Peerless Camera - c.1887 Rochester Optical Company

There's something about smaller pre-1900 wood cameras; let's face it, they're cute and I go out of my way to seek these out.

This is a beautiful "Peerless Camera" made by the Rochester Optical Company from 1887-94. It was offered in a variety of sizes ranging from 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 (I wish I had the smallest size) to 8 x 10 inches. The example shown here is a near flawless 4" x 5" view camera in 100% original condition made of a polished mahogany body, cherry bed, and highly polished nickel plated hardware.

Its always interesting to look at a camera design and reflect on its chosen name. Considering the above average construction for a late 1880s field camera, the Rochester Optical Company must have felt that this camera was without peer -- or "Peerless".