Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY
American Challenge Swivel Bed
View Camera
Challenge Camera
C.H. Codman
Catalog, 1886, p. 11
4 x 5 Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c.1881-1887 References:
Construction: front and back focus; double
swing; sliding metal lens board; reversing by removable back; no gears;
Materials: cherry; cast iron base;
red leather bellows;
nickeled brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 3 ½x4 ½; 4x5
Notes: has an
innovative metal monorail-like base; patented by William Walker (see
below) and originally made by Walker & Co.,
then continued by ROC for a few years. A
Wooden Bed
American Challenge Camera of different
construction was offered in 1883 in 5x8 format.
The bed of the above model must be swiveled for stowage in the wooden
case.
Rochester Optical Co. Catalog, 1883
American Journal of Photography, March, 1885, p. 9
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus,
Rochester Optical Co. (Rochester, NY), distributed by C.
H. Codman (Boston, MA), 1886,
p. 11
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