ New model, kind of: Canadian Camera & Optical Co. Glencoe View Camera (actually Rochester Optical Co. Empire State Variation 2)
◊ New example of American Optical Compact View Variation 1
◊ 7x17" example of Folmer & Schwing Banquet Camera
◊ New example of American Optical Flammang's Patent Revolving Back Camera, Rear Focus, 5x7 with red Russian leather bellows
◊ Another example of the Kemper Kombi
◊ A second example of the tiny 3�x4�" American Optical/Scovill Petite View Camera
◊ An apparently unused example of Scovill Mfg. Co. Waterbury Variation 1
◊ A Kodak No. 2 (4x5) and some of its round snapshots
◊ A tricked-out Rochester Optical Co. Ideal Variation 1 4x5 outfit with two backs and an Eastman-Walker Roll Film Holder
◊ Another unique design from Schultze Photo Equipment Co. - Champion ? View Camera
◊ Seneca View Improved split into three: Variation 1, Variation 2, and Variation 3

09-20-2014
◊ 14x17" Scovill & Adams Co. Acme with fancy spring back
Early? Seneca Camera Mfg. Co. view with rotating lens board
E. & H.T. Anthony Fairy View - in Circassion walnut
◊ Sunart Vidi View Camera
◊ Gundlach-Manhattan Opt. Co. Wizard Variation 4 View
◊ Tiny 4�x6�" E. & H.T. Anthony Victor in original case
◊ Yet another variation of the Rochester Opt. Co. New Model - New Model Variation 1.3 transitional between Variation 1 and Variation 1.5, which itself is transitional between Variation 1 and Variation 2, and earlier than Variation 3 and Variation 4
◊ Another example of the Imperial View
◊ A Putnam Marvel Vertical 4x5", a new example of a Scovill Mfg. Co. Favorite sold as a Putnam Marvel
◊ Another example of the American Optical Co. Star View in 5x7"
◊ Another William T. Gregg English-style View Camera (not from England but from New York City)
◊ A second example of the rare Rochester Opt. Co. (or William H. Walker & Co.) American Challenge Wood Base 5x8" Camera of 1883
◊ The American Optical Tourist Pocket Camera was placed in a canvas bag, as illustrated and stated in advertisements
◊ Comparison, timeline and breakdown study of the Scovill Acme (Back Focus Cone) View Camera and the almost identical but later American Optical Landscape View Camera.

◊ Two examples of what probably is the American Optical Landscape View Camera, formerly called Unknown Scovill View Camera.
Eastman Kodak Co. No. 1 View with its canvas case in near mint condition.

2015
Folding Kodak No. 4 Improved (B&L Iris Diaphragm Shutter).
Gundlach-Manhattan Optical Co. Korona Royal Series VI.
Blair Camera Co. Champion Variation 1 in original canvas case.
◊ A second example of Scovill Ne Plus Ultra (No Letters), with original wooden case.
◊ A second example of Century Camera Co. Century View No. 2 with original canvas case.
◊ Another example of Rochester Optical Co. Universal View Variation 2 with original short form canvas case.
◊ A 5x8" version of E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. N.P.A. Variation 3 was added to the 8x10" version already there.
◊ Another 4x5" example of Rochester Optical Co. New Model Variation 1 (Beveled Bed) - this one has a rounded-end metal label on the front.
◊ A 4�x6�" E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. N.P.A. Variation 2 was added to the 8x10" version already there.
◊ A rare Scovill & Adams Knack Detective Camera.
American Optical Co. Dry Plate Equipment (No. 1-8) Outfit No. 4 with original wooden case.
American Optical Co. Universal Safety Shutter.
◊ The super-rare and expensive E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Bicycle Camera.
Conley Camera Co. No. 1 Conley View Camera with original canvas-covered case.
◊ A new type of Schultze Mfg. Co. view camera re-sale: an E. & H.T. Anthony Champion Variation 1B with a Schultze metal label on it.
◊ Another instance of the Blair Camera Co. Unknown No. 3 - there are two of them now (one single swing and one double swing), and why does it not match anything in Blair catalogs?
◊ An early Rochester Optical Co. New Model Stereo having beveled base rails like the New Model Variation 1.
◊ A second example of a Folmer & Schwing Div., EKC 7x17" Banquet Camera - this one with a Folmer & Schwing film holder and the original Folmer & Schwing canvas case.
◊ c.1937 Folmer-Graflex Pre-Anniversary Speed Graphic in original small-form leather case.
Manhattan Optical Co. Long Focus Wide Angle Wizard.
◊ 11x14 Blair Combination RB Variation 1.
Scovill Ne Plus Ultra (A-E) No. C - an ebonized 5x8 including a single-lens lens board for normal mono photos and also a two-lens lens board for stereo pairs, with wooden case.
◊ Re-organization of the confusing group of camera models advertised as Anthony Amateur Equipment (No. 1-8B), separating them into Variation 1 (cameras having non-folding beds) and Variation 2 (cameras having folding beds), including tables to clarify the models in 1882, 1885 and 1887-89.  Addition of a c.1882 Outfit No. 5.
◊ Another Scovill Dry Plate Outfit (No. A-D) with case and American Optical/Scovill drop shutter, the exact combination seen in another Dry Plate Outfit example.
Century Long Focus Grand, a leather-covered box with a full view camera inside.
Early Seneca View Improved Variation 1.  Had to re-number the variations to make room for this unanticipated early variation.

Early Seneca Camera City Variation 1.  Seen in 1907 catalog.  Now all Seneca view cameras have been seen in the early hardware style that has the forward-back swing thumbscrew in a slot halfway up the side of the camera.
◊ Yet another American Optical Leader, this time having its ground glass hinged at the bottom.  This makes the Leader almost as common as the Waterbury, the cheaper Scovill product that it resembles.
◊ Rare scientific camera: American Optical Walmsley Photomicrographic Camera.
◊ Added a period canvas case to the Scovill Pocket Bicycle Camera - a canvas bag was advertised to have come with each camera. 
◊ 11-20-2015: Flandreau 5x7 size added to the 4x5 size already shown.
◊ 12-02-2015: Combining of Scovill thumbnails and American Optical thumbnails into the Scovill & American Optical thumbnail page.  The new page is organized into tables of general design and, within tables, organized into approximately chronological order.

