What's This?

[akfotog]

A friend sent me this pic of a "civil-war era" camera he got from an estate sale. This is a bit above my pay grade, and was wondering, at a glance, if anyone wanted to take a stab at what it is. He says here are no markings, and I'll hopefully get to see it in a few days, and maybe get more pics. The lens is of interest to me.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I don't know what is it, but sure is cool looking!

Jeff

 

[shutterfinger]

The design is a Tail Board (tailboard?). It is possibly a plate camera. No guess as to manufacturer.

 

[Axle]

It may be an American Optical Company camera.

 

[Ian Grant]

It looks European to me, a variation of the early Reisekamers (German), Chambre de Voyage (French), essentially a travel camera.

Ian

 

[pdeeh]

I want one. Now please.

 

[Ian Grant]

Love the handle on the camera!

Very Germanic, like many early cameras the first Reisekameras were made by cabinet makers so makes sense to use a simple drawer handle, they had them in stock.

Ian

 

[Vaughn]

Very Germanic, like many early cameras the first Reisekameras were made by cabinet makers so makes sense to use a simple drawer handle, they had them in stock. Ian

Solid. Do you think the 'tailboard' folds up? Can not tell from the photo.

 

[AgX]

There is that brass flange at the tailboard, protruding towards the upper side.

I am sure that upper parts turns into the horizontal incorporating a hinge, and that there is a vertical slit between those
center screws.

 

[AgX]

Germanic ergonomics:

http://www.super8data.com/database/c...moviematic.jpg

 

[Ian Grant]

Solid. Do you think the 'tailboard' folds up? Can not tell from the photo.

Well the bellows will close and there's a catch to hold the front and back together while closed - red circles, also that brass in the Green rectangle is two pieces so it must be hinged there. Then there's also a brass strip and attaching point to hold the folded part of the bed in place - blue circles. Yes there will be quite a gap between the screen and the folded part of the base but for transport the plate holders probably fitted in there.

Ian