Posted 8 years ago
Sting
(27 items)
My dad had this for a long time. He said he didn't use it much because 5 x 7 is a real pain to find. I remember him saying it was a "Universal" but constructed by Linhof or Deardorf. It appears to be constructed of Cherry. There is a number on the focusing screen frame and the number 32 stamped a few other places. Nothing on the lens - it looks very clear. The bulb will still move the shutter. Can someone give me an idea as to who made it and under what circumstances? I know my dad attended photo recon school in Colorado Springs but they used 8 x 10s. The lack of a brand name got me thinking about a government contract.
This is more than likely a "Rochester View" by the Rochester Optical Company (Rochester, NY). It dates to about 1900 to 1903 (or s0). A Packard shutter is probably behind the lens. Rochester made a "Universal"view camera but this isn't that model.
Thank you!
Was it common to leave off the brand names? I expected to at least find something on the lens.
The maker's i.d. would have been nailed to the bottom of the front standard. I suspect if you look closely you will find two very small nail holes separated by a couple inches. In looking at your pictures, it appears there are groups of nail holes. These cameras were sometimes private labeled by 'jobbers'. I've seen many cameras that have lost their labels ... it unfortunately happens. Regardless, the overall design and brass hardware is definitely by the Rochester Optical Company.
Oh ... and lenses were often added to cameras. In other words, a lens name is not related to the camera. Companies such as Rochester sold these cameras with and without lenses. Pro photographers liked to spec their lenses. The lens on the camera is a Rapid Symmetrical design and appropriate for the camera.
Thank you. I am posting another one.