


The Star View Camera shares the same basic body pattern as 
the St. Louis Reversible Back Camera (c1885 - 89). Considering 
that the Star View Camera was introduced in 1890, it could 
have been designed as an improved version of the St. Louis 
Camera.
Three design improvements can be found on the Star View 
Camera over the St. Louis Camera; (1) Brass posts replace the 
heavier wood front standard, (2) A thinner "English" style ground 
glass assembly is used, and (3) Inclusion of a three-section bed 
with removable front section when using wide-angle lenses. As 
a note, the twin brass posts are nearly identical to those found 
on The Henry Clay Camera of 1891.
This particular camera is a single-swing, whole-plate example 
made of a mahogany body, cherry base, brass trim, red-leather 
bellows and reversible back.
The Star View Camera was offered in single and double swing 
versions in formats ranging from 4 x5 to 11 x 14 inches. The 
version shown here sold for $36 in 1892, or about $683 in year 
2000 dollars. 
 
American Optical Company Star View Camera
with Morrison Wide Angle Lens and Red Leather Bellows
Copyright ©2001 by Rob Niederman - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Star View Camera, c.1890-98
American Optical Company, Scovill & Adams Co., NY.