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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: 13298
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.
With the focusing achieved by moving an entire front section of the detective camera detached from the plate compartment, the manufacturer introduced a bit of complexity and originality to their cameras; a rack on each side and a central bellows connect the two parts.
As is customary with Ilex Camera Works, the frame is made of thick wood (8 mm) for remarkable rigidity. Opening the front door reveals the usual and bulky Ilex shutter, accompanied by the equally common Beck lens with its diaphragm wheel.
Another peculiarity of the brand is that the 12 plates are loaded from the rear and, once exposed, removed through a trapdoor underneath the camera, after their descent (more or less abrupt, a common drawback of this type of camera, often called "plate breakers" for their tendency to break plates upon falling).
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