{"title":"Vintage Box Cameras","description":"\u003csection class=\"b_paragraph\" data-md-index=\"2\" data-bm=\"65\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe History of Box Cameras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"b_paragraph b_paragraph_selected\" data-md-index=\"3\" data-bm=\"66\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox cameras emerged in the late 19th century as one of the earliest mass‑produced photographic devices. Their design was simple: a light‑tight box with a fixed‑focus lens at one end and photographic film at the other. Early models, such as the Kodak box camera introduced in 1888, revolutionised photography by making it accessible to amateurs. Users no longer needed complex technical skills—just point and click.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"b_paragraph\" data-md-index=\"4\" data-bm=\"67\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially made from wood or metal, later versions used cardboard or plastic, making them lightweight and affordable. Box cameras were popular through the early to mid‑20th century, serving as an entry point for countless hobbyists. While they lacked adjustable settings, their simplicity encouraged widespread adoption and helped establish photography as a common pastime. By the 1960s, more advanced cameras replaced them, but their legacy remains as a symbol of photography’s democratization and the joy of capturing everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ensign-all-distance-twenty-box-camera","title":"Ensign All-Distance Twenty Box Camera — Vintage 120 Film, 1930s","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely vintage box camera manufactured by the Houghton Butcher Manufacturing Company, England. The All-Distance Twenty features a pull-out wire viewfinder, black leatherette covering, and the simple point-and-shoot operation that made box cameras so popular with everyday photographers in the 1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally good condition for its age. Black leatherette is mainly intact with age-related edge wear and some minor fraying at the corners. Light surface rust on the winding key, side latches, and pull-out viewfinder wire — typical for cameras of this era.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter and film advance both work correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Internal mechanics are clean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Houghton Butcher Manufacturing Company, England — one of Britain's foremost camera makers of the early 20th century, also responsible for the Ensign brand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensign All-Distance Twenty — named for its fixed-focus 'all-distance' lens, designed to keep subjects sharp without adjustment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1930s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65114967605597,"sku":"0005","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/Photoroom_20260630_155953.jpg?v=1782831950"},{"product_id":"ensign-e29-portrait-box-camera","title":"Ensign E29 Portrait Box Camera — Vintage 120 Film, 1930s","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely Ensign Portrait box camera produced in the 1930s by Houghton Butcher, England. The E29 features an extendable wire frame viewfinder and the straightforward operation that made Ensign box cameras a staple of British family photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition overall. A few minor surface scuffs and marks, nothing major.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter fires and film winder both work correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both viewfinders are very cloudy and may have fungal growth — this does not affect the shooting lens but is noted for transparency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompleteness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comes with its original canvas case, which shows signs of age but remains intact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Houghton Butcher Manufacturing Company, England, under the Ensign brand — one of Britain's most prolific camera makers of the early 20th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensign E29 Portrait — designed for portrait-format shots on 120 roll film.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1930s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65154299756893,"sku":"0007","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/ensign-e29-portrait-box-camera.png?v=1784563086"},{"product_id":"vintage-kodak-six-20-bulls-eye-film-camera","title":"Kodak Six-20 Bulls-Eye Film Camera — Vintage Box Camera, 1930s","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely classic Kodak Bulls-Eye box camera, produced between 1938 and 1941. The Six-20 Bulls-Eye is one of Kodak's most recognisable and collectible box cameras — its clean Art Deco lines make it as appealing on a shelf as it is as a piece of photographic history. A great addition to a collection or an interior styling project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition with some minor scratches to the body (see photos). Consistent with a camera of this age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter fires and film advance knob works correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original strap has deteriorated and is absent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastman Kodak Company, USA.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Six-20 Bulls-Eye — designed for 620 roll film, producing 6×9cm negatives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1938–1941.