Difference between revisions of "Pocket Monroe"
m (moved Pocket Monroe No. 2 to Pocket Monroe: It seems sensible to include all three sizes ('No. 1', 'No. 2' and 'A') on the same page.) |
(Edited to cover all three models (three plate sizes); added a couple more links) |
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| + | The '''Pocket Monroe''' cameras were unique camera designs of the [[Monroe|Monroe Camera Company]] of Rochester, New York. The camera was designed by Silas French. Together with Albert Beir, co-founder and vice-president of Monroe, he received a patent on this camera construction in 1897. | ||
| − | The | + | The camera was made in three models (three sizes): |
| − | + | * '''Pocket Monroe No. 1''' or '''Vest Pocket Monroe''', for 2×2½-inch plates. | |
| + | * '''Pocket Monroe No. 2''', for 3½×3½-inch plates. | ||
| + | * '''Pocket Monroe A''', for quarter plate (3¼×4¼ inch). | ||
| − | *[http://www.google.com/patents?id=YWVaAAAAEBAJ | + | The camera consists of the front, carrying the achromat lens, shutter, aperture and viewfinder; the back, containing the plate holder; the characteristic filigreed expanding strut construction, and the bellows. The struts fold completely into the flanges of back and front so that the camera is quite a compact item when folded. |
| + | |||
| + | The back holds a brass double plateholder which is only a quarter of an inch thick, an improvement compared to contemporary wooden plate holders. The front is made of two wooden plates, with the shutter located in between. Three apertures are selectable. In the top of the camera front is a reflecting type viewfinder with lens, mirror and matte screen. When opened the camera (the No. 2) measures 5 3/8" long x 4 1/4" wide x 4 3/8" high and weighs 9.6 ounces (271 g). Its length shrinks to 1 3/8" when it is folded. The patent date is imprinted on the plateholder and the wood of the front frame. | ||
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| + | ===Links=== | ||
| + | * [http://www.google.com/patents?id=YWVaAAAAEBAJ Patent for Silas French and Albert Beir, May 18th, 1897] at [http://www.google.com/patents Google patent search]. | ||
| + | * [http://www.geh.org/fm/mees/htmlsrc/mM75300001_ful.html Vest Pocket Monroe] in the Mees Gallery Exhibit [http://www.geh.org/fm/mees/htmlsrc/mees_idx00001.html 'Enhancing the Illusion'], at [http://www.geh.org/ George Eastman House]. | ||
| + | * [http://www.antiquewoodcameras.com/monroevp.html Vest Pocket Monroe] (photograph, advertisement and some details) at [http://www.antiquewoodcameras.com/index.html antique and 19th Century Cameras]. | ||
[[Category:Strut folding plate]] | [[Category:Strut folding plate]] | ||
[[Category:1890-1899]] | [[Category:1890-1899]] | ||
Revision as of 01:18, 16 August 2011
The Pocket Monroe cameras were unique camera designs of the Monroe Camera Company of Rochester, New York. The camera was designed by Silas French. Together with Albert Beir, co-founder and vice-president of Monroe, he received a patent on this camera construction in 1897.
The camera was made in three models (three sizes):
- Pocket Monroe No. 1 or Vest Pocket Monroe, for 2×2½-inch plates.
- Pocket Monroe No. 2, for 3½×3½-inch plates.
- Pocket Monroe A, for quarter plate (3¼×4¼ inch).
The camera consists of the front, carrying the achromat lens, shutter, aperture and viewfinder; the back, containing the plate holder; the characteristic filigreed expanding strut construction, and the bellows. The struts fold completely into the flanges of back and front so that the camera is quite a compact item when folded.
The back holds a brass double plateholder which is only a quarter of an inch thick, an improvement compared to contemporary wooden plate holders. The front is made of two wooden plates, with the shutter located in between. Three apertures are selectable. In the top of the camera front is a reflecting type viewfinder with lens, mirror and matte screen. When opened the camera (the No. 2) measures 5 3/8" long x 4 1/4" wide x 4 3/8" high and weighs 9.6 ounces (271 g). Its length shrinks to 1 3/8" when it is folded. The patent date is imprinted on the plateholder and the wood of the front frame.
Links
- Patent for Silas French and Albert Beir, May 18th, 1897 at Google patent search.
- Vest Pocket Monroe in the Mees Gallery Exhibit 'Enhancing the Illusion', at George Eastman House.
- Vest Pocket Monroe (photograph, advertisement and some details) at antique and 19th Century Cameras.
