Ilford, Advocate II, 35mm wide angle camera, c1953

This English made camera is interesting in a number of respects. The most striking is the finish of ivory enamel on a cast aluminium body, with age the ivory tends to become cream, as here. The second is the use of a 35mm focal length lens, which equates to wide angle. Essentially, this is a very simple camera the shutter is a rotary blade type not dissimilar to the thousands found in box cameras - although it is somewhat more refined. It's simplicity is part of its charm, there is very little to go wrong with it. Acquired Dec 2000. Body No.1919-6164 Shutter, Rotary blade type, speeds B, 25, 50, 100, 150 & 200th Lens, Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 No.432346 Condition, 5F

Film makers who also made cameras often used the inside of the camera as an advertising opportunity and you will often find such labels. Sealed away in the dark, the inks are protected from fading and their brightness is often in stark contrast to the dour exteriors. Here is the one from the back of this Ilford camera.