Rochester Optical Co.

New Model Stereo

Date Introduced: probably 1885 ; Years Manufactured: c. 1885-1899
Construction: back focus via rack and pinion (two gear tracks on top of base rails); single or double swing; three-piece lensboard; reversing by two tripod mounts
Materials: Honduras mahogany body; cherry bed; black fabric bellows; nickeled hardware
Sizes Offered: 3.25x4.25; 4x5; 4.25x6.5; 5x7; 5x8; 6.5-8.5; 8x10
Notes: Despite its name, this camera is not a stereo version of the New Model, but rather a stereo version of the New Model, Improved (thank you so very much ROC).  The label above is from the top inside of the wooden case, which appears to be a Scovill case rather than a Rochester Optical case, but its tall form allows the extra lensboard to be stored with the camera, whereas a normal New Model case might not fit the extra lensboard.  This camera has its septum (see above).  Sometimes two lenses are installed on a lensboard to create a "stereo camera"; the presence of a septum indicates that the camera was actually used as a stereo camera.
References:
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, June 1890, p. 13
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, May 1891, p. 17
1893 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1893, p. 14
1894 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1894, p. 14
1895 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1895, p. 17
1896 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1896, p. 17
Catalogue "G" 1896 Photographic Apparatus and Materials, Montgomery Ward & Co., 1896, p. 23
Catalogue "G" 1897 Photographic Apparatus and Materials, Montgomery Ward & Co., 1897, p. 22
 

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