The Standard pattern B camera was advertised from 1893 and was a typical hand camera. The Special B was introduced around 1896, the N & G catalogue described the difference: 'The Special B is similar to an ordinary Pattern B Camera; but besides having both Vertical and Horizontal Rising Front, it is provided with Triple Extension, Triple Iris and Focussing Scales, and Triple Marking to the Finders'. The camera was fitted with a Zeiss Series VIIa Satz lens.

Eighteen years after its introduction, the B and Special B had become the standard model of this design and N & G claimed: 'The N & G Universal holds the unique record of having been before the public for eighteen years and has earned a world-wide reputation as a thoroughly well-made reliable Instrument, capable of the Finest Work'.