THE UTILITY CAMERA

Blair Camera Company, Boston, Massachusetts 1886-1890?

Blair Camera Company's version of the Utility Camera, continued from its origination in 1883, by the Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Company.

Other styles of the Utility Camera seem to appear about 1890, so I'm guessing it was made in this style until about then. The spring back is characteristic of most all Blair Camera Company products, earlier versions by Blair Tourograph & Dry Plate Company having hinged or removable backs.

This 5x7 example is equipped with a Blair Camera Company 5x8 Orthographic Lens.

Being earlier and having a relatively short production run, relatively few examples of Blair's Utility Camera have surfaced.