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Ilex Camera Works - |
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Manufactured or assembled in United Kingdom from (Before) 1900 to 1904.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 13297
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Ilex Camera Works
Before establishing his own business in 1889, Alfred Charles Jackson apprenticed at the opticians R & J Beck, also known for manufacturing cameras, including the Frena detective cameras.
With limited funds when he started out on his own, he began by setting up his workshop in a room of the family home.
Noticing that people were increasingly interested in photography but that purchasing a camera was a luxury many couldn't afford, he focused primarily on designing cameras that were affordable without compromising on quality.
His company was initially called Crown Works, until 1900 when, with success on his side, he relocated to a larger manufacturing facility and changed the name to Ilex Camera Works.
In 1904, Houghton, seeking to expand its business and having been aware of Jackson's success for some time, offered to buy out Ilex Camera Works.
The offer, apparently attractive, was accepted by Jackson, with an agreement in place for him to remain in charge of the company.
Here is a camera that epitomizes the manufacturing of Ilex Camera Works with all its peculiarities: a front door that opens downward to access an Ilex shutter, a rear door for loading plates equipped with leaf springs, a trapdoor under the camera to retrieve plates after exposure, and the counter mechanism with a pusher to advance to the next plate. The tripod screw diameter is 3/16, another trademark of the brand.
A knob on the side allows for focusing by internally moving the shutter-optical block. On the same side, a window opens to access the trigger lever, which moves as it is attached to the shutter. Two round bubble levels correct the camera's alignment.
The overall appearance is rustic, elegance is not the sought-after goal. For A.C. Jackson, the designer, the primary focus is on durability and efficiency, while still offering customers equipment at an affordable price.
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