5X7 RAIL VIEW CAMERA (c. 1902) with BAUSCH & LOMB/ZEISS LENS

Description

Century 5x7 Large Format View Camera (c. 1902) with a Bausch & Lomb “Volute”
advanced shutter with Zeiss “Tessar” lens
At the turn of the 20th century (1900), the aptly named
Century Camera Company
was founded by three former employees of the
Rochester
(NY)
Optical Company
. By 1902
Century Camera
owned 25% of the plate camera market. In 1908 it was purchased by Kodak and became the
Century Camera Division of Eastman Kodak
who continued the brand until 1920.
Bausch & Lomb “Volute”
advanced shutter with Zeiss “Tessar” Lens
The
Lens
with this camera is very advanced and was only available as a special purchase in late 1902. The famous
Bausch & Lomb “Volute”
Shutter and Iris Diaphragm
is coupled with a
Carl Zeiss “Tessar Lens”
.
“Volute”
shutters feature a wide speed range from 3 to 1/150 seconds, plus B and T mode. It had two characteristic pistons, one to connect with the release bulb tube, the other is part of the speed setting mechanics. For aperture settings, it has a built-in
I
ris Diaphragm
. Around 1900,
Bausch & Lomb
licensed
Zeiss
glass lenses. This one features the classic f/6.3 apochromatic
Tessar
lens design by
Zeiss
scientist
Paul Rudolph
.
The
Wooden Lens Board
allows easy removal of the lens for cleaning, storage or exchange with another lens. This camera has one lens. (
Note:
there is a cosmetic crack in one corner of the wood of the lens board that is of no functional significance).
The
Body
of the camera is constructed of an aesthetically beautiful combination of
Mahogany and Brass
. Other wood used in the construction of the camera in addition to
Mahogany
(body) was
Cherry
for the rails to give them added durability.
Meta
l components are handsomely polished and heavily lacquered,
Brass
. There is a
Leather Handle
and an added
Level
made of some unknown thin silver metal over typical glass bubbles. A coat of varnish or lacquer was applied to all
Wood and Brass
surfaces, which accentuates and protects the rich looking components.
Internal surfaces are painted
Matte Black
and the
Extra Long Bellows
is black (leather?) with a new, advanced design for the folded corners for extra durability. It has no apparent cracks or light leaks. The back of the camera bears a
“Frosted” Focusing Glass
held in place with four
Brass
strips. The
Focusing Glass
has all four corners trimmed so that air inside and outside of the camera is ‘equalized’ to prevent trapping moisture. The
Body
of the camera has large
Brass Knobs
that can be loosened to swing the camera back to the right or left. Other
Brass Knobs
allow for tilting the back for other special focusing effects. Likewise, there is a
Brass Knob
beside the
Lens Board Holder
to allow that component (with the lens) to be elevated or lowered, changing the line of sight. Tightening any of the knobs locks the component in position.
The focal distance from the
Lens
to the
Focusing Glass
is controlled by expanding or contracting the
Bellows
along two
Rails
. The
Front Rail Track
is mounted to the
Camera Body
(
Base
) by two
Brass Hinges
, so it can be ‘folded up’ making the camera more compact for transport. The
Posterior Rail
is a separate piece that must be attached by aligning two
‘Brass Pins’
and tightening a
Brass Screw
to the
Camera Base
. A
Locking Mechanism
prevents the back of the camera moving backward down this
Rail
unintentionally. When both the
Anterior
and
Posterior Rails
are in place, the focal length is over 20 inches.
Note:
The carrying case is in very poor condition and while it will be included for purposes of shipping, it is not part of the calculated price of this item. The
Tripod
and
Plate Holders
are
sold separately
and are listed below.
Accessories:
F&S
Crown N
o
2
Tripod
This period correct (c. 1902) accessory for the
Century 5x7 View Camera is
listed separately for sale on eBay under
Vintage Movie and Photography Equipment
/
Vintage Camera
section
Century 5x7 Plate Holders (5) with 4x5 Adapters
Five period correct (c. 1902) hardwood accessories for the
Century 5x7 View Camera
listed for sale on eBay under
Vintage Movie and Photography Equipment
/
Vintage Parts & Accessories