How to Open a Box Camera

Box cameras were the original consumer cameras. They were designed to be easy to use and were the precursor of today's point-and-shoot cameras. They generally used the medium film formats of 120, 620 or 616. Only the 120 format still is manufactured. Loading a box camera involved stretching the film across the wide opening behind the lens, then inserting a tab of paper backing into a take-up reel.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the type of latches used to hold the back to the rest of the camera. Usually, there will be two mechanisms to secure the back, although this may vary with the manufacturer.

2. Unhook any latches on the top, bottom or sides that secure the back of the camera. These may be clips, sliding buttons or regular latches.

3. Pull out the film-winding knob, but not too far. You don't want to remove it from the camera, just to pull it out far enough to disengage and unlock the camera back. On many box cameras, the film-winding knob is the second part of the camera's locking mechanism. It may not look like it pulls out, but it does on most box cameras. It may or may not click when it is out, but it won't pull out any farther unless it is broken.

4. Hold the front part of the camera in one hand and firmly pull out the back section with the other hand. The back section generally will contain the image cone, the take-up reel and the place for the insertion of the film roll.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you load the camera with film, give it a good cleaning. Cleaning the lens will give you clearer images, and cleaning the moving parts will help the film move more freely.

References

• Marcy's box camera basics