Rare early original PREMO CAMERAS Catalog dated 1918. This 48 page catalog highlights the entire Premo camera line including all the lenses, developing equipment and accessories.

In 1883 the Rochester Optical Company was founded by W. F. Carlton when he took over the assets of camera maker William H. Walker. It invented and produced the famous "Premo" view camera line. In 1899 it became participant of an unsuccessful merger of camera companies. The resulting company made losses and was taken over by Kodak In 1903 George Eastman purchased the Rochester Optical and Camera Company for $330,000, after it had suffered massive losses due to market conditions and competition. Eastman changed their name back to the Rochester Optical Company.

In 1907 it became the Rochester Optical Division of the Eastman Kodak Company, and then in 1918 the Rochester Optical Department of the Eastman Kodak Company. They continued to produce the Premo line until 1921.The Rochester Optical Company became one of the most dominant and influential camera companies in the 1880's and 90's, prior to the rise of the Eastman Kodak Company.

Catalog measures 5 1/2 x 8 inches and is in excellent condition with no bends, tears, or creases. (see scans).

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