Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. Pocket Premo
The Pocket Premo is an early plate camera produced by the Rochester Camera Manufacturing Co., part of the line of Premo-branded folding cameras made in Rochester, New York around the turn of the twentieth century. As a compact folding plate camera, it was positioned for amateur photographers seeking a portable alternative to larger studio-format cameras of the era.
With only a single recorded UK auction result, the Pocket Premo has limited price visibility today: a hammer price of £31 was achieved at saleroom level in 2022, which gives a rough indication of what an example sells for at wholesale auction levels rather than dealer retail. Buyers should expect the value of any individual camera to swing significantly with condition, completeness of the bellows and shutter, and the presence of original plate holders.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: March 2022
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2022 | £31 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: The Collectors sale (Lot 396) Title: A Rochester Optical Pocket Premo Folding Camera
Description:
body G, shutter working, sticks on slow speeds, optics F, some haze present, also with two plate holders, (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Rochester Pocket Premo worth today?
Based on the single UK auction record available, a Pocket Premo sold for £31 at hammer in 2022; with so little data, the price for any given example will depend heavily on cosmetic and mechanical condition.
How much does a Pocket Premo sell for at auction?
The only verified UK saleroom result on file is £31, so that figure is the best current reference point for the value of a typical example, though clean or complete outfits could reasonably achieve more.
Is the Pocket Premo a usable camera?
It is a plate camera from the early Rochester Premo line, and while it can in principle still be used with cut film or glass plates, practical use depends on bellows condition and shutter operation, both of which are common failure points.