A basic box camera using 118 roll film, producing 3.25" x 4.25" images, with a variant sold at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.
Overview
The Ansco No. 2 Box Camera is a simple box camera made by Agfa-Ansco, designed for amateur photographers. It uses 118 roll film to produce 3.25" x 4.25" images. The camera features two right-angle viewfinders built into the top and right-hand side, allowing for both portrait and landscape orientation. A commemorative version, the Ansco Century of Progress, was produced for sale at the 1933 "Century of Progress" World's Fair in Chicago, differing from the standard model only in the design of the front plate.
Specifications
| Product type | Box camera |
| Film format | 118 roll film |
| Image size | 3.25" x 4.25" |
| Viewfinder | Two right-angle viewfinders for portrait and landscape orientation |
Design
The design is described as "fairly primitive," typical of box cameras from the era. The only difference between the standard Ansco No. 2 Box Camera and the 1933 Century of Progress variant is the decorative design on the front plate.
Context
The Ansco No. 2 Box Camera competed with other low-cost models like the Eastman No. 2 Brownie and the Japanese "Yen Camera." The release of the Century of Progress variant for the 1933 World's Fair highlights its role in Ansco’s long-standing line of affordable cameras.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.