Blair Camera Co.
English Compact Reversible Back Camera
Perhaps the only Blair camera that did not change over its long production period
On this page: LP147 (8x10), LP138 (6½x8½), and LP1195 (6½x8½)
LP147 - 8x10 Camera
with its
8x10 to 10x12 Extension Label, celluloid, bottom of
bed Screw heads lined up
horizontally along the tracks; the end screws are aligned vertically.
This is standard for American Optical cameras, not so standard for Blair
cameras. They made a special effort with this model to be elegant,
Or did they hire someone from American Optical to make this camera? Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c.1887-1898
LP138 - 6½ x 8½ Label, celluloid, bottom of
bed
LP1195 - 6½ x 8½
with Eastman-Walker Roll Film Holder, Extra Uncut Lens Board, and Tripod
Legs Label, celluloid, bottom of
bed Assembly Number Stamps No.
13: Bottom Inside of Rear Standard (top arrow), Rear Inside of Fixed
Platform (middle arrow), and Rear Inside of Movable Platform (lower
arrow)
Eastman-Walker Roll Film Holder, Serial No. 1895 Top and Right Sides Bottom and Left Sides Underside Disassembled for Loading Label, metal, center of
back: "Eastman Dry Plate & Film Co., Rochester, NY USA" Stamp, Serial No. 1895,
right side
Construction: front
focus (gears internal to base); single or double swing; reverse
by removable back; three-piece lens board
Materials: mahogany body; mahogany base;
black fabric bellows; brass hardware; French polish
shellac finish
Sizes Offered: 1406A=3¼x4¼; 1407A=4x5;
1406=5x7; 1407=5x8; 1408=6½x8½; 1409=8x10 (illustrated; with 10x12
patent extension); 1410=10x12
Notes: English compact style - well
named. 8x10 version in photos above; 6½x8½ version below.
Note that the photographed cameras are essentially identical, except for
size. The engraving differs, though, in that its top cross-bar on
the front standard is wooden, not brass, and its back brace is place
higher on the body. This appears to be the only engraving used for
the model, and might have been an early version. There is a photo
of a camera more like (but not identical to) the engraving at
http://www.eastman.org/fm/mees/htmlsrc/mB63500001_ful.html#topofimage.
References:
Photographic Lenses and How to Select Them, James W. Queen & Co.
(Philadelphia, PA), 1887, back cover
An
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Cameras, Lenses and Other
Apparatus and Materials for Photography, W.H. Walmsley & Co.
(Philadelphia, PA), April 1, 1888, p. 19
The International Annual of Anthony's Photographic Bulletin,
Vol. II, 1889, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., 1889,
ads p. 6
Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of
Photographic Apparatus and Supplies, Section A, Blair Camera Co.
(Boston, MA), distributed by Oscar Foss (San Francisco,
CA), 1890, pp.
7-8
Photographic Materials Illustrated, John Wanamaker, Philadelphia,
PA, c.1890, p.6
Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of
Photographic Apparatus and Supplies, Section A, Blair Camera Co.
(Boston, MA), 1893, pp.
6-7
Anthony's Photographic Bulletin XXV No. 5, May 1 1894, p. xi
Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of Photographic Apparatus and
Supplies, Blair Camera Co. (Boston, MA), 1895, pp. 6-7
Catalogue of
Photographic Apparatus and Supplies, Blair Camera Co. (Boston, MA),
1897, pp. 2-3
Catalogue of Hawk-Eye Cameras and Photographic Supplies Season of
1898, Blair Camera Co. (Boston, MA), 1898, pp. 2-3
