The Zambex camera made its debut in 1904. Its body is crafted from mahogany covered with leather, showcasing exquisite construction. Its format is 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, approximately 8 x 10.5 cm. At first glance, the camera appears like any other from that period, but the innovation lies in its back.

Beck was a pioneer in the development and use of the Film Pack, starting as early as 1892 with its Frena camera line. The Zambex is an example of a camera developed by the brand to introduce another Film Pack system, referred to here as Skeleton.

A large aluminum flap mounted on hinges provides access to a ground glass, which is removed to install the Film Pack. The Skeleton is reusable and reloadable with films until it is completely worn out. It was a kind of accordion-folded paper strip, and the film is slid between each fold. A tab allows the movement of the film from the unexposed part to the exposed part. An instruction manual is attached inside the flap, and the manipulation is not the simplest. The system underwent an evolution in 1906 when the film was no longer in an accordion-folded paper but was inserted into its own paper frame.

Although the camera does not bear the name Cornex, Zambex models are equipped with the Cornex index, a kind of depth of field indicator found here on the side of the lens carriage. There were several versions, identifiable by model numbers, ranging from the small chamber No. 2 and No. 3 to the detectives No. 11 and No. 12, and even the double-lens reflex No. 16, with variations based on the type of shutters and lenses identified with small letters a, b, c, etc.

The presented camera is equipped with a Bausch & Lomb shutter and a Double Aplanat lens, identifying it as a model No. 2a. Despite its many capabilities, the complexity of the system resulted in very few units being sold.

In 1854, two brothers, Richard and Joseph Beck, renamed their London-based optics and microscope company to R & J Beck Ltd after the withdrawal of their third partner, James Smith. The production of cameras began in 1880, and it was in 1892 that the Frena models with their unique system of a notched-edge roll film magazine were introduced.