The Premo B camera was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Company from 1894 to approximately 1901. This was a popular hand and tripod model among amateurs providing a universal, quality camera at a moderate cost. Constructed of mahogany, covered in leather and finished with polished and lacquered brass metal hardware.

Features included a a new central swing back and rising and falling front, removable lens board, reversible view finder for vertical and horizontal pictures, and two tripod plates. Fitted with either a R.O.C. Single achromatic or a Victor rapid rectilinear lens and a victor shutter with iris diaphragm and pneumatic release.

This camera was available in two sizes, a 4 x 5 and a 5 x 7 inch. The compact 4 x 5 measures only 4 5/8 x 6 7/8 x 5 5/8 inches and weighs a little over two pounds. Camera is capable of taking glass plates, cut and roll film. The roll holder is arranges for cartridge film and was able to be loaded in daylight. Price for the 4 x 5 inch was $15-20 and the 5 x7 inch was $23-30 depending on the lens selected.

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Historic Camera Value and Rating - Estimating Overall Worth (about)

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2015-06-06 22:38:18