Anderson, J. A.
Chicago, Illinois

New View Camera

Date Introduced:  ; Years Manufactured: c. 1888
Construction: back focus via push-pull with fine focus screw (missing in photos); single or double or no swing; rising front; reversing by adjustable plateholder; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body, cherry base, brass hardware, black fabric bellows
Sizes Offered: 6.5x8.5; 8x10; 10x12; 11x14; 14x17; 17x20; 18x22;20x24
Notes: Anderson cameras are rare, compared to the major manufacturers, such as E. & H.T. Anthony or Scovill.  This massive camera, even though advertised in 1888, is a throw-back to the wet-plate era - its square plateholder and ground glass allow an 8x10 plate to be inserted either horizontally or vertically in the holder without moving the camera, similar to wet-plate design.  While perhaps convenient, this arrangement had, by 1888, long been abandoned by other manufacturers in favor of lighter weight designs.
References:
W.D. Gatchel (Louisville, KY) Catalog, 1888, p. 23

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