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features Kodak's distinctive Art Deco styling with a bold circular lens surround — the 'Bulls-Eye' that gives the camera its name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65155294855517,"sku":"0009","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/kodak-six-20-bulls-eye.png?v=1784563087"},{"product_id":"kodak-no-2-bulls-eye-96-model-1896","title":"Kodak No.2 Bulls-Eye Box Camera 1896 — Antique, Original Model","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary piece of photography history. The Kodak No.2 Bulls-Eye '96 model' was made in the USA in 1896 — just eight years after George Eastman introduced the first Kodak camera and democratised photography for the masses. At 130 years old, this is a genuinely rare antique that belongs in a serious collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition for its age, with age-related scuffs and minor marks consistent with a 130-year-old object. The body is intact throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragility:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a delicate antique — it should be handled with care and is best suited to display rather than active use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mechanisms appear to function but are delicate, as expected for an item of this age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Retains original Kodak company marks on the interior of the box — a pleasing detail for collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York, USA.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e No.2 Bulls-Eye, '96 model' — one of Kodak's early consumer box cameras, designed for roll film.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1896.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignificance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produced during the pioneering era of amateur photography, when Kodak was transforming the camera from a professional tool into an everyday object. A piece of genuine photographic and industrial heritage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65181639835997,"sku":"0011","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/Photoroom_20260707_095116.jpg?v=1783414545"},{"product_id":"vintage-kodak-no-2-brownie-1929-1930","title":"Kodak No.2 Brownie Box Camera 1929–1930 — Vintage 120 Film","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely green Kodak Brownie No.2 box camera dating from around 1929–1930. The coloured Brownies appeared in the UK and USA between 1929 and 1933, making them some of the most visually distinctive and collectible Brownies of the era. The presence of a winding key (rather than a knob) confirms this example predates the 1931 design change — a useful dating detail for collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition for its age. Some rippling of the covering in places and a little surface rust, consistent with a camera approaching 100 years old.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter fires and winding key works correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not film tested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastman Kodak Company, USA (also produced in the UK).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e No.2 Brownie — one of the most successful and long-running camera models in history, first introduced in 1901.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1929–1930, confirmed by the winding key (replaced by a knob in 1931).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green — one of several colours introduced in 1929 to appeal to a fashion-conscious market. Coloured Brownies are more sought-after than the standard black models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65195340792157,"sku":"0015","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/Photoroom_20260708_154459.jpg?v=1783522110"},{"product_id":"kodak-brownie-holiday-camera-1953-1962","title":"Kodak Brownie Holiday Camera 1953–1962 — Brown Bakelite, 127 Film","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely little mid-century viewfinder camera made from warm brown Bakelite, produced by Eastman Kodak between 1953 and 1962. The Brownie Holiday is part of the legendary Brownie family — one of the most successful and beloved camera ranges in photographic history, which democratised photography for generations of amateur snapshooters from 1900 onwards. Uses 127 roll film, producing 8 exposures per roll at a frame size of 43×65mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chip to the Bakelite on top. Minor surface rust on back hinges. Minor surface wear commensurate with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear and free of fungus. Some dust present in viewfinder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter fires correctly. Film advance knob operates as expected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York, USA — the company that put a camera in the hands of ordinary people.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brownie Holiday — part of the iconic Brownie range, first introduced in 1900 and produced continuously for over 80 years. The Brownie Holiday was one of several Brownie models produced in the 1950s aimed at the family snapshot market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm:\u003c\/strong\u003e 127 roll film (still available from specialist suppliers).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1953–1962 — the golden age of family photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65407500124509,"sku":"0035","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/kodak-brownie-holiday-camera-white-background.png?v=1785326742"},{"product_id":"vintage-coronet-twelve-20-camera-1950s","title":"Vintage Coronet Twelve-20 Box Camera 1950s — Made in England, 120\/620 Film","description":"\u003cp\u003eA charming piece of mid-century British photographic history — the Coronet Twelve-20, made in England during the 1950s. This twin-lens style box camera has a wonderfully tactile leatherette-covered body and that unmistakable Art Deco-influenced front panel that makes it as much a display piece as a working camera. It accepts 120 and 620 roll film, producing 12 exposures per roll.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leatherette covering intact with minor surface wear and some loss of colour consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Viewfinder and lens have dust and dirt trapped inside; possible small amounts of fungus. Best treated as a display piece rather than a working camera.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter mechanism operational. Film advance functional.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some light surface marks and patina consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coronet Camera Company, Birmingham, England — founded in 1926, Coronet was one of Britain's most prolific manufacturers of affordable cameras, producing a wide range of box and novelty cameras for the mass market throughout the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Made entirely in England, Coronet cameras are a beloved part of British photographic heritage and increasingly sought after by collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Twelve-20 — a pseudo-twin-lens box camera taking 12 square exposures on 120 or 620 roll film.