Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Co.

Combination Camera, Reversible Back, Variation 1

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c. 1884
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (two gear tracks on top of base rails); single or double swing; reverse by removable back; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; nickeled hardware
Sizes Offered: 4.25x5.5; 5x7; 5x8/6.5x8.5; 6.5x8.5/8x10; 8x10/10x12
Notes: two section base; front section removes for storage.   This camera is rather bulky, even when broken down.  The 5x8" back could be removed and replaced by a 6.5x8.5" one - hence the name combination.   The reversible part of the name comes from the ability to switch from horizontal to vertical format by removing and repositioning the back.  The ordinary Combination Camera also reverses, but only by taking the camera off the tripod and re-attaching it by its second tripod mount.  Variation 1 has a peculiar giant front standard extension, while Variations 2 and 3 have a normal front standard.
References:
Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Co. Catalog, 1884, pp. 3-6 (called New Reversible Blair Combination Camera)

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