Antique and 19th Century cameras are categorized, shown and described.

Exploring the Art of 19th Century Cameras

"... how charming it would be if it were possible to cause these natural images to imprint themselves durably, and remain fixed upon the paper! "And why should it not be possible? I asked myself." William Henry Fox Talbot, 1844

Before photographic apparatus was made of plastic and metal, beautiful cameras were hand-crafted of finely polished woods, brass and leather. The golden age of wood cameras lasted from the birth of photography in 1839 to the early part of the 20th century.

Even though the industry is predominantly digital, the roots of photography can still be traced in its early cameras, advertising, and references.

Stop in and immerse yourself into the world of 19th century (and some early 20th century) vintage photographica as we move deeper into the millennium. This website has a variety of rarely seen antique wood cameras, related history, and advertising.