THE SUNART CYCLE VIDI NO. 2
Sunart
Photo Company, Rochester, New York
1899
The Sunart Cycle Vidi No. 2
was one of several cameras in the Sunart Photo Company series that were named
"Veni", "Vidi" and "Vici" to distinguish their
various features. When used in a phrase,
the Latin verbs loosely translate to "I came, I saw, I conquered".
Although Sunart's
Vidi was introduced years earlier, the Sunart Cycle Vidi No. 2 in 4x5 would not
make its appearance until 1899, just as the Sunart Photo Company's assets were being
acquiesced into what would become Seneca Camera Company. Like many self-casing
cameras from other makers that emerged in the early 1890's, as the decade
progressed the heavier construction,
elaborate hardware and other more sophisticated features that characterized
Sunart's products, gave way towards lighter and more compact cameras. By 1899, the
cycle craze was in full swing and two-thirds of the self-casing cameras offered
by Sunart reflected this trend.
Having the only wood-encased
shutter in the company's line-up, its beauty and simplicity enhanced what was
already an extremely well-built camera. The Cycle Vidi No. 2's fit, finish and
the quality of materials used was second to none, and this standard was upheld
over the Sunart Photo Company's entire existence.
Sunart's cameras are seldom seen
today, when compared against the much greater number of surviving cameras from other
companies of the period. As a marque, they
are unsurpassed.
From Sunart's 1899 catalogue Image courtesy of Pacific Rim Camera
Sunart's 1899 catalogue Image courtesy of Pacific Rim Camera