2016
◊ 06-20-2016: Expanded description of American Optical 1871 View Camera Boxes into three models: View Camera Boxes, Number 1 (Model #1-7), View Camera Boxes, No Number (Model #21-28, later #51-58), and View Camera Boxes No. 2 (Model #40-50 & #130).  This was precipitated by the identification of an American Optical wet plate camera that is likely Model #42, photos of which are shown under the View Camera Boxes No. 2 (Model #40-50 & #130) page.
◊ 07-06-2016: Found a Rochester Optical Co. New Model Improved Variation 1.5 having cam-type ground glass frame clasps.  This increases the number of R.O.C. cameras having cams - it is probable that all models will eventually be found to have a cam variation, although they are rarely seen.
◊ 07-07-2016: Found a Rochester Optical Co. Peerless Variation 1 having the cam-type ground glass frame clasps not seen before.  Now the more common swivel-clip type of Peerless has to be Variation 2. And this camera is 8x10, another "largest they made" find.
◊ 07-09-2016: A Scovill Early Waterbury Variation 1A having quarter-sawn sycamore like other early types such as the Scovill's New York View.
◊ 07-30-2016: An 8x10 E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Victor Variation 1 - the largest they made.  Now the page features photos of 4
�x6�, 5x8, 6�x8� and 8x10.
◊ 08-05-2016: An example of E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Long Bellows Clifton, with all of its extensions - long bellows indeed.
◊ 08-07-2016: Rare J.A. Anderson & Company camera, name not certain, but probably one of these: Anderson's View Camera Box/Anderson's Compact Folding View Camera.
◊ 09-01-2016: New hybrid-looking Blair Reversible Back Improved; Reorganization of Reversible Back Improved into four variations: Variation 1, Variation 2, Variation 3 and Variation 4.
◊ 10-12-2016: An 8x10" American Optical Star, complete with track extension.
◊ 10-18-2016: Finally, a Rochester Ideal Variation 2 having the center-pivot-type swing as shown in catalog engravings, rather than bottom-type swing, also shown but apparently much more common.
◊ 10-30-2016: No trick, but a treat: a mint condition Blair Reversible Back Camera in its original near mint condition canvas case.
◊ 11-06-2016: Split American Optical Waterbury-Type in two variations: American Optical Waterbury-Type Camera Variation 1 (ground glass frame hinges on the bottom) and American Optical Waterbury-Type Camera Variation 2 (ground glass frame hinges on the side).

2017
◊ 01-21-2017: The big bonanza of empty carrying cases - 7 wooden cases purchased from the same eBay seller.  They are matched with the following cameras:
     Carrying Case No. 1) wooden case manufactured by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., as indicated by its box-joint edges, and its brass end retainers for the leather handle (now missing except underneath the brass hardware) - added to a 5x8" Anthony Champion Variation 3 (temporary name; the Anthony Champion variations are in a state of flux as the variations and their time periods of manufacture are re-examined); the camera is stamped with the "G.O.Co." logo of the Greenpoint Optical Co., a subsidiary of E. & H.T. Anthony & Co.  The camera fits as if the case were original to the camera.
     Carrying Case No. 2) wooden case manufactured by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., as indicated by its box-joint edges, and its brass end retainers for the leather handle (now missing except underneath the brass hardware) - added to a 5x8" American Optical Philadelphia Stereo View Camera.  The camera and its holder are a perfect fit, despite being the wrong manufacturer. 
     Carrying Case No. 3) wooden case manufactured by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., as indicated by its box-joint edges, and its brass end retainers for the leather handle (now missing and replaced by a woven cotton handle) - added to a 4x5"
Anthony Amateur Equipment or Amateur Outfit (#'s 1-8B) Variation 1 Ebonized (non-folding bed).
     Carrying Case No. 4) wooden case of unknown manufacturer; the case has two early features: 1) mechanically-cut dovetail jointed edges (rather than box jointed) and a spring-loaded clip to secure the top (rather than a rotating hook) - added to a 4x5" American Optical View Camera Boxes Transitional to Improved View Camera Boxes/Cone View Camera, a hard size and model to fit into a case because of its unusually great height relative to its width.
     Carrying Case No. 5) wooden case manufactured by Rochester Optical Co. (and so stamped on top) - added to a 4x5" Anthony Champion Variation 1C (temporary name; the Anthony Champion variations are in a state of flux as the variations and their time periods of manufacture are re-examined)
     Carrying Case No. 6) wooden case by an unknown manufacturer - added to a 4x5" Scovill Ne Plus Ultra Rigid Platform (A-E) No. A Stained Finish.
◊ 05-25-2017: A 2nd example of Schultze Early View Camera in 5x8" size
 

August, 2017:
    The HTML editor that I was using had a glitch, which caused the content to disappear on every page of the 1st back-up of this web site.  To reconstitute the site required copying the content back onto new pages.  In the process, font sizes and colors have been somewhat scrambled.  Also, odd characters were sometimes inserted before the ¼ and ½ characters.  Over time, I will be able to standardize the fonts as before, but meanwhile, ignore the inconsistency.


◊ 05-14-2017: A 5x8" version of a Schultze Photo Equipment Co. Early View Camera, which has the unusual pass-through-type of plate holder insertion.
◊ 05-14-2017: An unusual and rare type of a Scovill Mfg. Co."76" or "Centennial Camera.  Until now, all examples of the "76" had a similar appearance, with wood, finish and hardware indicative of being made by the American Optical factory of Scovill.  This camera is different in wood type, finish type, hardware treatment and even size, meaning probably that it was made in a different factory, perhaps Scovill's New Haven, CT factory, formerly the Peck factory.
◊ 07-01-2017: A American Optical View Camera Boxes, Number 1 (Best) (Model No.'s 1-7) in 11x14 (wet plate field camera!!!)! size that is actually stamped "1st Quality".
◊ 10-08-2017: A detailed look at the examples of all models of the Waterbury Camera, including a table of characteristics and measurements: Scovill Waterbury Variation 1, Scovill Waterbury Variation 2, Scovill Waterbury Variation 1A, American Optical Waterbury-Type Variation 1, American Optical Waterbury-Type Variation 2 - a look at an example of Scovill-American Optical dichotomy of quality.
◊ 10-08-2017: Another example of Scovill-American Optical dichotomy, The 76 Camera: The 76 Camera Variation 1 (catalog version), The 76 Camera Variation 2 (Wet Plate Version), and The 76 Camera Variation 3 (Scovill Version).
◊ 10-15-2017: Eastman-Walker roll holders organized (finally), yielding an amazing 11 variations,  Eastman-Walker Roll Film Holder: Var. 1, Var. 2, Var. 3, Var. 4, Var. 5, Var. 5.5, Var. 6, Var. 6.9, Var. 7, Var. 8, and Var. 9.  To my surprise, there were only a few duplicate examples, rivaling Blair cameras for having many changes and improvements over a relatively short period of time.
◊ 10-15-2017: Added a period bicycle clamp to the Ne Plus Ultra Bicyclists' Photo-Outfit.  Now, if only it were attached to an "Ordinary" or high wheel bicycle...
◊ 11-03-2017: An Anthony Novel Camera, Novel View Camera Variation 1.5,  that does not rotate its bellows, as do all other dozen or so Novels and Novelettes.  Just when you thought you knew something, a camera comes along to refute your knowledge.
◊ 2017-Nov through 2018-Mar: many newly taken photographs, especially AO/Scovill and Anthony.  The original photos were taken with a warm-colored ambient light that tainted the photos  The replacements were taken with no ambient light, so colors are correct.
◊ 11-15-2017: Anthony Champion variations organized via a chart of features and differences with illustrative thumbnails, see: Champion Var. 1A, Champion Var. 1B, Champion Var. 1C, Champion Var. 2, Champion Var. 3, and Champion Var. 4.
◊ 11-15-2017: Likewise, Anthony NPA variations organized along parallel lines to the Champions: NPA Brass Guides, NPA Var. 1A, NPA Var. 1B, no NPA 1c (solid bed) as yet so no web page for it, NPA Var. 2, NPA Var. 3, and NPA Var. 4.
◊ 12-29-2017: AO/Scovill Acme and Landscape re-organized into four variations: 1) Acme Variation 1, 2) Acme Variation 2, 3) Acme Variation 3, and 4) Landscape View.

