ELITE VIEW CAMERA

Scovill & Adams, New York 1890-1898

6-1/2 x 8-1/2

Scovill & Adams' Elite View Camera appeared as early as March, 1890, offered in sizes 4-1/4 x 6-1/2, 5x7, 5x8 and 6-1/2 x 8-1/2.

The Elite's signature feature was a knob that prevented the rack and pinion adjustment from moving (and thus the rear frame) after the focus was set. This feature seems unique to the Elite, as it doesn't appear to be found on any other models offered by Scovill & Adams, Scovill Manufacturing or the American Optical Company.

The vertical style of the 6-1/2 x 8-1/2 example shown here differs from the horizontal "Waterbury"-style configuration seen in the three smaller formats. This larger version has a reversible back and dual-gear tracks, versus the non-reversible backs and single-gear tracks found on the smaller sizes. It's equipped with an unmarked Waterbury-style lens with a rotating aperture.

Elite View Cameras in any format are rather rare today, and are usually encountered in the 5x7 and 5x8 sizes.

Ad from Scovill & Adams' How to Make Photographs January, 1892

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