The Cameras

I am a camera user more than a collector - nevertheless here is my current collection.

Almost all are large-format cameras using film or plates bigger than 5”x4”. I use large format so that I can contact-print from the negatives. Almost all are antiques- over 100 years old. I enjoy discovering how they work and what kinds of subjects they best suited to.

They have all needed some form of repair/restoration.

Al Vista 3B Panoramic

Multiscope’s Al Vista 3B Panoramic 4”x10" film

I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it. Historic Camera website says:
The Al-Vista Model 3B was manufactured by the Multiscope & Film Co. of Burlington Wisconsin from approximately 1900 to 1908. This stereoscopic was capable of capturing 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches or 3 1/2 x 9 inches. This camera is similar to the Al-Vista No. 4B. The Al-Vista Model 3B featured a brilliant revolving view-finder, a film indicator showing when enough film is wound into position, a universal tripod socket, an extra rapid rectilinear lens, heavy nickel plated metal parts, covered in black morocco leather. The camera measures 8 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches. Originally priced at $20.00, the carrying case was an extra $2.50.

AL VISTA. It is constructed by Peter N. Angsten and Charles H. Gesbeck, who are granted a patent on September 8, 1896 in America. It is manufactured by the company Multiscope and Film Co. (12). It is a construction with a swinging lens and a crank. The speed is regulated using different air brake vanes. It uses 727mm roll film. Image angle approx. 180". The camera is the first to really become popular, and thereby gains a certain prevalence. Later models had adjustable image length from 102 to 305 mm.

Al Vista 5D Panoramic

Multiscope’s Al Vista 5D Panoramic

I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it.

AL VISTA. It is constructed by Peter N. Angsten and Charles H. Gesbeck, who are granted a patent on September 8, 1896 in America. It is manufactured by the company Multiscope and Film Co. (12). It is a construction with a swinging lens and a crank. The speed is regulated using different air brake vanes. It uses 727mm roll film. Image angle approx. 180". The camera is the first to really become popular, and thereby gains a certain prevalence. Later models had adjustable image length from 102 to 305 mm.

Al Vista 5B Panoramic

Multiscope’s Al Vista 5B Panoramic

I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it.

The company was based on the Al Vista camera patent obtained by Peter N. Angsten and Charles H. Gesbeck On 8 September 1896. The camera introduced to the public in 1897 featured a rotating lens exposing roll film stretched on a 180-degree arc. The Al Vista camera proved to be the first successfully produced commercial panoramic camera made in quantity.

Al-Vista cameras were manufactured and sold by the Multiscope & Film Company of Burlington, Wisconsin USA.

https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00580/00580.pdf

AL VISTA. It is constructed by Peter N. Angsten and Charles H. Gesbeck, who are granted a patent on September 8, 1896 in America. It is manufactured by the company Multiscope and Film Co. (12). It is a construction with a swinging lens and a crank. The speed is regulated using different air brake vanes. It uses 727mm roll film. Image angle approx. 180". The camera is the first to really become popular, and thereby gains a certain prevalence. Later models had adjustable image length from 102 to 305 mm.

Blair Hawkeye Eastman Stereo

takes two simultaneous 6x6cm frames. These need to be swapped left to right when printing for viewing in the commonest type of stereo image viewers. Designed in 1890 and developed through the 1920s. I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it.

Kodak Brownie (Black) Pre 1953

Takes 120 roll film - but I mostly use it with single sheets of paper or X-ray film. It has the advantage of a B- shutter setting.

https://www.brownie-camera.com/74.shtml
Six-20 model f 1955-7

Model D
Type: Box Rollfilm Introduced: 1946 Discontinued: 1957 
Film Size: 620 
Picture Size: 2 1/4 X 3 1/4" Manufactured: UK Lens: Meniscus F/11, 100mm, With Portrait Lens Shutter: Single Blade 
 Original Price: $10.00

Description: This well made Brownie featured a pearl-grained imitation leather covering and two brilliant view-finders. It also had an easy-to-use hinged back with a simple spring catch. 
Variations: The first production of this camera, from 1946 until 1953 was available with a plain matte enamel faceplate, a metal or plastic winding knob and a metal or plastic shutter release button.  From 1953-57 the camera changed to a horizontally striped design faceplate, plastic winding knob, and a plastic shutter release button. In addition, 2-pin flash contacts and a triangular spring back catch were added.

