Ansco Vest Pocket N° 0 |
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Manufactured or assembled in USA from (Circa) 1919 to (After) 1924.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 10378
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Ansco
![Ansco](../../ansco/images/enseigne.png)
The Ansco Vest Pocket (VP) is a series of folding cameras, where the flat front part is connected to the camera body by four tensioned arms. Even when the camera is in motion, this front part remains parallel to the film plane. The picture can only be taken when the arms are fully extended and locked. Once folded, the front part protects the bellows. Sometimes, the lens is protected by a cap attached to the front part with a hinge (Model No. 2), giving Ansco Vest Pocket cameras a distinctive silhouette. In this case, the cap is metallic, like the rest of the camera. Occasionally, there is an exposure table on its inner surface.
Another recurring feature of Ansco Vest Pocket cameras is their curved stand. They typically have two viewfinders to enable both vertical and horizontal shooting. The covering can be made of leather or imitation leather.
There are numerous lens combinations available, especially since models sold in France sometimes featured a locally-mounted lens. The shutter is a Wollensak. The early Bionic shutter was gradually replaced by an Actus shutter.
Number 0 is a 4.5 x 6 cm camera with fixed focus. Number 0 bis has the same format but with adjustable focus. Number 1 is a 6 x 9 cm camera using 120 film, and it has fixed focus. Number 2 is a 6 x 9 cm camera using 120 film, and it features a micrometric focusing adjustment. An Omnium Photo catalog from 1923 mentions a Vest Pocket Junior No. 1, but it's actually referring to the Vest Pocket No. 1.
Combinations available in France, based on the catalogs (non-exhaustive):
N° 0 | N° 0 bis | N° 1 | N° 2 | |
Rectiligne | 1919-24 | 1919-21 | 1920-21 | |
Achromatique | 1919-22 | 1919-21 | 1920-21 | |
Ansco Anastigmat 7.5 | 1921 | |||
Modico 7.5 | 1917-19 | |||
Photo-Plait 6.8 | 1920 | 1919 | 1917-19 | |
Berthiot Olor 6.8 | 1919-24 | 1922-23 | 1923 | 1917-23 |
Ansco Anastigmat 6.3 | 1919 | 1920-22 | ||
Photo-Plait 6.3 | 1919-24 | 1919-21 | 1921-28 | |
Roussel Stylor 6.3 | 1919-24 | 1922-23 | 1919-23 | 1920-27 |
Novac 6.3 | 1923 | 1921-23 | 1921-23 | |
Dallmeyer Perfac 6.3 | 1915 | |||
Duplouich Verax 6.3 | 1921 | |||
Krauss Tessar 6.3 | 1921-23 | |||
Hermagis 6.3 | 1924 | |||
Splendor 6.2 | 1922-24 | 1922-27 | ||
Berthiot Olor 6 | 1920-28 | |||
Krauss Tessar 5 | 1921-24 | |||
Boyer Saphir 5 | 1922 | 1922 |
__________
In the 1919 Photo-Plait catalog, Ansco cameras hold a prominent place, with 15 folding cameras and 4 box cameras showcased. The range appears to be complete. In contrast, Kodak is non-existent.
This is just a perspective through the Photo-Plait catalog, but in the American market, this struggle between the two manufacturers lasted for many years. The introduction of 35mm cameras seems to have definitively set Kodak apart.
Going back to 1919, Photo-Plait "advertises":
"Ansco" cameras are undoubtedly the best film cameras available: they are accessible to everyone, so simple that even a child can use them. All amateurs who own an "Ansco" have been able to realize the above. Like a travel companion, an "Ansco" allows you to show your friends the clear evidence of the wonders you have seen! Thousands of tourists will soon come to France. Indeed, everyone will want to visit our country after the terrible war. With the Ansco, you will relive the marvelous days of your travels and excursions. Exploring our beautiful France with an "Ansco" will be the favorite pastime of many travelers this year.
The "Ansco" camera completely removes any sense of doubt for capturing images. The operation is simple, the result is certain. The "Ansco" cameras possess the simplicity of amateur cameras and the qualities of professional cameras, and, as a result, are capable of performing all kinds of varied tasks.
The "Buster Brown" models, equipped with a simple mechanism, are particularly suitable for beginners. We strongly recommend using "Ansco" or "Plavic" films, possessing all the qualities that ensure the exact reproduction of photographed scenes or objects. These qualities include high speed, the ability to retain impressions in light as well as the value of tones, and the ability to maintain perfect balance between blacks, whites, and mid-tones.
Ultimately, to achieve complete success in photography, equip yourself with an "Ansco" camera and use "Speedex Ansco" films or the "Plavic" brand.
... and it continues with the lenses:
"Ansco" Lenses
The lens is the most important part of the camera; it must be matched to the format and type of the camera itself. The main advantage of the anastigmat lens is that it can be used with a wide aperture and produce sharp photos on all edges.
The lenses of "Ansco" and "Buster Brown" cameras have received all our attention, and we have ensured that each camera model has a corresponding lens, including shutters. For a given lens, a shutter that is too long will prevent good photographs; on the other hand, a shutter that is too fast will take away the benefit of its brightness.
Only the years of experience (over 60 years) in the manufacture of "Ansco" cameras have taught this important company to establish the right balance and enable amateurs to achieve remarkable results with an affordable lens, and also to use the maximum brightness with an anastigmat.
![Ansco Vest Pocket N° 0](../../ansco/images/INV_ansco_vest_pocket_0.jpg )
Interesting links or bibliography :
![]() L-informateur de la photographie de 1921 Certains numéros de cette revue sont disponibles sur le site de gallica.bnf.fr |
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