2018
◊ 03-04-2018: Re-organization of Blair Cincinnati RB Improved variations, and addition of Variation 4, known from 1893 catalog, but unknown in the flesh.  Now Cincinnati RB Improved Variation 1, Variation 2, Variation 3 and Variation 4.  Unimproved type still unknown.
◊ 03-04-2018: More info from 1886 and 1893 catalogs on Blair Reversible Back variations.  Now 5 Variations: The Standard Reversible Back (not improved), RB Improved Var.1, RB Improved Var.2, RB Improved Var. 3 and RB Improved Var. 4.  The Standard Reversible Back Camera has two examples, one single swing and one double swing, that were previously known as Blair Unknown No. 3.  They appeared to be Blair cameras from their hardware, but were not observed to be described in catalogs until found in the 1886 Blair catalog, p.10.
◊ 03-17-2018: The Blair Perfect Reversible Back Camera, previously known from a mention of its name only in an ad in a  Photography Annual, was found completely described in the Blair 1886 Catalog, pp. 8-9.  The camera that is an example of the Perfect RB Camera, was previously guessed to be a precursor of the Cincinnati RB Improved series of variations.  This means that the Cincinnati RB (not improved) is still completely unknown either as a catalog offering or as an example.
◊ 03-18-2018 & ff: Many newly purchased catalogs scanned: Blair 1896, ROC Premier Flyer c.1892, Blair Hand Cameras Jul 1893, Blair Full 1893, Blair 1886, Putnam Detective Camera c.1890, Blair Hawk-eyes c.1902, Blair Hawk-eyes c.1904, Anthony May 1883, Sunart Photo Co. 1898, Sunart Photo Co. 1899, Seneca Camera Mfg. Co. 1905, Premo Cameras c.1904, ROC Modern Photography with Explanation of the Apparatus pamphlet c.1891, ROC Premo Camera 1896, Scovill & Adams Catalog January 1891, The Kamaret Blair Camera Co. brochure.
◊ 04-15-2018: Tentative identification of Unknown Field Camera No.6.  A number of features of this camera point to Blair Camera Co. as the manufacturer.  It's resemblance to the Cincinnati RB Improved View Camera Variation 1 indicates that it may be the elusive Cincinnati RB View (not improved).  If you have any information about the Cincinnati RB View (not improved), please contact me at the email at the bottom of this page..
◊ 04-20-2018: More catalogs scanned: A.B. Paine (Scovill, Anthony, Rochester, Eastman and others) 1889, The Montauk Camera '99 G. Gennert, Korona Cameras 1899 Gundlach Opt. Co., G.Gennert Jan. 1, 1895 complete catalog.
◊ 05-1-2018: From information in the 1895 Gennert catalog just above, split of the Gennert Burlington Camera and the Gennert Nancy Hanks Camera, and the addition of another camera related to those, the Gennert Extra Quality View Camera.
◊ 05-2-2018: More catalogs scanned: c.1893 ROC Premier Regular & Folding booklet, c. June 1892 Scovill & Adams full catalog, 1921 Graflex & Graphic Cameras, 120pps of a huge c.1908 Ralph J. Golsen catalog,
 

2019
◊ 12-26-2019: A rare 3¼x4¼ Rochester Optical Co. New Model Variation 3 - this one with tripod, case and accessories.
◊ 12-27-2019: Another example (:P1115) of a 5x8" Rochester Optical Co. New Model Improved Variation 1 (Thin Frame) with case and plate holders.

