This is a simply made camera of the '1882' pattern. The brass fittings are not let into the wood and the bed is of very thick section to compensate for being made of only a few parts.

This camera has a Perken label and is stamped 'Optimus'. Very similar models were offered by a number of manufacturers and retailers at the time. Illustrations of the 'Economic Portable' show the back struts working in a slot let into the rear standard. On this example the simpler arrangement of a slotted strut and fixed screw stud is used. The rising front lock is also different to the illustrations.

A similar camera is shown in an 1892 advertisement from Wilkinson of Leeds who claim to be camera manufacturers.