Kodak Brownie (Brown)

From c 1956
Takes 120 roll film - but I mostly use it with single sheets of paper or X-ray film. It has the advantage of a B- shutter setting and tab to pull put for closer work. Has flash sync too.

https://www.brownie-camera.com/74.shtml
Six-20 model f 1955-7

Model D
Type: Box Rollfilm Introduced: 1946 Discontinued: 1957 Film Size: 620 Picture Size: 2 1/4 X 3 1/4" Manufactured: UK Lens: Meniscus F/11, 100mm, With Portrait Lens Shutter: Single Blade Numbers Made: ? Original Price: $10.00

Description: This well made Brownie featured a pearl-grained imitation leather covering and two brilliant view-finders. It also had an easy-to-use hinged back with a simple spring catch. 
Variations: The first production of this camera, from 1946 until 1953 was available with a plain matte enamel faceplate, a metal or plastic winding knob and a metal or plastic shutter release button. From 1953-57 the camera changed to a horizontally striped design faceplate, plastic winding knob, and a plastic shutter release button. In addition, 2-pin flash contacts and a triangular spring back catch were added.

Kodak folding 4A model B

Half-plate 4 1/4”x 6 1/2” negatives.
The No. 4A Model B Folding Kodak Camera was manufactured by the Eastman Kodak company from 1908 to 1915. This camera was improved with a metal front standard compared to the earlier No.4A Folding Kodak camera. A large Folding Camera that took 6 exposures, 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches in size on number 126 roll film. Constructed of aluminum and covered in seal grain leather. Features included a double combination rapid rectilinear lens, a Kodak ball bearing shutter with finger and pneumatic release, rising and sliding front, two tripod sockets, brilliant reversible finder with hood and automatic focusing lock. Original list price was $109.50
Credit for info. https://www.historiccamera.com

I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it.

New Countess Field Camera 10x8

Mahogany and aluminium. At c1890 this is an early camera of uncertain manufacture but probably by The London & Paris Optic & Clock Company which was owned or managed by J.S. Johnson and Walter H. Thompson and later by Thompson alone. They sold a number of cameras in their 'Royalty' range, the Countess camera is shown in the YBP 1893, p. cx and appears to be based on J.E. Brown's designs. So the “New” Countess fits in that range naming. (also The Duke). The cameras were probably manufactured by several firms to be sold under the LPOC brand. The LPOC was wound up in 1910 but was probably not active by that time, the owners are shown as T.A. Reynolds, Alfred T. Reynolds and W. Horace Thompson.
After 1900 advertising is in the name of W.H. Thompson.

References: YBP 1889, p. cxlvi. YBP 1891, p. xciv. Lon. Gaz. 6/9/1910.

Kodak Panoram 4B Panoramic

No.4 Panoram B
Film: 103 3½x12"
Angle of view 142°
Produced 1900-26

I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it.

from Wikipedia (with some additional comments by myself). The design of the Panoram was patented by Kodak Brownie designer Frank A. Brownell[5] and released as a series of models.] It was about the size of a shoe-box and could be hand-held for shooting landscapes,[10] and Kodak described it as "a camera of few parts. Its operation is very simple and good pictures will be obtained from the beginning."[11]
A swinging lens housed in a light-proof leather tube which projected the image progressively during its scan onto flexible 103 film, held against a back plate curved to match the path of the lens. Focus was fixed and the camera intended to render objects sharp only if over 20 feet into the scene. The swinging mechanism through which the image was transmitted by a rear slit, and with the lens tube not pointing at the film at either end of its travel; were mechanisms which constituted the shutter, which had two settings; "fast" and "slow", the latter being used for most situations except for "views at the seashore, on the water, and for very distant views when the sunlight is unusually bright."[11]
A fold-down door covered the lens when not in use, except on Model 4. Framing was achieved using a brilliant finder mounted centrally on the top-front edge - some with a cover providing a mirror for eye-level use, supplemented by V-shaped sighting-lines across the top of the camera. A variety of level indicators were used across the models over time. For distortion-free images the viewfinder helped aligne the shot with the horizon line.