2020
◊ 01-27-2020: Added a web page for common Thornton-Pickard Lens-Mounted Roller Blind Shutters.
◊ 01-27-2020: Split Eastman View No. 1 into Eastman Kodak Co. Eastman View No. 1 Variation 1 and Eastman View No. 1 Variation 2.
◊ 01-28-2020: Split Scovill's Safety Shutter into two variations: Scovill Mfg. Co. Scovill's Safety Shutter Variation 1 and Scovill's Safety Shutter Variation 2.
◊ 01-28-2020: Another example of the G.Gennert Brighton View Camera.
◊ 01-28-2020: Added the Scovill Mfg. Co. Flammang's Patent Revolving Back Camera, Back Focus Variation 3 (rack and pinion focus).
◊ 01-28-2020: Added Counterfeit Scovill Mfg. Co. Flammang's Revolving Back Camera, Back Focus Variation 3 and re-organized the Flammang's Revolving cameras into Variations 1, 2, 2.2, 3 and counterfeit.
◊ 01-28-2020: Added Blair Camera Co. Cincinnati Reversible Back Improved Variation 2.5, and concurrently had to re-organize all the variations of this model.
◊ 01-28-2020: Added Eastman Kodak Co. The Ordinary Kodak No. B.
◊ 01-29-2020: Added E.&H.T. Anthony Prepared Albumen Paper, 4x5, unopened box of two dozen.
◊ 01-30-2020: Added another example (LP1195) of the Blair English Compact Camera Reversible Back.
◊ 02-02-2020: Added an example of a Blair English Reversible Back Camera having an installed Eastman-Walker Roll Holder.
◊ 02-04-2020: Added three more examples of the E.&H.T. Anthony & Co. Universal Finder.
◊ 02-05-2020: Added the new variation: Rochester Optical Co. The Ideal Camera Variation 1.7, and re-organized Ideal Camera variations.
◊ 02-05-2020: Added the new variation: American Optical Flammang's Patent Revolving Back Camera Front Focus Variation 2 (stereo).
◊ 02-05-2020: Added the first example of the Gundlach Optical Co. Korona Compact View Camera.
◊ 02-06-2020: Added a new example of the Greenpoint Optical Co. (E.&H.T. Anthony) The Knickerbocker Camera.
◊ 02-06-2020: Added a new type camera - the Gallus Derlux 127-size aluminum body camera.
◊ 02-06-2020: New example of the Scovill Mfg. Co. Unknown Model Sycamore Camera.  This makes five now.
◊ 02-06-2020: New example of Scovill's Safety Shutter Variation 1, for one exactly the same as the first example.
◊ 02-08-2020: New example of Blair Camera Co. Hawkeye Detective Camera, 1st model Variation 1 (no side window).
◊ 02-09-2020: New example of E.&H.T. Anthony Novel Variation 2.
◊ 02-09-2020: Yet another example of the Scovill Mfg. Co. Unknown Model Sycamore Camera.  This makes six now.
◊ 02-10-2020: Reinstatement of the Kemper Kombi page, which had disappeared, with an example of a Kombi with an extra back, both in their original cases
◊ 02-10-2020: 4x5 example of Eastman-Walker Roll Holder Variation 5.
◊ 02-10-2020: Added a new variation of E.&H.T. Anthony Novelette, the Novelette Variety 0.5 (square front, sliding metal plate to make platform rigid).
◊ 02-11-2020: Prosch Eclipse Shutter in the flesh.
◊ 02-12-2020: A new example of the Rochester Optical Co. New Model Variation 1.3 having W.H. Walmsley, Philadelphia stampings.
◊ 02-12-2020: An example of the unique leather-covered camera - the Eastman Kodak Co. Folmer-Schwing Division Circuit Outfit No. 8.
◊ 02-14-2020: An early stereo Anthony's Amateur Equipment Folding Platform Early No. 2 (5x8, plain wood, no movements (c.1882).
◊ 02-14-2020: A second example of an Anthony's Amateur Equipment Folding Platform No. 5 or No. 6 1882-1886 Camera.
◊ 02-20-2020: After more than 40 years of searching, finally an example of the American Optical Landscape Reversible View.  Even more amazing, one week later, I found a Counterfeit Landscape Reversible View.
◊ 02-22-2020: Added to the Non-View Camera page: American Optical Co., Scovill Mfg. Co., Props. - The Scovill Detective Camera, 1st Model.
◊ 02-23-2020: Re-structured Scovill's Universal Shutters to include Scovill's Universal Shutter Variation 1 (Manual Release) and Scovill's Universal Shutter Variation 2 (Pneumatic Release).
◊ 02-25-2020: A possibly unique, Unmarked 4x10" Panoramic View Camera is shown to have been manufactured by the Conley Camera Co.
◊ 02-25-2020: Added a second Samuel Peck & Co. Wet-Plate Stereo Field View Camera, almost identical to the first.
◊ 02-28-2020: Added an E.&H.T. Anthony Fairy Novel View Variation 1.0 (round type focus knob, non-stereo).  This necessitated the re-organization of the Fairy into 4 main variations, depending on the shape of the focus knob and the shape of the front standard.
◊ 02-28-2020: Another example of a stained-type 5x8 Scovill Mfg. Co. Favorite View Camera.
◊ 02-29-2020: Added another example of the Blair Utility Camera - this one has some differences to other examples and may be a later era example.
◊ 02-29-2020: Added a new model of Blair Camera Co. Leather-Covered Hawkeye, Early.
◊ 03-01-2020: Found a Model No. 1 Conley View Camera Variation 2, which necessitated a complete re-organization (see links on the Model 1 Variation 2 page) of Conley and Seroco view cameras (whew).
◊ 03-01-2020: Added another example of the New Model Conley View Camera, as part of the re-organization of Conley cameras.
◊ 03-01-2020: A second example of the earliest version of the "76" camera, called here: The 76 Camera Variation 2 (Wet Plate Version).  This example is identical to the first version, indicating that it is indeed a manufactured model.
◊ 03-01-2020: A lovely 7x11" example of The Eastman View Camera No. 2 - a welcome match to compare to The Eastman View Camera No. 2d already up.  How in the world could customers prefer that dull red color of the 2d?
◊ 03-01-2020: Yet another Blair variation: the Blair Camera Co. Cincinnati Reversible Back, Improved, Variation 3.5.
◊ 03-02-2020: Added an early L.F. Deardorff & Sons, Inc. 5x7 View Camera, made between 1926 and 1937.
◊ 03-08-2020: Re-organized ROC New Model variations, adding Variation 2.5.
◊ 03-15-2020: Improved photographs of Samuel Peck & Co. half plate studio camera c.1850-1860.
◊ 03-19-2020: Another example an apparently mint condition, unused American Optical Front Focus Cone Camera Variation 2 in an original American Optical canvas case.
◊ 03-23-2020: A surprisingly well-made camera with fancy wood, but a Counterfeit Rochester Optical Co. New Model Variation 1.5.
◊ 03-25-2020: Unknown American Optical camera identified as an American Optical Apparatus Outfit Camera No. 204 (similar to The 76 Camera but larger).
◊ 03-27-2020: Added another example of the American Optical Ne Plus Ultra Rigid Platform View Camera (LP1243) with original wooden case and two plate holders.  I just can't resist these outfits.
◊ 03-28-2020: Found a camera that can only be named Scovill-Type Waterbury View Camera Variation 3.  Also re-wrote the already extensive notes on Waterbury variations.
◊ 03-28-2020: Recognized a new model of Scovill Mfg. Co. camera: The Scovill Mfg. Co. Blair Utility-Type View Camera from a new purchase and also an older purchase thought to be an anomaly.
◊ 03-30-2020: Combined the pages of the Samuel Peck & Co. Stereoscopic View Camera and the Scovill Mfg. Co. New Haven Stereoscopic View Camera, which is a continuation of the Peck.
◊ 04-07-2020: Finally got up a Gundlach-Manhattan-Seebold 12x12" Banquet View Camera.  I had been waiting to find any kind of appropriate lens and shutter, as my usual lens supply is from an earlier era.
◊ 05-15-2020: Added Scovill Mfg. Co. Peerless Portrait Lens and Peerless Quick-Acting Lens.
◊ 05-15-2020: Added the catalog: Walzl's Photographic Journal and the Photographer's Friend, c.1886.
◊ 05-25-2020: I realized that a model that I had been calling American Optical Transitional to Improved View Boxes is probably an example of American Optical Model 1 or 1st Quality View Camera Boxes (Order No.'s 1-7).  Then, I reconstructed all the web pages for American Optical View Camera Boxes, Model Order No.'s 21-28 , American Optical  Model No. 2 or 2nd Quality View Camera Boxes, Order No.'s 40-50 & No. 130 Non-Folding Platform, American Optical  Model No. 2 or 2nd Quality View Camera Boxes, Order No.'s 40-50 & No. 130 Folding Platform, and Improved or Compact View Camera Boxes to explain the differences and development of the models.
◊ 05-26-2020: Added another whopper 14x17" folding view camera- this time a J.A. Anderson Anderson's View Box or Anderson's Compact View Box.  Rare maker and a rare size.
◊ 06-18-2020: A 5x7 example of the Seneca View Camera Variation 1, a fascinating camera having a rotating lens board.
◊ 07-06-2020: A full-plate American Optical Imperial Cabinet Studio Camera having both single lens and four lens setups.  Even though a studio camera, this model bears features in common with field view cameras.
◊ 10-08-2020: Another 4½x6½" E. & H.T. Anthony Victor Variation No. 1 example.   Must have been a popular camera and a popular size to have so many extant with their easily damaged canvas cases.
◊ 12-13-2020: A Seneca Camera Mfg. Co. 6½x8½" Seneca Improved View Camera Variation 3, this time in stained finish, in contrast to the ebony (or black painted) version already shown there.
◊ 12-13-2020: A rare size 4½x5½" Eastman Dry Plate & Film Co. Interchangeable View Variation 2, with an Eastman-Walker Roll Film Holder Variation 2, plate holders in a fitted case.
◊ 12-28-2020: Added a wooden case to 4x5 Anthony Novelette View Camera Variation 0.5.

