This the first Hawk-Eye Detective Camera manufactured by Blair after they bought the Boston Camera Company in 1890. Compared to the more common Improved Hawk-Eye Detective, this camera has a shorter body length, and differences in focusing and shutter placement and mechanisms.

The camera is large overall - 6 x 6 x 11 inches, and takes 4 x 5 inch negatives. The body is solidly constructed of polished oak with brass hardware.

The particular example shown here is special for two reasons: first, it is essentially a 'complete' outfit. With the camera came the original ground glass, plateholders, and most notably, the original Blair rollfilm holder which allowed celluloid rollfilm to be used with the camera. The rollholder, shown below, is complete with dark slides and the original Blair factory inspection label.

This camera is also special because of its serial number - 43. A two-digit serial number indicates this was a very early production model. The serial number is visible to the left of the celluloid Blair Camera Co. tag.

Interior of camera door showing celluloid makers tag and serial no. 43 to left

Sample photograph showing quality of Hawk-Eye Camera equipped with regular lens

Blair rollfilm holder

Two short-bodied Blair Hawk-Eye Detective cameras

Blair rollfilm holder in pieces

Cover of 1890 Hawk-Eye Camera instruction manual

Detail from inside cover of 1890 Hawk-Eye Camera manual