The Special Patent resembles the Instantograph but included a fine focus arrangement that was part of patent 1533 of 1887. Advertisements show a camera with a front standard similar to that fitted to the camera shown here except that the description states that it is fitted with angular movements to the front standard, woodcuts show a front standard with tilt and swing. This camera is not fitted with either movement but some examples exist having a swing movement (perhaps tilt was achieved by removing one set of bolts holding the lens panel to the forks). There is no mention of two versions of the camera being available.

Early models of the Special Patent use bolts to secure the folding bed to the rear standard by 1891 these were replaced by conventional side struts. This same change was made in the Instantograph. The camera was made in sizes from quarter-plate to 15" x 12".