2021
◊ 01-01-2021: Re-organized Anthony Novelettes into 4 variations: Novelette Variation 0.5, Novelette Variation 1.0 Round Front, Novelette Variation 1.0 Square Front, and Novelette Variation 2.0.
◊ 01-01-2021: New 6½x8½" format example of American Optical Waterbury-Type View Camera Variation 2.
◊ 01-02-2021: Found a cute little case for the equally cute little Cincinnati Reversible Back, Improved, Variation 3.5.
◊ 01-03-2021: Unknown No. 15: An interesting and unique manufactured unknown camera combining elements of Anthony, Blair and Scovill view cameras. 
◊ 01-08-2021: Added a 6½x8½" format example of the Scovill Favorite View Camera.
◊ 02-02-2021: A second example of the unknown model here called the Schultze Photo Equipment Co. Champion? View Camera.
◊ 03-30-2021: Counterfeit Blair Camera Co. Reversible Back View Camera Improved Variation 2.
◊ 03-31-2021: Added thumbnails of cameras called "Counterfeit" versions to the "Unknowns" web page.
◊ 04-03-2021: Reorganized the American Optical St. Louis View Camera web pages into Variation 1, Variation 2, Variation 3 and Variation 4, and, in the process, realized that the four-spring-type spring back on Variation 3 and 5 other models of camera is only found on cameras made when The Scovill & Adams Co. is proprietor of American Optical.  I had forgotten that the patent for the design was only issued in 1889..
◊ 04-06-2021: Yet another 8x10 E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Champion Equipment Variation 1B.  This makes three examples - 8x10's must have been popular in this model.
◊ 05-05-2021: First example ever seen of the American Optical Landscape Reversible View Camera Variation 2 , a rack and pinion focus version of a camera that usually has push-pull focus.
◊ 05-05-2021: First web page of what will be a series of pages of Camera History and Technology.  This one details the development and chronology of American Optical/Scovill  Back Focus Tapering Bellows Field View Cameras - Chronology and Design.
◊ 05-10-2021: Added Putnam Marvel Variation 2 (resale of Scovill Waterbury), and necessarily changed the name of the former Putnam Marvel (resale of Scovill Favorite) to Putnam Marvel Variation 1.
◊ 05-10-2021: Another example of the Scovill Mfg. Co. Favorite View - this one having a Buchanan, Bromley & Co. label, having been sold by the famous early Philadelphia photography store.
◊ 05-10-2021: An 8x10 example, with carrying case, of the Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. Favorite Camera Variation 1 to contrast with the 6x8 version already there.
◊ 05-13-2021: One more 5x7" E. & H.T. Anthony NPA Variation 4 (this one with full series of photos and more natural color not present for the first example)
◊ 05-19-2021: A second example of the Scovill & Adams Co. Waterbury View Camera Variation 3.
◊ 06-07-2021: A second example of the Rochester Camera Co. Favorite Variation 2.
◊ 07-11-2021: An example of a Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. King View Camera, which causes me to split the King Camera into King View Camera Variation 1 (Rochester Camera Mfg. Co.) and King View Camera Variation 2 (all other manufacturers).
◊ 07-21-2021: A new variation: American Optical Co. Irving View Variation 1.2 to go with previously known Irving Variation 1.0 and Irving Variation 2.0.
◊ 07-27-2021: Probably your only chance to see three J.C. Somerville 16x20" Rapid Rectilinear/Universal lenses in one place.
◊ 10-20-2021: A second example of the presumed Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Co./Camera Co. Standard Reversible Back Camera.
◊ 10-20-2021: New photos of the 5x7" version of the American Optical Flandreau Camera with a long overdue replacement back.
◊ 10-22-2021: A second example of the Rochester Optical Co. Universal Variation 1.
◊ 10-22-2021: A second example of the E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Long Focus Clifton View Camera, the camera that has the odd distinction of having a design that is different than its namesake Clifton View Camera.
◊ 10-23-2021: A Rochester Optical Co. New Model Variation 2.1 - a new variation very much like Variation 2.0.  Also, re-organization of the variation descriptions to itemize more characteristics, which should make the variations easier to tell apart (ha!)
◊ 10-25-2021: An E.&H.T. Anthony N.P.A. View Camera Variation 2 having a G. Gennert label.  Gennert seems to have purchased a side range of cameras from other manufacturer's for resale.
◊ 12-03-2021: An example of the Eastman-Walker Roll Holder Variation 2 still in its orignal wooden shipping container - from the collection of Charlie Kamerman, who seems to have often found the unfindable in its original case..

