Pony Premo No. 6 5x7: Date?

brennerp98 · Apr 6, 2009

I've just picked up a Pony Premo No. 6 5x7. The attached pic is not my camera, but is identical in detail.

It was made by the "R.O. & C. Co" (Rochester Optical and Camera Co.) I know from reading the history that this firm was formed by the combining of five companies in 1899, and sold to Kodak in 1903. Thus that is the vintage.

But I've seen various pictures of the Pony Premo No.6, with different structural details, so I'm curious whether this was an earlier or later version within that time period. By suspicion is earlier, as I've seen a Premo by a predecessor company that looks similar. But I wonder if anyone knows for sure.

Thanks,

Paul

mike c · Apr 29, 2009

Paul I'm looking to buy about the same thing as you show in your post,can't find any dates anywhere. It is in beautiful shape with 6 excellent 5X7 wooden film holders ,a I'm trying to figure out how much money to offer him. 81/2" homocentric 1:6.3 lens,Ross ,London no 61338 ,Premo shutter, aperture has one blade loose. can any give me any comments about this camera,I intend to use this camera not collect.

mike c.

Anastigmatic · Apr 29, 2009

Mike ,Mckeowns lists it at around $100-$150, so i guess you can go from there, with holders is a nice bonus, the homocentric lens were quite expensive i think compared to other lens offerings, perhaps double the price. i think those lens were introduced about 1903 ...not sure if any of that helps?

mike c · Apr 29, 2009

Yes it does,I'm still wondering if they can be used for sheet film or were they designed for glass plates only. the holders have lit tin frames in them,are they for holding down sheet film or to place glass plates? Some one has put film in them but I do not know if that is correct? thanks for the replay Anastigmatic.

mike c.

Anastigmatic · Apr 29, 2009

i'm not familiar with the holders for those but in almost all cases you can find a way to use sheet film in in a holder that was designed for glass plate, the 'tin frames' may well be septums/sheaths to adapt to sheet film...its hard to tell without seeing a picture of them

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

Thanks if I get a chance I'll try and post some pictures, it is a sweet camera and in very good shape for its age. Shutter sticks a little and the one aperture blade needs to be fixed, I am thinking of taking it to Flutos since they are very close to where I live. I'd sure like to have it ready by November when the Tanopah work shop starts.

mike c.

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

Pony Premo No 6

Here are the pics of the camera I wish to purchase, I'm hoping that these film holders can be used with regular sheet film and camera all so. Can anyone tale me based on these pics I would be grateful.

mike c.

jimgalli · Apr 30, 2009

Mike, it appears that those are plate holders. Also appears that perhaps this camera has the same config as modern 5X7 film holders so maybe all you'd have to do is find some film holders. I think I'd reserve the right to return it if that turns out to not be the case. Maybe someone else knows for sure.

seawolf66 · Apr 30, 2009

here's what my Pony Premo # 6 4x5 looks like :

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

Thanks jim the fellow who owns it know has sheet flim in it right know with the hangers holding the flim in, I don't think he has used it like that but he says that is how it works.Hello Lauren, that's a nice one,do your holders use glass or film and do they have those metal frames in them?. I wanted to use film not glass.

mike c.

Anastigmatic · Apr 30, 2009

i wouldn't let the holders stop me from buying or using it, actually i think it is somewhat of a bonus to have the holders, more often than not thats the thing that is hard to get..however it does appear as Jim says that modern holders may fit this camera as well so there is chance you could pick some up cheap somewhere..otherwise you can still use film in these, just put the film in first and then a piece of 2mm glass cut to size to hold the film firm and flat. you can substitute glass for some other material so long as it is firm and flat but 2mm glass is easy to get hold of.

not the holders but the shutter/iris is what would cause me the most concern, not that i have seen it as you have or tested it to hear if it is operating reasonably nicely. if it is then good but if not then seeing how you are near Flutos it would be worth dropping in (or giving a call) and asking if (she? for some reason i thought Flutos was a woman) she can overhaul one of these shutters (if it needs it) or can fix the loose aperture blade. These shutters IMO are a little more finicky to repair if you dont know what your doing (no oil in the pistons etc) but if they are working then they are fine

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

Anastigmatic, the fellow has put the film then the metal frame thing (shown in thumb nail) to hold film down.I'm thinken if that is good enough to keep film flat and would it be in registration with the ground glass for the focus plane. I'll have to call to Flutos (Fluto is deceased ,his Daughter I think run it now) or Ed Grimes for the low down on the shutter,which could be costly.

mike c.

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

Do those two cylinders on each side use oil,marvel or singer oil?

Anastigmatic · Apr 30, 2009

i havnt updated my old screen here so its hard for me to see detail...but the frame looks to have a large rebate, big enough that would take the thickness of a glass plate. So it appears that if you put sheet film in the wooden holder first and then the metal frame the film would be loose, unless you put the frame in upside down. if you put it in upside down it would not be in line with the GG but would probably still take OK pictures because the DOF would probably cover. However, using it properly, for better results, it would be designed for the glass to be placed first in the wooden holder and then the sheet film on top of the glass and then the metal frame to hold the sheet film (i said it back the front before, meaning that the film placed first in the metal frame and then the glass plate in the metal frame then the whole thing placed in the holder).

thats how it looks to me atm, if however the frame does fit the film and hold the film flat (not placing the frame upside down) without the film being loose in the holder then it is a holder just for film. just that the rear septum of the wooden holder doesnt look that flat to me on my screen so it looks like it would be designed for glass plate...either way you are able to use film in these holders.

NO, the shutter is air operated, i mentioned oil because it is a common mistake that people lube the pistons with oil and it destroys the shutter. if it is working then it is one of those things best left alone, if it needs servicing then someone that is familiar with them is best

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

I see your point about the film holders thankyou. So to trip this shutter you have to use an airbulb release cord.Or are the pistons controling the shutter speed

Anastigmatic · Apr 30, 2009

there are many different designs, but it looks like that one can trip either by hand or preferably by air bulb, attached to the one piston and the air will escape from the other. the pistons do also control the speed.

you should give it a try when you look at it next, you can make a not too fancy bulb release to test using a cheap lens lens cleaning blower (removing the brush part) and a length of tube (i.e. from local pet store for fish tank air pumps, only cost a few cents a meter)

mike c · Apr 30, 2009

Thank you very much Anastigmatic, you have been very helpful to me. this camera is a little different than my Hasselb. and speed graphic.

mike c.

Anastigmatic · Apr 30, 2009

your welcome Mike, check the shutter operation though but for the right price its well worth it, having holders is a blessing. nothing like a blad and it wont have the performance of the speed graphic either but using vintage/antique camera is very enjoyable and a welcomed change of pace..kinda like you have to contribute more to the painting of the final image if you want a certain look but other wise it will give its own unique rendition anyway...if you use glass plate just for a change to sheet film it can give the camera a duel purpose as well. get some glass cut and paint them with liquid emulsion (commonly available) for a different look again! good luck with purchasing it...all things being well i hope you can come back and show something you have used it for

Pony Premo No. 6 5x7: Date?

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