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Conley Junior |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in USA from 1913 to 1922.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 8920
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Conley
The Conley Camera Company, established in 1899, began producing photographic equipment at the turn of the 20th century. They sold these products not only under their own brand but also, and notably, for Sears, Roebuck & Co, with whom they had a contract. Sears eventually acquired Conley in 1910. Sears was the leading mail-order business of that time but initially did not manufacture goods directly. After the acquisition, Conley continued operating under its name and became Sears' photographic production branch until 1927.
Before the acquisition, Conley's products were sold by Sears under the Seroco brand, which included attractive mahogany cameras. According to Olivander Sevenels, a historian of the brand, Conley produced around 28,000 cameras annually before 1910, along with numerous accessories such as film holders and shutters. Production remained substantial afterward, driven by Sears' strong commercial presence.
Their main output included box cameras, small view cameras, and folding cameras, all competitively priced yet of good quality. This strategy aimed to cater to a broad customer base while maintaining high standards.
Attention, the Conley company was based in Rochester, not in New York state like Kodak, but in Minnesota.
The Conley Junior of 1913 is the first camera with film by the company. This square-cornered folding camera was later supplied with a rounded body at the ends.
The camera is basic, covered with cheap imitation leather that has not withstood the test of time well. The hinged back opens with two side buttons hidden under the covering, and it lacks a handle. However, the interior is attractive, featuring a red leather bellows. Additionally, the lens board and a clear viewfinder with a cap have been properly nickel-plated.
The shutter is a Wollensak TIB, a simple model that can be triggered by finger or bulb, as found in the 1912 Wollensak catalog. It includes two speeds and an instantaneous setting, with an iris diaphragm numbered from 16 to 128 in front of the meniscus lens. The focus distance can be adjusted from 6 to 100 feet using a small blackened brass scale fixed on the front. A small tripod mount on the side of the front standard and two Kodak-threaded tripod sockets complete the equipment.
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