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1950s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e A visually striking piece of British industrial design — popular with camera collectors, interior stylists, prop buyers, and anyone drawn to mid-century aesthetics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65407997575517,"sku":"0036","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/coronet-twelve-20-white-background.png?v=1785328874"},{"product_id":"vintage-kodak-duaflex-box-camera","title":"Vintage Kodak Duaflex Box Camera 1947–1950 — Pseudo-TLR, 620 Film","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kodak Duaflex was the first in a celebrated series of pseudo-TLR (twin-lens reflex) cameras produced by Kodak from the late 1940s into the 1950s. Released in the USA between 1947 and 1950, and in the UK between 1949 and 1955, the Duaflex was designed to bring the stylish twin-lens look to the mass market — with a large, bright top viewfinder that made it feel far more sophisticated than a standard box camera. It takes 12 square 6×6cm exposures on 620 roll film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reasonable condition for age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some minor cosmetic marks on the body. Strap is frayed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shutter fires and film advance knob works.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Viewfinder and lens have trapped dirt and dust inside — visible but typical for cameras of this age that have been stored.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best suited as a decorative or display piece rather than a working camera, given the optical dust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York — the dominant force in popular photography for most of the 20th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Duaflex — the original model in the Duaflex series, distinguished by its pseudo-TLR design: a large reflex viewfinder on top giving the appearance of a twin-lens camera, paired with a simple fixed-focus taking lens below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm:\u003c\/strong\u003e 620 roll film (same frame size as 120 film, different spool — can be re-spooled for use).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 1940s — the post-war consumer photography boom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e A classic of mid-century camera design — instantly recognisable, visually striking, and highly popular with collectors, interior stylists, prop buyers, and steampunk enthusiasts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65408381616477,"sku":"0037","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/IMG_4636.jpg?v=1785331248"},{"product_id":"vintage-gnome-pixie-box-camera-1949","title":"Vintage Gnome Pixie Box Camera 1949 — Made in Great Britain","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Gnome Pixie is a compact and characterful British box camera produced by Gnome Photographic Products Ltd in 1949. Made entirely in Great Britain, it has a distinctive textured black body with a chrome-ringed lens panel bearing the Gnome and Pixie name — a camera that wears its British origins proudly. Simple, robust, and full of period charm, it's a lovely piece of post-war British photographic history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer to the photos for full condition detail. The camera presents well for its age with the characteristic textured body finish intact. Shutter settings include B and I (Bulb and Instant), visible on the front panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlight wear to black enamel, some rubbing. Shutter works, lens ok.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gnome Photographic Products Ltd, England — a British manufacturer of affordable cameras and photographic accessories active in the post-war period, producing cameras aimed at the family snapshot market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pixie — a simple box camera with B and I shutter settings, designed for ease of use by amateur photographers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1949 — the immediate post-war period, when British manufacturing was recovering and consumer goods were returning to the market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made in Great Britain — proudly marked on the lens panel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e A delightful and increasingly rare piece of British camera history — the Gnome Pixie name alone gives it real curiosity cabinet appeal. Popular with collectors of British cameras, prop buyers, and interior stylists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65423592456541,"sku":"0040","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/gnome-pixie-white-background.png?v=1785508062"},{"product_id":"benetfink-falling-plate-camera-c-1903","title":"Benetfink \u0026 Co Falling Plate Detective Camera — 12 Plate Holders, Original Label, Antique c.1903","description":"\u003cp\u003eA wonderfully characterful and rare antique falling plate camera, produced by Benetfink \u0026amp; Co of Cheapside, London, dating from around 1903. Falling plate cameras of this type represent a pivotal moment in photographic history — the automated plate-change mechanism allowed photographers to make multiple successive exposures without interruption, a revolutionary capability in the era before rollfilm became universal. This example retains its original label inside the front door — a remarkable survival after more than 120 years. Twelve plate holders are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note this is an antique item. All wear, ageing, and patina described below are consistent with its age and form part of its authentic historical character.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition for age — honest wear and tear consistent with over 120 years of use and storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Age-related colour loss in places, light surface tarnish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal label:\u003c\/strong\u003e Present inside the front door — a significant survival.