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• rniederman saved to Vintage & Classic Cameras

Those who know me understand my passion for seeking out really odd, early camera designs; and the Sunflower (yep ... that's the name) fits in rather nicely. After 1900, a myriad of multiplying cameras were available to photographers; specialized apparatus able to cost effectively produce two or more images on a single photographic plate. Designs varied.

The Sunflower Multiplying Camera (patented in 1901) has a striking design and innovative features. The camera was made and sold by Jas. H. Smith & Company, a company that grew into the well known Smith-Victor Corporation, manufacturers of photographic lighting.

The actual years of production are not known, but a 1903 advertisement proclaims the camera as "Positively Unequalled" and built for making 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, or 36 small negatives on a single 5 x 7 inch plate. At this time, I am aware of two other examples of this elusive camera.