Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Ansco Craftsman Camera Kit

In Cameras > Box Cameras > Show & Tell.
rniederman's loves671 of 13701930's Embossed Porcelain Neon Sign...Ice Cream, Candy and LunchOriginal 34 Star Civil War Union Flag
3
Love it
1
Like it

rniedermanrniederman loves this.
lisalisa loves this.
aghcollectaghcollect loves this.
GeodeJemGeodeJem likes this.
See 2 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 9 years ago

    JohnKratz
    (34 items)

    The Craftsman Camera Home Construction Kit was introduced in 1950, after Ansco tested the concept by recruiting schoolchildren to try it.
    Advertisements in Boys' Life magazine in late 1950 told how building your own camera would teach you "the secrets of photography", and suggested that kids should drop hints to the folks to get one for Christmas.
    All you need are pliers, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a few hours, and you're all set to shoot! I have no intention of building the camera though, since the kit is worth much more than the finished camera. This example is complete and unused, with all parts packages still sealed, after more than 60 years.

    In 1951, Ansco began selling the Craftsman as a complete, factory-assembled camera. I don't know if there's a way to tell whether a Craftsman was made from the kit or at the Ansco factory. In any case, it was one of the very first cameras I wanted when I began collecting.

    The Craftsman Kit sold new for $3.50, which is around $35 in 2015 dollars. Miraculously, I paid less than that for this one. Swell!

    logo
    Box Cameras
    See all
    Antique Camera Collection KODAK ADS 1886-1923 - MANY
    Antique Camera Collection KODAK ADS...
    $7
    Vintage Kodak Duaflex II 2 Duaflex iV 4 Film Camera with Kodet Lens @@@WORKING
    Vintage Kodak Duaflex II 2 Duaflex ...
    $29
    Vintage Graflex Eastman Kodak Camera Parts Lot: Crown Graphic / IBT Brownie
    Vintage Graflex Eastman Kodak Camer...
    $11
    Vintage Box Camera Ensign Ful-Vue 120 Film, Vintage Photo Album (16B) MO#8721
    Vintage Box Camera Ensign Ful-Vue 1...
    $22
    logo
    Antique Camera Collection KODAK ADS 1886-1923 - MANY
    Antique Camera Collection KODAK ADS...
    $7
    See all

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.