Little Giant No.2 Multiplying Camera, c.1890

Cameras made by Simon Wing (American: 1827 –1911) are rare and highly prized by collectors worldwide. Wing first learned to make daguerreotypes at the age of twenty and became accomplished in other photographic processes. However, he is best known for his studios and innovative multiplying cameras.

A friend recently decided to sell his collection and I was able to snag this fine condition c.1890 Little Giant No.2. It is a studio camera set up with four portrait (Petzval formula) lens tubes and Wing's four-lens guillotine shutter. Up to eight images or tintypes can be made on a 7 x 10 plate.

It is a large camera measuring 22 inches long and 18 inches at the widest point.