Rochester Optical Co.
Date Introduced: – ; Years Manufactured: c.1890-1902
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (gears internal to base); single or double swing; three-piece lensboard; reversing by removable back
Materials: mahogany body; mahogany bed; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 3.25×4.25; 4×5; 4.25×6.5; 5×7; 5×8; 6.5-8.5; 8×10; 10×12; 11×14; 14×17; 17×20
Notes: another one of R.O.C.’s extensive array of English compact style cameras; w/ two sizes of canvas cases available, plate-holder, tripod. The illustrated camera is 6.5×8.5. One minor variation is in the rearmost metal piece in the hinge, having an upward projection (as in the above engraving), or being straight (as in the above photographs).
References:
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, June 1890, p. 2-3
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, May 1891, p. 2-3
Photographic Material, Catalogue O & P, James W. Queen & Co. (Philadelphia, PA), 1891, p. 45-46
1893 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1893, p. 4-5
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1893, p. 103
1894 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1894, p. 4-5
1895 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1895, p. 4-5
1896 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1896, p. 4-5
Dept. 5: Photographic Lenses, Supplies, etc. 2nd ed.; Andrew J. Lloyd & Co. (Boston) catalog, 1897, p. 43
Horgan, Robey & Co. (Boston, MA) Catalog, 1898, p. 4-5
Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co. Catalog, 1899, pp. 6-7
Premo Cameras, Rochester Optical Co. Catalog, 1902, p. 43
