Expert: David Silver - 5/15/2008

Question
Hello, David.

My father has an antique bellows-type wood camera with a carrying case. Both the camera and the case are marked "Rochester Optical Company". The camera is fitted with a brass plate that includes "New Model Improved" in addition to the mfr name. The lens has a slotted brass neck and is marked "5 x 8". The cap is leather. There is also a set of six F-stops with a leather case, a tripod attachment, and three wood frames for exposed plates.

The camera is in very good condition. It has a tail board with inlaid metal tracks. The bellows is dark brown and I can find no cracks/holes. The frosted glass plate is intact and looks flawless.  

He is interested in ascertaining its value for possible sale.  Your expertise and opinion would be very welcome.  I can provide photos as well, if you'd like.

Thank you for your help,
Astrid

Answer


Hello Astrid,

The "New Model" and the "New Model Improved" (same camera, but the latter had a knob control on the side for focusing), made by the Rochester Optical Company from the late 1880's and throughout the 1890's, are classic examples of American style light-weight field cameras (in Europe more often referred to as hand and stand cameras).  Similar cameras were made by all the large American manufacturers, such as Anthony, Scovill, American Optical, and Blair, and even for a time by Eastman Kodak.  They were available in a number of sizes, including 4 x 5, 5 x 7, 5 x 8, 6 1/2 x 8 1/2, and 8 x 10.  The 5 x 8 inch format size was particularly popular (the slightly wider dimension was perfect for general landscape work), and could be converted for double lens stereo photography as well.  These were top sellers, zillions were made, and it seems like the majority have survived to today, so I'm afraid they are VERY common.  Since there are so many out there, from so many different companies, condition and quality and completeness are the keys to value.  The Rochester models are generally nicer than most (with the brown bellows, nickel-plated hardware, and beautiful polished mahogany wood construction), and it appears that you have a very fine clean 5 x 8 inch example in its original intact outfit case with all the goodies.  In the current collectible camera market, this would probably sell in the $350-$400 range.

Best wishes,

David Silver