Box Cameras

Box Camera

During the 1800s, the box camera was introduced. The box camera got its name from the box shape that it has. It is the camera in the most simplistic form, with the exception of the pin hole camera. The box camera is only suitable for daylight photography because it lacks control of focusing as well as the shutter speed. But, in the 1950s, a box camera with photographic flash was introduced allowing indoor photos to now be taken. Box cameras are still being sold today, you just need to know where to look for them. Investigate what you want and the place you want to buy it from to make sure the place is reputable. Otherwise, you can make a box camera for yourself, which will be discussed later.

Brownie Box Camera

In 1898, George Eastman wanted to produce the least expensive camera while still making it effective and reliable. He asked his camera maker and manufacturer, Frank Brownell if he could help make this happen. George Eastman thought there was still an untapped market out there for the people who are using camera. Eastman decided to start marketing to children. They even associated small cartoon characters, called “Brownies” drawn by Palmer Cox hence the name of the camera, that were almost Disney like to attract new customers. Some people thought that Eastman actually created this market and it worked for him. The Brownie Box Camera became synonymous with popular photography for the next 80 years and many photographers during this time admitted that their desire of photography started with the Brownie.

How To Build A Box Camera

Since the Box Camera is pretty much a camera in its simplest form, we should be able to make them. And, we can. Just recycle your old oatmeal containers and used cookie tins. Most of the directions available are easy to follow and are not extremely involved. Most of them are under 15 steps and are step-by-step directions to creating your very own box camera. Some of the directions even have ways to test the camera once it is built to make sure that it will do what it is supposed to. To find these directions, look on the Internet or in a book store. Probably the easiest way is to research online. Make sure you look at pictures to see what it is supposed to look like when the box camera is done. That will serve as a guide even if the directions do not provide directional pictures with each step.