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFront door:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens to give access to the lens and mechanism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRear door:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens for plate loading — spring plate-retention mechanism intact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrop mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lever on top of camera — drops exposed plates to the floor of the camera body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMain lens:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two viewfinders — both show age-related marks, distress, and some loss of silvering; two small front viewfinder lenses are cloudy, possibly some fungus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeather handle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact but well-used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlate holders:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 included — some surface tarnishing\/rust, most show some colour loss consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benetfink \u0026amp; Co, Cheapside, London — a celebrated Victorian and Edwardian photographic and optical retailer and importer, based in the City of London. Benetfink supplied and badged a range of cameras and photographic equipment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, acting as a retailer for both British and Continental manufacturers. The Benetfink name on a camera is a strong indicator of quality and London provenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Falling plate camera — 12 glass plates are loaded through the rear door and stacked in line, held by a spring. After each exposure, a lever on the top of the camera drops the exposed plate to the floor of the body, advancing the next plate into position.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e c.1903, England.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e An exceptionally rare and evocative survivor from Edwardian London — the Benetfink name, original label, and complete set of plate holders make this a highly desirable collector’s piece, a magnificent display object, and a superb prop for period drama.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Benetfink","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65773801046365,"sku":"0370","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/57_519e75d1-84c3-4e7b-a745-5201dbfee106.jpg?v=1788276691"},{"product_id":"ensign-mascot-a2-falling-plate-detective-camera-antique-c-1910","title":"Ensign Mascot A2 Falling Plate Detective Camera — Quarter Plate, 6 Holders, Antique, c.1910","description":"\u003cp\u003eA genuinely rare and fascinating piece of photographic history — the Ensign Mascot A2, a quarter-plate falling plate detective camera dating from around 1910. Detective cameras of this type were designed to be inconspicuous: the box form concealed the camera's purpose, allowing photographers to capture candid subjects without attracting attention. The Mascot A2 is an uncommon model number within the Ensign Mascot range, making this an especially interesting find for collectors of British antique cameras. Six plate holders are included, stored flat inside the camera body for transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note this is an antique item. Wear and ageing as described below are consistent with its age and are part of its character and historical appeal.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition for age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal areas:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some tarnishing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeatherette:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally good — a few areas of wear and loss.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShutter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Working — operation is clunky but functional, consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlate drop mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both bright-line viewers are cloudy — possibly some fungus; the top viewer retains a degree of vision.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarrying strap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Present and usable — would benefit from a leather feed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlate holders:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 included, stored flat inside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Specification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Houghton Ltd (Ensign), London — one of the most significant British camera manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing a wide range of cameras under the Ensign and Butcher brands. The Mascot range was Houghton’s detective camera series, produced in the 1900s–1910s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Falling plate detective camera — plates are loaded through the rear door and dropped sequentially into an exposure position by a lever on the top of the camera, allowing multiple exposures without opening the camera.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quarter plate — glass plates approximately 3.5 × 4.5 inches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e A2 — an uncommon model number within the Ensign Mascot range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e c.1910, England.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e A wonderful and genuinely rare survivor from the earliest days of popular photography — the Ensign Mascot A2 is a serious collector’s piece, a superb display object, and an incomparable prop for period film and theatre productions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Ensign","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65773805109597,"sku":"0800","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/57_33e5adff-8745-4efc-9c32-f6a22cdd9979.png?v=1788276701"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/collections\/Photoroom_20260630_155953.jpg?v=1782834696","url":"https:\/\/curiooptics.com\/en-eu\/collections\/vintage-box-cameras.oembed","provider":"Curio Optics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}