2022
◊ 01-03-2022: Identified: the elusive Eastman Dry Plate & Film Eureka View (which I first called the Interchangeable View Variation 2).  Also re-organized all of the other Early Eastman Views: the Genesee View and the Interchangeable View Variation 1.
◊ 03-06-2022: Gundlach Optical Co. Korona View Variation 1; finally found a removeable back that fits and can replace the crudely painted reducing back it formerly had.  The new back, though, was made by the Seneca Camera Mfg. Co.
◊ 03-06-2022: Added an Eastman-Walker Roll Holder Variation 1 to a camera it fits: Blair Camera Co. Reversible Back Improved Variation 1.
◊ 03-07-2022: Another example of a 5x7 Blair Camera Co. Utility Improved, that I have owned for 8 years without a lens board or lens and only now got around to giving them to it.
◊ 03-19-2022: Wholesale re-organization of Century Camera Co.  In adding a Century View Camera example, I noticed that what I had previously called The Century View Camera Var. 1 actually has two variations: Century View Camera Var. 1.0 and Century View Camera Var. 1.5.  Also, what I had previously called Century View Camera Var. 2 actually has two variations: Century View Camera Var. 2.0 and Century View Camera Var. 2.1.  Also, what I had previously called Century View Camera No. 1 actually has two variations: Century View Camera No. 1 Var. 1.0 and Century View Camera No. 1 Var. 1.1.  Only the Century View Camera No. 2 now remains as a single variation.  Each of these linked pages now has a description of all the variations so as to ease the task of viewing their very subtle differences.Whew!
◊ 03-19-2022:  Probably an example of an Eastman Kodak Co. Eastman View Camera 11x14, that odd model that is a throwback to earlier cameras and was only made in 11x14.  Or is it?  It has a Century label.
◊ 03-20-2022:  An extremely well-made Counterfeit Scovill Mfg. Co. Waterbury View Camera, built like a tank, and in a tank-like carrying case.
◊ 03-22-2022:  An unusual (to say the least) new variation: American Optical Co. St. Louis View Camera Variation 2.1, constructed entirely of stained white wood (probably poplar).  Also, changes in all St. Louis variations as a result..
◊ 03-23-2022:  A new variation: Rochester Optical Co. New Model Variation 3.1, which apparently represents the change from nickeled-brass (expensive) to lacquered brass (cheaper).
◊ 03-23-2022:  A 4x5 example of the Schultze Photo Equip. Co. Improved Champion View Camera.
◊ 03-23-2022:  Another 5x8 example, almost mint (even the canvas case has little wear) of the Rochester Optical Co. Standard Camera.
◊ 03-23-2022:  A second example of an 11x14 E. & H.T. Anthony Novel View Camera.  A previous example was shown on the E. & H.T. Anthony Klauber View Camera web page, because of it used the same front standard hardware as the 14x17 Klauber-sized version.  Since the two 11x14s and the 14x17 may be better termed another variation of the Novel View Camera, rather than part of the Klauber View Camera, I have made the new variation Novel View Camera Variation 1.7.  The Klauber page remains unchanged, so that those interested in that monster can see how it would have looked in the flesh, albeit without the middle standard.
◊ 03-23-2022:  A 1901 Gundlach Optical Co. Long Focus Korona Series VI, a slight variation from the 1898-1900 Gundlanch Optical Co. Long Focus Korona Series VI.  Both of these are a view camera contained in a leather-covered case.
◊ 04-16-2022:  During the Century Camera Co. pages reorganization (03-19-2022) I noticed the lack of an example of the Century View Camera Variation 2.0, which I now rectify, with an 8x10 camera and case recently purchased, but also a 5x7 that I overlooked when populating the pages with examples.
◊ 04-17-2022:  Added two new variations of Eastman-Walker Roll Holders: Variation 1.2 and Variation 3.5 - also a large 8x10 example of the earliest 1885-type Variation 1.0.
◊ 04-20-2022:  Added a new leather-covered camera: Rochester Camera Co. Tele-Photo B, a close relative and perhaps precurser of the Rochester Camera Co. Tele-Photo Poco.
◊ 04-20-2022:  Added an example of the last remaining unpopulated variation of the Rochester Optical Co. Long Focus Premo: the Long Focus Premo Variation 3, the variation with the wildest rear standard hardware of them all and the rarest of Long Focus Premos..
◊ 04-20-2022:  A 6½x8½" example of the Rochester Optical Co. Empire State Variation 3., the last variation of this long lived camera model name made by ROC before manufacture under the Eastman Kodak Co. label.
◊ 04-22-2022:  A new example of an 8x10" Rochester View Camera Variation 2.  Also, a re-working of all Rochester View pages, Variation 1, Variation 2, Variation 3, and Poco Variation, including enlarging and color balance of older images.  For backwards compatibility, the file names were retained, even though they no longer represent the variation described on the page.  This happens when an attempt is made to present variations in chronological order, then other variations are subsequently discovered. 
◊ 04-22-2022:  A new example of the Schultze Photo Equipment Co. resale of the E. & H.T. Anthony N.P.A View Camera Variation 2.  This one still retains a very light color finish, presumably from being kept in the dark in its case.
◊ 04-22-2022:  An 2nd example of a Scovill Mfg. Co. Acme Reversible Back View Camera Variation 1 that has a nickel-plated brass "Scovill Manufacturing Co. / New York" label.  And insights on what factory in which they must have been made.
◊ 04-24-2022:  Added a new example of a Horsman's Eclipse No. 2, this one having almost all of the kit that came with a new camera and case.  Also split up the Eclipse No. 2 and Eclipse No. 3 in order to show more examples and point out other differences.
◊ 04-28-2022:  A Horsman Eclipse 5x8 Camera, a size apparently never advertised by Horsman, but undoubtedly made by Horsman in a manner nearly identical to the other Horsman products..
◊ 04-29-2022:  A beauty of an 11x14" E. & H.T. Anthony Clifton Long Focus - one of Anthony's most intricate and expensive cameras, and even its canvas case is in great condition.
◊ 05-01-2022:  Split the E. & H.T. Anthony Climax Shutter into two variations: Anthony Climax Shutter Variation 1 (Uncovered) and Anthony Climas Shutter Variation 2 (Covered).
◊ 05-01-2022:  An example of a Blair Hawkeye Detective Camera 2nd Model that has its original thin fabric-covered cardboard box in which it was sold - not a carrying case - just a box to keep the dust off while it is on the shelf of a store.
◊ 05-01-2022:  A second example of Century View Camera Variation 1.5.
◊ 05-01-2022:  Another Schultze-labeled resale of the E.  & H.T. Anthony N.P.A. Variation 2.
◊ 05-01-2022:  Another example of the E. & H.T. Anthony N.P.A. View Camera Variation 1A.  This one apparently was made a little later than the first example, having a less fancy (and cheaper) label and a simpler (and cheaper) tripod mount.
◊ 05-01-2022:  A second example of the E. & H.T. Anthony Vincent Camera, this one still in its original close-quartered canvas carrying case.
◊ 05-01-2022:  Another example of an E. & H.T. Anthony Manhattan Outfit - 5x8 camera with non-folding platform, plate holder, Anthony wooden case, Anthony Climax tripod, and and accessory viewer: Anthony's Universal Finder.
◊ 05-02-2022:  A second example of the Scovill Mfg. Co. 76 Camera (Scovill Version).  It is always heartening to find a second example of a model to show that it wasn't just an aberration or alteration by the owner.
◊ 05-21-2022:  An example of the Seneca Camera Mfg. Co. Camera City View Camera Variation 2, for which photos were not previously shown.  Original canvas case, too.
◊ 05-25-2022:  Another example of the Eastman Co. Interchangeable View Variation 2 / Eureka View.
◊ 05-26-2022:  A new variation: Scovill Mfg. Co. Albion Variation 1.1, a nickel-plated version of the brass hardwared Albion Variation 1.0.
◊ 06-25-2022:  Finally got an example of the relatively rare Simon Wing & Co. Ajax Camera to compare to the same company's more common New Gem Camera.
◊ 06-28-2022:  A new and probably one of a kind transition variation of the E. & H. T. Novel View: Novel View Variation 1.8.  I also now have so many variations of the Novel, I needed a re-organization and tabulation of them on each page.
◊ 07-02-2022:  Went through Anthony View Camera models to replace page designations lost when my hard drive crumped, unify appearance and repair errors.
◊ 07-18-2022:  A series of pages on view camera history and technology: 1. To Turn a Camera - A Survey of Camera Designs to Enable a Horizontal or Vertical Photograph Format.
◊ 07-29-2022:  Re-organizing of Scovill's or American Optical's New Haven Reversible Back View and New Haven Compact View.  These two wet plate era designs appear in catalogs as made at the Scovill factory in New Haven, CT but examples bear American Optical labels.

