Vive Camera Company, Chicago
Vive No. 1, Vive 'Tourist' No. 1 Cameras, original wooden crate, 1897
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| The Vive (rhymes with
"hive") Camera Company models shown here were innovative plate
cameras for the late-1890s. They are historically significant since they
are the first true production camera to be made with a light-tight
sleeve through which the photographer could manipulate (change or
move) plates inside the camera. McKeown's Camera Guide notes that the
Blair Tourograph camera also had such a sleeve, but had extremely low
production numbers.
Although they have slightly different name designations - "No. 1" versus "Tourist No. 1" - they take the same size plate (4¼ inches square) and have identical lens/shutter controls. This model held a number of plates inside its body, so that several exposures could be made without reloading. Vives were also made in larger box-style and folding sizes, including a stereoscopic model, up to 5 x 7 inches. This basic Vive No. 1 Camera was offered and advertised extensively at $5.00, putting it in direct competition with many similar cameras. |
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 Front cover of the 1897 Vives Catalog |
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 1897 Vive Catalog page extolling the virtues of No. 1 Vive |
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When the camera is closed, the light-tight sleeve (made of rubberized cloth) folds back inside the camera. At this point, the camera resembles other basic box cameras of the time period, such as those from Blair, Eastman, and others. |
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When the camera's top door is open,
the rear sleeve is plainly visible. |
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Basic Time and Instantaneous shutter, reflex finder, and meniscus lens shown with front panel of camera removed. Serial number (#19176) stamped into both front panel and body. |
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Patent document showing the Vive camera design
Celluloid Tag detail 
