FIELD CAMERA

The first cameras were made of wood, ranging from the most ordinary to the most luxurious types. In France, oak and walnut were commonly used, while the English preferred mahogany. Some manufacturers only made the camera bodies, which were sold to photographers who then chose the appropriate lens for the camera format. Later, wood was abandoned in favour of thin metal or cardboard plates covered with leather, then Bakelite or plastic cases, and finally cast, stamped or pressed metals or aluminium, all polished, chrome-plated or painted.