◊ 07-29-2022 through 12-04-2022:  Catching up on scanning catalogs: 1) c.1882 Wm. Walker & Co. 4p. pamphlet; 2) c.1882 Scovill Mfg. Co. 4p. pamphlet; 3) 1892 Rochester Optical Co. 48p. catalog; 4) 1883 Wilson, Hood & Co., Philadelphia (Scovill) catalog; 5) 1896 Manhattan Optical Co. catalog; 6) E.I. Horsman pamphlet for Progressive Halma game with Eclipse ads c.1890; 7) 1888 W.H. Walmsley & Co. catalog, 120pp >6 camdra manufacturers; 8) Anthony's Photographic Bulletin Vol. 9 No.2, Feb. 1878 ads;  9) E. & H.T. Anthony catalog November 1898, surprisingly different from February 1898; 10) c.1898 Andrew J. Lloyd catalog, 144pp all scanned; 11) June 1888 Scovill catalog from Wanamaker, Philadelphia;  12) Scovill's Photo. Series No. 17 - First Lessons for Amateur Photography 1886;  13) Franklin Putnam 1889: Practical Instructions for Amateurs - How to Make Photographs;  14) The International Annual of Anthony's Photographic Bulletin Volume 4 for 1891 - Preface & 80pp of ads;  15) 1912 Graflex and Graphic Cameras, 60pp.;  16) The International  Annual of Anthony's Photographic Bulletin Volume 8 for 1896 - Preface & 84pp of ads;  17) Photographic Goods 1842-1904, The Anthony & Scovill Co. 1904, just a few years after their merger, with any redundancies in camera models eliminated;  18) Photographic Catalogue, The Anthony & Scovill Co., Binghamton, NY - another catalog during the decline of dry plate photography;  19) Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., May 1891 - a duplicate of a catalog already scanned, but this time in color all the way through;  20) Simplified Photography, W.G. Johnston & Co., (Pittsburgh, PA), dated April 1900 - Gundlach leather-covered cameras and Kodaks;  21) Instructions for Use of the Cine-Kodak Model B, Eastman Kodak Co., c.1920;  22) How to Make Photos with the Premo and Poco c.1902, Rochester Optical & Camera Co., Rochester, NY;  23) How to Make Photos with the Poco and Other Cameras c.1899, Rochester Camera & Supply Co., Rochester, NY;  24) 1899 Andrew J. Lloyd & Co., Boston, MA catalog - 299 pages all scanned;  25) Premo Cameras, Rochester Optical Co. dated 1907;  26} Milwaukee Photo Materials Co. Catalogue 5, Milwaukee, WI undated c.1907;  27) Scovill & Adams catalog, undated c.1897;  28) Kodak Catalogue 1892. Eastman Kodak Co. - also some updates of non-view cameras like the Kodak Ordinary C and B (which was lost with my last hard drive, now re-instated;  29) The Eastman Products 1895, Eastman Kodak Co.;  30) Kodaks and Kodak Supplies 1902;  31) Premo Cameras 1922, Rochester Optical Department, Eastman Kodak Co.;  32) two catalogs bound together: A. How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Catalogue 1890, Scovill & Adams Co., and B. Illustrated Catalogue of Equipments and Materials for Amateurs, Jan. 1, 1890, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co.;  33) Anthony's Photographic Bulletin Vol. 7 No. 3, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. (New York, NY), March 1876;  34) Ray Cameras, Ray Camera Co. (Rochester, NY), dated 1899;  35) Bass Bargain List, Bass Camera Co., Chicago, IL 1921;  36) Amateur Photographic Supplies, Perry Mason & Co. (Boston, MA), undated c. 1890;  37) Premo Cameras 1919, Rochester Optical Department, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY Dated 1919;  38) Complete Instructions in Photography, Sears, Roebuck & Co., Chicago, c.1910;   39) Photo and Art Supplies, American School of Art and Photography, Scranton, PA, dated 1907;  40) The International Annual Anthony's Photographic Bulletin Volume XIII for 1901, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., copyright 1900;  41) The International Annual Anthony's Photographic Bulletin Volume XII for 1900, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., copyright 1899;  42) Catalogue No. 21 of Cameras, Kodaks, Lenses and Photographic Accessories 1923-1924, Central Camera Co. (Chicago, IL), dated 1923-1924;  43) Five, count em five catalogs from George Murphy, NY, NY: January 1927, July 1930, May 1932, May 1934, and February 15, 1938The Amateur Photographer - A Manual for Photographic Manipulation, E. Wallace, 1884 (instructions);  44) Some Hand and View Cameras, Tucker & Butts, Buffalo, NY, c.1892 - 16pp with not much considering the title;  45) Catalogue No. 115, Sears, Roebuck & Co. c.1915 - a stand-alone excerpt of pages 325-362 of the Sears catalog, comprising cameras and optical products;  46) Catalogue and Bargain List No. 11, Ralph J. Golson, Chicago, IL, dated Nov. 1, 1898;  47) Bausch 7 Lomb Large Photomicrographic Apparatus, c.1915;  48) The Multi-Speed Shutter, Multi-Speed Shutter Co., NYC, 1911;  49) Catalogue of Photographic Lenses, Voightlaender & Son Optical Co., New York, NY, c.1906;  50) Wollensak Lenses and Shutters, Wollensak Opt. Co., Rochester, NY, dated 1922;  51) Photographic Lenses, Bausch & Lomb Opt. Co., 1914;  52)  Goerz Lenses, C.P. Goerz American Optical Co., undated c.1906;  53) Catalog of C.P. Goerz lenses, Anschutz cameras, shutters, etc., and binoculars, 1903.  Finally, caught up - what do you know?. 

◊ 07-29-2022:  Found out that, on the ROC index page, I didn't actually include the link for Rochester Optical Co. Ideal View Variation 1.7 when I previously announced that I had in 2020.  Sorry for any problems this may have caused.  Now fixed..
◊ 09-19-2022:  I discovered two cameras for which pages were made, but never linked to the Non-View Camera Index Page as they should have been.  The first is an American Optical Imperial Cabinet Camera - a 10"x10" studio camera, but of interest to me because it has design details in its track and tilt that are identical to those in the American Optical Philadelphia Stereo View Camera.  The other is a Folmer & Schwing Division, E.K.C. Circuit Outfit in the 8" film size - it has all its parts and still works.
◊ 10-20-2022:  In scanning a 1907 "Premo Cameras" catalog, I discovered that there are three Bausch & Lomb Volute shutters, even ignoring the color of nickel or gold: Volute No. 1, Volute No. 2 and Volute No. 3, and that I had examples of each.

