Regardless of the number of self-casing cameras made and sold in the 1890s, new models continued to flood the market. Even as the 20th Century quickly approached and rollfilm continued to grow in popularity, variations of these fine portable cameras flowed into the eager hands of amateur photographers: Full-featured & expensive to entry-level & inexpensive.

Some, such as the Korona Special, represented the high point of artistic expression. Yet nearly all were variations on the basic red-bellows folder theme.

The camera shown here is a puzzle. Its extraordinary craftsmanship is more functional than artistic, yet not quite as sophisticated as solidly built the Henry Clay Camera.

Materials are first rate: Finely pebbled body leather, strong red bellows, robust brass hardware, and furniture quality wooden interior make this an unusual camera.

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Take a close look. What do you see? Gennert's bright reflex finder. Outer body leather, reversible back, and wooden front standard inspired by the Poco and Premo cameras of Rochester Optical. A rear viewing door using Scovill's Henry Clay Regular hinged struts. Huge German glass mounted on a Bausch & Lomb diaphragm shutter. Ideas and bits of construction borrowed from several leading builders. Then there are the unique details and features not found in any maker's catalogue such as an innovative brass rear extension with full swings and tilts. Unusually heavy arched, brass bridge connecting the front-standard uprights.

 

And finally the drop bed. On the surface, it looks like a typical triple extension design. Look closer and admire the stunning inset polished wood panels cut at 45 degree angles.