AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Question Hi from Sydney,Australia.I have a Pony Premo No 4 with a Bausch &
Lomb Opt Co Stereoscopic lens (Serial no 1021). The words Pat Jan 8 1891 are engraved on it.
Can you tell if it is collectable and its value?
Many thanks,
Peter
Answer
Hello Peter,
The Stereo Pony Premo No. 4 is a typical American style self-casing folding bellows camera made by the Rochester Optical Company (later under Eastman Kodak) from about 1903 to 1910 or so. It makes a pair of 3 1/2 x 5 inch exposures on a single piece of standard 5 x 7 inch film, which are later processed into stereo cards for viewing with 3-D effect. Value depends on condition. In truly excellent condition, with completely intact plush exterior leather and nice soft supple original red bellows, a regular single lens version of the Pony Premo No. 4, which is a fairly common model, will only sell for about $125-$150 in today's collectible camera market. The Stereo version, however, which is much more uncommon, will bring $400-$500. The problem is that the real market for these, since they are classic American cameras, is in the United States. I'm afraid the collectors who are willing to pay are all over here and they're not that easy to find. But no problem! If you'd like to find a buyer, forward this message to me at <silver@well.com>, with a couple of small JPEG digital images of the camera so I can evaluate its condition, and I'd be happy to recommend a few good honest collectors you can then contact on your own for an easy and stress-free transaction.
