Blair Camera Co.
English Compact Reversible Back Camera Variation 2
On this page: LP147 (8x10) and LP138 (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?
LP138 - 6½ x 8½
Label, celluloid, bottom of
bed
Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c.1887-1898
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, in that many
cameras made in England from this era are in the same general pattern.
Variation 1: the rear strut merely holds the back of the camera up as well as providing tilt.
Variation 2: the rear strut slides forwards and backwards within a brass slot, in addtion to the functions listed for Variation 1.
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
