Manhattan Optical Co., Rochester, New York, NY
Wizard View Variation 2
Manhattan Optical Co.
catalog, 1900/1901, pp. 30-31 Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c. 1899-
c. 1900 This camera is the same
basic design as the
Criterion,
and disappeared about the time the Criterion appeared, and so may be its
fore-runner. In 1899, Manhattan Optical
made the front focus only
Wizard
View Variation 1 and the back focus only
Wizard View
Variation 2. They were replaced, by the time the 1903
catalog was printed, with the
Wizard View
Variation 3, which has both front and back rack and pinon focus.
Variation 4,
also a front and back focus model, appeared about 1909. It differs
from Variation 3 in that it has a ground glass frame that admits
the plate holder using four complex spring clips. The 1909
reference below mentions an improved spring back which undoubtedly
refers to this mechanism. The Wizard Variation 4 also came
with two planks of wood that slide into retaining clips that are inlet
into the bottom of the base (see above photos of the bottom with its
planks). The purpose of the planks, according to the 1909
reference below, appears to be to brace the already fairly rigid bed of
all cameras larger than 5x7. References:
Back to Gundlach-Manhattan Optical Co.
Construction: rear
focus via rack and pinion (two gear tracks on top of
base rails) ; double swing; shifting front, reversing by
removable back; gears on top of both tops of base tracks
Materials: mahogany body, cherry base,
nickeled brass hardware, red leather bellows
Sizes Offered: 4x5, 5x7, 6 ½x8 ½, 8x10
Notes:
The Wizard Catalogue 1899, Manhattan
Optical Co. of N.Y., 1899, pp.
26-27
The Wizard Catalogue, Manhattan Optical Co. of N.Y., 1900/1901,
pp. 30-31
