Cameras/Premo A
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Question
I recently came in to posession of a Premo A camera with some holders,glass plates I believe...the camera is in good condition, the lens works and the bellows appear intact...the B&L lens has a date of Jan6 '91 (1891 of course)and there is a silver plate with VICTOR on the aperture scale while the brass shutter ring at the top has ROCHESTER OPTICAL CO on it....the view finder rotates and all the wood is in very good shape...the leather exterior has some wear but in general is in good shape considering the age...can you tell me anymore information about this camera and potential value...thanks for your time and expertise
Hi Barry,
The Premo A is a classic example of what is generically known as an "American folding plate camera". This style of camera was first successfully introduced in America around 1891 (although there were some debated earlier experiments), remained popular through about 1920, and evolved into the "press" cameras that journalists used right through the 1970's. The Premo A, made by the Rochester Optical Company from 1895 to 1902, was a simpler model of folding plate camera for the amateur photographer. The Victor shutter holds a Bausch & Lomb Rapid Rectilinear lens that was the basic industry standard for many years. Pretty wood and brass cameras have a fanatical following among camera collectors, so, although the Premo A is a relatively common item (the Premo line was hugely successful back then, and zillions were sold), it retains pretty darn good market value. It all depends on condition (and be warned that there is absolutely NO allowance for age...these cameras are OFTEN found in practically brand spanking new shape!), and the primary problems are saggy, worn out bellows and rotten, dried out exterior leather. The shutters don't have to be perfect, but collectors want then to make a nice healthy "click" when fired. In truly excellent overall condition a Premo A in the 4 x 5 inch format sells for $150 to $200 today while the 5 x 7 inch sells for $175 to $250.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David 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:
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