Rochester Optical Co.

Universal Camera

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1890-1902
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (gears internal to base); single or double swing; three-piece lensboard; reversing by removable back
Materials: mahogany body; mahogany bed; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 3.25x4.25; 4x5; 4.25x6.5; 5x7; 5x8; 6.5-8.5; 8x10; 10x12; 11x14; 14x17; 17x20
Notes: another one of R.O.C.'s extensive array of English compact style cameras; w/ two sizes of canvas cases available, plate-holder, tripod.   The illustrated camera is 6.5x8.5.  One minor variation is in the rearmost metal piece in the hinge, having an upward projection (as in the above engraving), or being straight (as in the above photographs).
References:
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, June 1890, p. 2-3
Illustrated Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, May 1891, p. 2-3
Photographic Material, Catalogue O & P, James W. Queen & Co. (Philadelphia, PA), 1891, p. 45-46
1893 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1893, p. 4-5
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1893, p. 103
1894 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1894, p. 4-5
1895 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1895, p. 4-5
1896 Catalogue of Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1896, p. 4-5
Dept. 5: Photographic Lenses, Supplies, etc. 2nd ed.; Andrew J. Lloyd & Co. (Boston) catalog, 1897, p. 43
Horgan, Robey & Co. (Boston, MA) Catalog, 1898, p. 4-5
Photographic Apparatus, Rochester Optical Co. Catalog, 1899, pp. 6-7
Premo Cameras, Rochester Optical Co. Catalog, 1902, p. 43

Variation: Bottom hinge hardware does not extend completely to include side bracing (see below); example is 6.5x8.5 and marked Universal.

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