The camera could be used for both horizontal and vertical shooting and tripod mounts are present for both.

Kodak Panoram 4C Panoramic

Film: 103 3½x12"
Angle of view 142°
Produced 1900-26

I either use single sheets of X-ray film or my own DIY roll-film of several appropriately sized pieces of X-ray film strung together with a black paper backing. This backing has carefully placed frame numbers stuck to it.
from Wikipedia (with some additional comments by myself). The design of the Panoram was patented by Kodak Brownie designer Frank A. Brownell[5] and released as a series of models.] It was about the size of a shoe-box and could be hand-held for shooting landscapes,[10] and Kodak described it as "a camera of few parts. Its operation is very simple and good pictures will be obtained from the beginning."[11]
A swinging lens housed in a light-proof leather tube which projected the image progressively during its scan onto flexible 103 film, held against a back plate curved to match the path of the lens. Focus was fixed and the camera intended to render objects sharp only if over 20 feet into the scene. The swinging mechanism through which the image was transmitted by a rear slit, and with the lens tube not pointing at the film at either end of its travel; were mechanisms which constituted the shutter, which had two settings; "fast" and "slow", the latter being used for most situations except for "views at the seashore, on the water, and for very distant views when the sunlight is unusually bright."[11]
A fold-down door covered the lens when not in use, except on Model 4. Framing was achieved using a brilliant finder mounted centrally on the top-front edge - some with a cover providing a mirror for eye-level use, supplemented by V-shaped sighting-lines across the top of the camera. A variety of level indicators were used across the models over time. For distortion-free images the viewfinder helped aligne the shot with the horizon line.

The camera could be used for both horizontal and vertical shooting and tripod mounts are present for both.

Kodak Panoram 4D Panoramic

Reynolds Branson Half-plate field camera

c 1880/1890
Originally sold in various forms costing from £3 10shillings to £8 10 shillings. Note that:
At the time the average weekly wage for an agricultural labourer was 14/- 6d, a teacher 19/- 6d or a surgeon £4 10/- *

*12 pennies (d) in a shilling (/-), 20 shillings in a pound (£)
I have used the camera for wetplate collodion work and with vintage dry glass plates as well as the usual X-ray film and self-poured emulsion on glass dry plates.

Sanderson Field Camera Full-plate

c1910

I have used the camera for wetplate collodion work and with vintage dry glass plates as well as the usual X-ray film and self-poured emulsion on glass dry plates.

Construction: Polished teak with brass binding and fittings, black leather bellows, finger joints.

Format: 13 x 18 cm plates held in double dark-slides.

Focusing: Bellows. Double extension rack and pinion movement to rear standard and inner frame carrying front standard.

Attributes: Tallbody feature. Plumb bob. Removable lens panel. Reversing back. Turntable in base. Diagonal cut rack and pinion.

Identification: Diagonal cornered bellows. Tallbody feature. "Patents". Early type bolts to front standard. Type 5 name plaque. Trade Mark plaque of N inside a hanging shield. Facility to lock front standard forks in forward position.

Movements: Rising front, cross front, swing and tilt to back, tilt to front.

Thornton Pickard Imperial Field Camera (1910) Full-plate

I have used the camera for wetplate collodion work and with vintage dry glass plates as well as the usual X-ray film and self-poured emulsion on glass dry plates.

The Imperial Triple Extension Camera was manufactured by the Thornton-Pickard company from approximately 1903 to 1925. Designed with an improved three brass bar front that provides considerable strength without an increase in weight. Featuring a triple extension front that can extend 22 inches on the half plate. A extra wide camera front for mounting lens, real leather bellows, spring automatic locking catches to camera front, independent rising, falling and cross front with automatic stop, triple swing back. Fitted with a Beck Symmetrical lens, T-P Plantoplanat, or a T-P Rectoplanat lens and a T-P instantaneous shutter with speed indicator. Made in quarter plate, post card, half plate, 7 x 5 inches, whole plate, 10 x 8, and 12 x 10 inch size.

Thornton Pickard Imperial Field Camera (1920) Full-plate

Victo Half Pate triple extension field camera

Made by Houghton in c1910.

