Blair Camera Co.

Reversible Back, Improved (New) Variation 3

5x8

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1894
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (two gear tracks on top of base rails); single or double swing; reverse by removable back; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; nickeled hardware
Sizes Offered: 1500=4x5; 1501=4¼x5½; 1502=5x7; 1503=5x8; 1504=6½x8½; 1505=8x10
Notes: The base is in three sections, the first is removable; cases came in two sizes; trim could be made to order.  The illustrated camera above has a 5x8 back, but is big enough to fit a 6½x8½ back.  In addition, it has the Blair Patent Extension (wood version), which extends the draw about 3" and increases the format to 8x10.  The camera below is the 8x10 size, which could be increased to 10x12 with a patent extension.  The Blair 1893 catalog states that the Reversible Back Camera and the Champion Reversible Back Camera are superceded in design.  This model's Variation 1 has a simpler base design and a center pivot rear swing.  This model's Variation 2 merely has different hardware than Variation 3.
References:
Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of Photographic Apparatus and Supplies, Blair Camera Co. (Boston, MA), 1895, p. 44 (annex to catalog)

8x10

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