Gray's Vest Camera

Improved model

1886

Weston Electric Co.

New York

USA

Image of Gray's Vest Camera Improved model

Lens:

f11, 1 ⅝", fixed stop.

Shutter:

Sector type, single speed. Spring powered. Shutter consists of a disk with 3 cut outs. Each aperture in turn is used to make the exposure. Advancing the plate winds the shutter.

Construction:

Metal.

Format:

6, 1 ⅝" diameter exposures on a 5 ¼" diameter plate.

Focusing:

Fixed.

Serial Number:

1027 .

Notes:

Stamped: R.D. Gray. Pat 'd July 27.86, New York.

With:

Leather band to take neck chain.

The Gray is for wearing under a waistcoat, it is the predecessor to the much more common Stirn waistcoat camera. It was first produced in 1885 and then took octagonal plates. A year later it was modified to take circular plates and was also reduced in thickness. Stirn obtained the patent rights from R. D. Gray and produced the Stirn waistcoat camera in 1886.

References & Notes:

BP 9655/1886. YBP 1887, p. 141. Lothrop, Century, p. 29.

Early Photography