I have used the camera for wetplate collodion work and with vintage dry glass plates as well as the usual X-ray film and self-poured emulsion on glass dry plates.
http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/entry_C679.html

Construction: Polished Honduran mahogany, brass fittings, finger joints. Leather bellows with diagonal corners.

Format: 6 ½" x 4 ¾" plates held in double dark-slides.

Focusing: Bellows to 36". Triple extension. Rack and pinion movement to inner and outer frames.

Attributes: Removable lens panel. Reversing back. Turntable. Stops to limit movement of cross front. Levers to lock rear standard to focusing frame. Plumb bob.

Movements: Double rising front, cross front, tilting front, tilting back, swing back.

The Victo appeared around 1898 as a simple low-cost field camera, several improvements were made and features added over the years. In 1904 triple extension was included and shortly after the front standard was made to automatically lock into place as the camera was opened, a similar feature was present on the rear standard. Around 1911 the roller-blind shutter was changed from a Thornton-Pickard to a self-capping model made by Houghton. It was rather late to introduce such a complex device on a low-cost field camera.

In a 1915 Houghton's price list, the Standard Triple Victo cost £12-2s-6d, the Tropical Victo cost £13-5s-0d. One wonders who bought them; these prices represent between £2,800 and £3,500 at today's rates. In 1915, the UK average wage across all social groups, as far as I can determine, was £5 per week; a farm worker at the time earned £0-16s-9d weekly. At prices 10 to 15 times his weekly wage, I guess not many agricultural workers were buying Victos, Tropical or otherwise.

Victo Half-plateP triple (III) field camera

Made by Houghton in c1920.

I have used the camera for wetplate collodion work and with vintage dry glass plates as well as the usual X-ray film and self-poured emulsion on glass dry plates.
http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/entry_C679.html

Construction: Polished Honduran mahogany, brass fittings, finger joints. Leather bellows with diagonal corners.

Format: 6 ½" x 4 ¾" plates held in double dark-slides.

Focusing: Bellows to 36". Triple extension. Rack and pinion movement to inner and outer frames.

Attributes: Removable lens panel. Reversing back. Turntable. Stops to limit movement of cross front. Levers to lock rear standard to focusing frame. Plumb bob.

Movements: Double rising front, cross front, tilting front, tilting back, swing back.

The Victo appeared around 1898 as a simple low-cost field camera, several improvements were made and features added over the years. In 1904 triple extension was included and shortly after the front standard was made to automatically lock into place as the camera was opened, a similar feature was present on the rear standard. Around 1911 the roller-blind shutter was changed from a Thornton-Pickard to a self-capping model made by Houghton. It was rather late to introduce such a complex device on a low-cost field camera.

In a 1915 Houghton's price list, the Standard Triple Victo cost £12-2s-6d, the Tropical Victo cost £13-5s-0d. One wonders who bought them; these prices represent between £2,800 and £3,500 at today's rates. In 1915, the UK average wage across all social groups, as far as I can determine, was £5 per week; a farm worker at the time earned £0-16s-9d weekly. At prices 10 to 15 times his weekly wage, I guess not many agricultural workers were buying Victos, Tropical or otherwise.

Thornton Pickard Imperial Field Camera (1920) Full-plate,

Sanderson Field Camera Full-plate,

Lancaster Quarter Plate,

Unbranded Tailboard half-plate,

Victo Stereo/triple extension half-plate (1910) field camera,

Victo Half Plate field camera,

Victo Half Pate triple extension field camera,

Victo-Houghton Full-Plate triple extension - Sprung reducing back (fits Sanderson),

Victo HP (IV) home-made bellows field camera,

Victo Half-plateP triple (III) field camera (Bought March 2025),

Reynolds Branson Half-plate field camera,

Al Vista 5D Panoramic,

Al Vista 5B Panoramic,

Al Vista 3B Panoramic,

Kodak Panoram 4B Panoramic,

Kodak Panoram 4C Panoramic,

Kodak Panoram 4D Panoramic,

Zeiss Plate hand-camera,

Kodak 3A Folding hand camera,

Kodak folding pocket 4B,

Kodak folding 4A ,

Kodak folding pocket,

Kodak Brownie (Black),

Kodak Brownie (Brown),

Balda folding rangefinder,

Blair Hawkeye Eastman Stereo,

Pentax KX (35mm)