Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Furnishings and Equipment (hierarchy name)
4. Tools and Equipment (hierarchy name)
5. equipment
6. [equipment by process]
7. image-making equipment
8. photographic equipment
9. [cameras and camera accessories]
10. cameras (photographic equipment)
11. [cameras by mode of operation]
12. view cameras

Anotations

Scope note:

Refers to medium- to large-format folding cameras that generally share characteristics of the view camera such as rising fronts and tilt adjustments, including a drop-bed to accommodate wide angle lens objectives. So-called because the earliest models (ca. 1910) were intended for newspaper photographers requiring a sturdy camera with a large negative, and that could be handheld. Many are equipped with focal-plane shutters and wire frame viewers used to follow fast action. These characteristics, along with exceptional sturdiness of construction, are what distinguish them from the typical view camera. Press cameras were used primarily ca. 1910-1960; after this time 35mm cameras became the norm for news photography.