Manhattan Optical Co.

Wizard View, Variation 2

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c. 1899- c. 1900
Construction: rear focus via rack and pinion (two gear tracks on top of base rails) ; double swing; shifting front, reversing by removable back; gears on top of both tops of base tracks
Materials: mahogany body, cherry base, nickeled brass hardware, red leather bellows
Sizes Offered: 4x5, 5x7, 6.5x8.5, 8x10
Notes: is the same basic design as the Criterion, and disappeared about the time the Criterion appeared, and so may be its fore-runner.  In 1899, Manhattan Optical made separate front focus only (Variation 1) and back focus only (Variation 2) versions. They were replaced by 1903 with Variation 3:  front and back focus.
References:
The Wizard Catalogue 1899, Manhattan Optical Co. of N.Y., 1899, pp. 26-27
The Wizard Catalogue, Manhattan Optical Co. of N.Y., 1900/1901, pp. 30-31
 

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