Cameras/pony premo No 3
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Question
I bought a Rochester Opitical and Camera Company, Pony Premo No 3 at a yard sale for a couple of dollars. It looks cool, my great-grandfather was a famous photographer. I was wondering how much it is worth and if there is some type of manuel for it?
The Pony Premo No. 3 is a classic example of a light weight "cycle" style American folding plate camera, made by the Rochedster Optical (& Camera) Company (later a division of Eastman Kodak) from 1898 to 1912. It came in two sizes; for 4 x 5 inch format or 5 x 7 inch. It also had two radically different shutter configurations; early examples can be found with a completely wood encased front standard with the shutter mechanism hidden inside, or the majority have exposed metal shutters mounted there. These are generally common items, best sellers from their day, and many have survived. However, this type of camera is very popular with a certain population of camera collectors. In truly excellent condition, a 4 x 5 with normal shutter can sell for $125 to $150, while a 5 x 7 is about $150 to $175. The 4 x 5 with the shutter enclosed in the all wood front standard can go as high as $225. A manual? No, that would be a difficult order to fill. While these cameras remain common, the instruction manuals are extremely hard to find today. Personally, I don't recall ever seeing a manual for the Pony Premo No. 3, although I've seen them for many of the other Premo models.
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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