Posted 11 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
Stereoview photographer with his Camera self portrait.
I got this in grouping of Adirondack views from the 1890s. The group includes some great hunting and fishing shots, but none of the images were identified to the photographer.
The mounts were mainly these 1890s tan mounts, so I would think the images were from about 1895- 1905 time period.
Of course, I consider this particular image to be the gem of the group. The photographer took this self portrait in what appears to be a general store, using a store mirror to showcase his photographic skills!
Reproduction of this image in any form is not authorized.
scott
Very nice ... Scott ... since I'm a camera guy, you know I'm going to try to identify the camera. I'll update you if I figure it out. - Rob
Thanks Rob-- I was hoping that you would!
I appreciate your camera insight. I am not too familiar with the actual cameras-- more focused on the end product!
scott
You know I saw this guy and was reminded of Rob's guy on a narrow girder. Same pitch of the hat and just as perky!
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/69791-photographers-and-their-cameras--iconic-1?in=activity
Thanks for looking bellin and vetraio.
scott
Scott ... the camera is a M.P.C. Stereo made by the Vive Camera Company, Chicago, IL. It's a magazine-plate design dating to 1900. M.P.C. is an acronym for "Mechnical Plate Changing." The light colored spot on the top & side of the camera is a key to advance the plates. The photographer's forefinger is placed at the correct spot (a small, concave shaped identation) to fire the shutter. In today's market, a nice example would have a collector value of about $600+. Yet overall it's a terrific stereoview. - Rob
THANKS, Rob!
I may try and acquire a camera-- pricing sounds fairly reasonable. Are they fairly easy to find/ made in a large quantity?
scott
Vive cameras in general are somewhat uncommon. In over 25 years of collecting, I've seen two M.P.C. Stereos - then again I don't look for these types of box cameras. Although worthwhile to find it will be difficult. It did take a bit of effort to identify the camera. My first impression was a Conley stereo, but the big dials next to the lenses are what identifies it as a Vive. (BTW ... the name rhymes with five). Regardless, I'll keep an eye out for the camera.
Thanks petey and mikko.
scott
Terrific Scott. You do find the interesting ones...
Thanks amber-- I appreciate you taking a look and commenting.
scott
Thanks roadside!
scott
I have trouble knowing which way to point a camera but know the effects of a flash on mirrors & glass. I assume this was a time-lapse picture considering the times? I just traded in my Brownie for a digital because I could no longer find film.
Daylight shot, no flash.
scott
Just out of curiosity, that had to be a delay back then, so how much do you think? Just to give a perspective.
blunderbuss2 ... Scott is correct. By the time this image was made, roll film was sensitive enough to make instanteneous pictures with exposures in fractions of a second without the need of a flash. The shutter speed was likely 1/20th to 1/50th of a second; but I don't know for sure in not having handled this particular camera.
Thanks roadside and manikin.
scott