Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. Universal
The Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. Universal is a wood-and-brass plate camera from the late 19th-century American view-camera tradition. Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. produced a range of folding field and view cameras during this period, and the Universal sat within that line as a general-purpose plate model.
Sales data for the Rochester Universal is very limited: a single UK auction hammer result from June 2025 recorded a price of £38. With only one data point available in 2026, it is not possible to quote a reliable range or median for what the camera is worth today, and condition, completeness of the bellows, and the presence of a usable lens will heavily influence what any given example sells for at saleroom level.
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: June 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | £38 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 371) Title: A Rochester Optical "Universal" Full Plate Camera
Description:
mahogany and brass construction, body G, bellows appear G, focusing screen missing, with an Aldis Anastigmatic No.3 lens, optics F-G. |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. Universal worth?
Evidence is thin — the only recorded UK auction hammer result we have is £38 from June 2025 — so a confident value range cannot be given. Condition and completeness will be the main drivers of price.
How much does a Rochester Universal sell for at auction?
The one verified UK auction sale in our records sold for £38 hammer in 2025. More data would be needed to establish a typical price.
Are parts and service available for the Rochester Universal?
Rochester Camera Mfg. Co. ceased operations long ago, so no factory support exists; bellows can be replaced by specialist makers, but lenses and plate holders generally have to be sourced second-hand.