The first model of the Al-Vista was introduced in c. 1897. The model here is the improved version of c. 1900.

The Al-Vista pre-dates the Kodak Panoram and had many additional features. Looking into the lens, the take-up spool is on the left. As the shutter is tensioned the lens moves to the right. The length of film to be exposed is now set on the top of the camera. When the shutter is released the lens sweeps across the film and is stopped by a bar which was positioned when the exposure length was set. As the lens is stopped by the bar a baffle moves behind the lens to block the light. Advancing the film operates a film counter. A punch is provided so that individual frames can be marked and cut off prior to development.

The camera is based on a patent by Peter Nickolaus Angsten.

Models

Several sizes were produced including:

• Baby 2 ½" spool.
• 3B 3 ½" x 4 ½" and 3 ½" x 9" exposures.
• 4B 4" x 4" - 4" x 12".
• 4G 4" x 5" - 4" x 10".
• 5B 5" x 4" - 5" x 12".
• 5D 5" x 6" - 5" x 16".
• 7E 7" x 10 ½" - 7" x 21".
• 7D 7" x 7 ½" - 7" x 15".

A rapid rectilinear lens was generally fitted, the Goerz was a more expensive option. Several minor variations exist e.g. position of film punch.

In Britain the camera was sold by Houghton and others, Hinton claims to have first imported the camera to Britain in 1899. The price of the model shown here was £13.0.0.