2023
◊ 03-01-2023:  A few more early catalogs: 1) John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, PA, undated, but c.1890;  2) Photographic Materials, Catalogue P, 1889, James W. Queen & Co. (Philadelphia, PA).;  3) Photographic Apparatus and Materials, Cataloguew "G", 1898, Montgomery Ward & Co. (Chicago, IL);  4) Descriptive Catalogue and Price List of Photographic Apparatus, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., November 1893;  5) Catalogue of Photographic Goods and All Articles Pertaining to Photography, The Scovill & Adams Co. (New York, NY), undated c.1895Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus and Supplies, The Blair Camera Co., 1897.  
◊ 04-25-2023: Found: an engraving and description of the Scovill & Adams Elm City Camera/Outfit.  For decades, this camera has been comprised only of guesses - wrong ones in my case.  It turns out that it is a camera model previously named (by me) the Albion View Camera Variation 3.  In my view, this name is more apt, being almost identical to the other Albion variations.  The engraving appears on page 14 of a c.1895 Scovill & Adams catalog that I hesitated to buy for a long time because it is missing its cover and doesn't have an exact date that probably would have been on that cover.
◊ 05-08-2023:  a 5x7 example of the Blair Hawkeye Roll Holder - probably rarer than is the 5x7 size of the Blair Hawkeye.
◊ 05-08-2023:  a near unused Seneca Camera Mfg. Co. Competitor Variation 2 5x7.
◊ 05-09-2023:  a near unused Scovill Waterbury View Variation 1 4x5.
◊ 05-12-2023:  another 8x10 G. Gennert Brighton View Camera.
◊ 05-13-2023:  a rare Ak-Sar-Ben View Camera, this time in 5x8 format.
◊ 05-20-2023:  one of the holy grails of the early dry plate era: William Walker & Co., the predecessor of Rochester Optical Co. and related Rochester companies: Walker's Pocket Camera.
◊ 05-31-2023:  Samuel Peck & Co. Stereo Camera - Non-Folding Pllatform with matched Dallmeyer lenses, c.1860
◊ 06-04-2023:  Another 5x7 example of the Scovill & Adams Co. Star View Camera, this one with a No. 1 Somerville Universal Lens.
◊ 06-20-2023:  A new variation of the "76" Camera: American Optical 76 Camera Variation 1.5 (Early Plate Holder Clip Version), c.1882
◊ 06-30-2023:  more catalogs: 1) Full scan of Richard Walzl's Photographer's Friend, 2nd Edition 1872.  180+ pages of early info,  2) Full scan of How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List May 1888, Scovill Mfg. Co., 423 Broome Street, New York, NY,  3)  Full scan of How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List November 1888, Scovill Mfg. Co., 423 Broome Street, New York, NY,  4)  Scovill Mang'g Co. Catalogue Photographic Goods, June 1887, David Tucker & Co., Buffalo, NY - full scan of 238pp.,  5)  Photographic Supplies, Woodard, Clarke & Co., Portland, OR, c.1906.
◊ 07-22-2023:  Discovery, in the June 1887 catalog just above, an engraving of the American Optical Model Stereo View Camera.  Now we know what it actually looked like.  It turns out that an unknown camera that I had given a file name of "aounknown.hm" and called View Camera Boxes Transitional to the 76 Camera that turns out to probably be the ellusive Model Stereo View Camera.
◊ 07-27-2023:  A new variation of the Blair RB Improved (a Blair variation - what else is new?):  the Blair Camera Co. Reversible Back Improved View Camera Variation 3.2.
◊ 07-28-2023:  A new variation of the American Optical Flammang's Revolving Back View Camera:  the American Optical Flammang's Revolving Back View Camera - Rear Focus - Variation 1.5.  This one has a unique, silver-colored manufacturer's label, the unique part being that it states that the camera was made for W.H. Walmsley & Co., an early and long-lived camera and photo materials supplier in Philadelphia. 
◊ 7-30-2023:  A new variation of the American Optical 76 View Camera, a version that has features of both Variation 1.0 and Variation 1.5; therefore, it has been called the American Optical 76 View Camera Variation1.2. Also, a reorganization of the currently five 76 Camera variations, placing them in more of less chronological order.  The most common type, which was naturally named before the others were discovered, used to be Variation 1, but is now Variation 2.0, whereas the earliest, wet-plate version that used to be Variation 2, is now Variation 1.0.  Two other early dry-plate versions have been named Variation 1.2 and Variation 1.5, while a version apparently made in the Scovill New Haven, CT factory and marked with only Scovill stamps, remains Variation 3.0.
◊ 08-03-2023:  The first example I have seen of a variation I had already anticipated and for which I had made a page: the E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Fairy Novel View Camera Variation 2.1.  This is one of the rare Circassian walnut variations.
◊ 08-04-2023:  Another example of a Blair Camera Co. Reversible Back Improved Variation 1.0 - this one a 5x7 with nickel-plated brass hardware.  I wonder if I can ever stop buying these.
◊ 08-06-2023:  A factory manufactured Copy or Counterfeit American Optical 76 Camera Variation 1.0.
◊ 08-07-2023:  Another example of the Anthony N.P.A. View Camera Variation 2 - this time a 5x8.
◊ 08-27-2023:  A new variation of the Century View Camera - this time, the Century Camera Co. Century View Variation 2.2 (and nearly new condition to boot), which has the minor addition of two clips to hold the front standard in the folded position.  Otherwise, it is identical to the Century View Variation 2.1.
◊ 08-30-2023:  A new example of an 8x10" Blair Standard Camera.  After having not seen such a thinf for over 40 years of finding view cameras, I have now found three from 2018-2023 - two with original cases..
◊ 10-25-2023:  Another example of a 5x8" E. & H.T. Anthony Manhattan Camera with mono and stereo capability, and what looks like the original stereo septum.
◊ 11-17-2023:  Another example of the American Optical/Scovill Mfg. Co. Acme Variation 2.0 - the earliest variation of the ordinarily very common Acme.
◊ 11-25-2023:  Reorganization: Split the former Blair Patent Extensions page into two: Blair's Patent Extension - Pyramid Form and Blair's Patent Extension - Rectangular Form.
◊ 11-25-2023:  A wooden carrying case containing eleven Barnett's Patent Dry Plate Holders.
◊ 11-30-2023:  Another 8x10 Rochester Optical Co. Peerless Variation 1.  Why all the Variation 1's that I have seen are 8x10s is unknown.
◊ 12-05-2023:  A brand-new, and no doubt the rare, earliest variation of a classic: the American Optical Flammang's Revolving Back View Camera Front Focus Variation 0.9.  Sorry about the 0.9, but I have been using Variation 1.0 for the normally seen variation for a long time, and didn't want to completely re-number the variations because of the 0.9 being obviously earlier.
◊ 12-06-2023:  A second example of the relatively rare F. Putnam Marvel Variation 2, a re-branding of the Scovill Waterbury Variation 1.  This example was hardly used and looks like it just rolled out of the factory.
◊ 12-09-2023:  I found a new variation of the late style of the Rochester View.  I had been calling this late style Variation 4, but now realize that I actually have had three minor variations of the Variation 4.  Therefore, the former Variation 4 is now R.O.C. View Variation 4.0, R.O.C. View Variation 4.2, and R.O.C. View Variation 4.4.
◊ 12-10-2023:  A second example of the Scovill & Adams Co. Landscape Reversible View Variation 2 - exactly like the first example, proving that the rack and pinion focus, which looks kind of like it was added on, is actually factory.
◊ 12-13-2023:  A new Scovill Albion variation:  the Scovill Albion Camera Variation 1.5, which has features of both the Variation 1.0 and the Variation 2.0.
◊ 12-14-2023:  A new example of an E. & H.T. Anthony (or Greenpoint Optical Co.) Eureka Outfite.
◊ 12-16-2023:  Another example of the American Optical Flammang's Revolving Back View Camera Front Focus Variation 1.0 - this one a cute little half-plate in an after market period case.
◊ 12-17-2023:  A second example of the Manhattan Optical Co. Night Hawk detective-type camera - this one in much better shape than the first one.
◊ 12-19-2023:  Finally, an example of the elusive Kodak Ordinary "A", the smallest of the Ordinaries.
◊ 12-22-2023:  Another example of the Anthony Amateur Equipment  or Outfit (#'s 1-8B), Variation 2.2  (Folding Platform, Rear Platform Screw).  Actually, there wasn't a Variation 2.2 until I started comparing this camera to another vertical 4x5 Amateur Equipment that I had purchased earlier.  It turned out that they had a different way of making the platform rigid, so I split the Amateur Equipment model into three now: Variation 1.0, Variation 2.0, and Variation 2.2.
◊ 12-28-2023:  A new model, that, even though manufactured in London, was sold through a single American camera supplier, W.H. Walmsley, Philadelphia: the R.J. Beck's Portable Camera.  The rear of this camera is amazingly similar to the Rochester Optical Co. Excelsior View.
◊ 12-31-2023:  A second example of the Rochester Optical Co, New Model Variation 1.5.  Second examples are important to me because it validates the variation being made over some period of time - meaning that it may be of use, in the future, in identifying a third or fourth example of the same.
 
2024
◊ 01-02-2024:  A variation known from catalogs, but not seen until now: E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. Amateur Equipment or Amateur Outfit (#'s 1-8B) Variation 1.1 (non-folding platform, lens board).  The Amateur Equipment is an unusual mix of folding and non-folding platforms, lens boards or no lens boards, rise or no rise, swing or no swing - depending on size of the camera, and all called the same model. from 1882 through 1889.  Then, over the years, the features of given sizes change.  This particular combination of features was only offered from 1887-1889 for two sizes - this 4¼ x 6½" being one of them, the 5x8 being the other.  Study the large table at the web page if you can stand to.
◊ 01-08-2024:  A 5x7" example of the relatively rare Imperial Camera & Manufacturing Coi. Imperial View Camera.
◊ 01-15-2024:  Another 5x8" version of the Scovill Mfg. Co. New York View, this one almost in perfect shape with very light finish.
◊ 03-15-2024:  An 11x14 Semmendinger Excelsior Variation 1 (the one with the little compartment in the front standard.  The last two months have been devoted to making a rear platform for it.  Not very many Semmendinger cameras in existence.