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Ilex Camera Works - |
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Manufactured or assembled in United Kingdom from (Circa) 1900 to 1904.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 13305
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.
This production from Ilex Camera Works seems like an exception that confirms the rule. While one is more accustomed to finding more rustic than beautiful cameras from this manufacturer, here we have a specimen crafted for aesthetic pleasure as well.
It undeniably bears the signature of Ilex Camera Works, featuring the rear plate loading back with its leaf springs, the ventral trapdoor, the plate changing mechanism with its counter and distinctive rear attachment hooks. The tripod screw diameter is still 3/16", and there's no indication anywhere suggesting it was manufactured after the brand was acquired by Houghton, as is the case with the Holborn Ilex series.
Perhaps A.C. Jackson, its founder, wanted to showcase the craftsmanship of the house; a craftsmanship that would continue to shine through at Houghton with their Holborn Ilex series.
Opening the front door reveals a beautiful shutter-optical assembly mounted on a detachable board. The external trigger is connected to the shutter by a pull rod; a passage (hole) at the bottom is provided for a bulb trigger.
The cocking is done by a lever on the speed adjustment wheel, but a second hole, also visible on the side, allows for a small cable connected to this lever to pass through to the outside for quicker operation without opening the front door.
Finally, still in the front compartment, a yellow filter is screwed at the bottom, and a less common characteristic for this type of camera, two screws adjust minor horizontal and vertical shifts.
Near each viewfinder, a bubble level checks the position of the camera body. With a detective of such quality, the Ilex Camera Works company couldn't have shown anything less than its ability to manufacture beautiful cameras...
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