Cincinnati Reversible back Camera
Improved Variation 3.5
With Pyramidal Extension

Blair Camera Company
Boston, Mass.
Ca. 1890 - 1894

Ex-collection Thom Bundza

The Cincinnati Reversible Back Improved Camera was manufactured by the Blair Camera Company from 1890 to 1893 in Boston, Mass. It was constructed of mahogany with a cherry base, nickel-plated hardware, and a black fabric bellows.  “Reversible back” refers to the camera’s ability to use two different plate sizes with the addition of a patented Pyramidal extension back.  According to www.Piercevaubel.com, this wonderful example is the 4” x 5” improved version 3.5, capable of extending to a 5” x 7” plate size.  It’s fitted with a Gundlach Optical Co. Rapid Rectilinear 4 x 5 lens that is slotted for Waterhouse stops.  This 4x5 inch format model with the scarce 5x7 inch plate-holder extension was selling for $28.00 in 1890.