Iloca Single Lens Cameras
Iloca Single Lens Models
The single lens (or non-stereo) Iloca cameras were generally well built and quite robust. They were fairly straight-forward to operate and even the most basic configurations were capable of producing more than acceptable photos in most cases.
Here is a list of the most common single lens cameras produced by the company:
Iloca single lens cameras were available in a variety of body styles, with various lens/shutter combinations, and configured with a range of accessories such as rangefinders, lightmeters and accessory shoes depending on the model. Every now and then, a version may appear that differs in some respect to the other known models. Availability of components and other factors would have influeneced the various configurations to some extent. At times there seems to have been an overlap of components from older models to later versions, particularly in the earlier producation period, presumably to use up available supplies.
Early models (Iloca I / Ia and II / IIa) require removal of the base in order to load the film, which has to be inserted (complete with take-up spool) from the bottom of the camera. It can be a tricky procedure to ensure that the film is correctly located on the film sprockets, but it should be successful if you follow the instructions and take care. As a result, these early models did gain a reputation for being problematic due to the film loading and transport mechanism. Whether or not such a reputation is deserved is open to debate. Later models had removable camera backs which simplified the loading procedure somewhat (although the idiosynchratic camera back release methods are another matter altogether - simple in most cases once you know how!).
In their day, the range of Iloca models would have appealed to buyers looking for a decent quality camera at an affordable price. Some models offered a choice of lenses, and shutters with a greater range of speeds. More advanced features appeared progressively on later models - features such as built-in lightmeters and coupled shutter/aperture settings. The company's final effort was the ambitious and relatively high specification Iloca Electric, with electric motor drive and a choice of interchangeable lenses. This model (along with its Graflex Graphic 35 Electric counterpart) was the most expensive Iloca model produced, and is generally acknowledged as the first production camera with electric motor drive.
In addition to this list, there were many variants produced under different brand names such as Realist, Graflex, Tower, Argus and Photrix, MPP/Iloca.
The company also produced a range of Iloca stereo cameras.
Here is a list of the most common single lens cameras produced by the company:
- Iloca I
- Iloca Ia
- Iloca II
- Iloca IIa
- Iloca Quick
- Iloca Quick–A
- Iloca Quick–B
- Iloca Rapid
- Iloca Rapid B
- Iloca Rapid A1
- Iloca Rapid I (also available with built-in lightmeter designated as the Rapid IL)
- Iloca Rapid II (also available with built-in lightmeter designated as the Rapid IIL)
- Iloca Rapid III
- Iloca AUT-O-MATIC
- Iloca Electric
Iloca single lens cameras were available in a variety of body styles, with various lens/shutter combinations, and configured with a range of accessories such as rangefinders, lightmeters and accessory shoes depending on the model. Every now and then, a version may appear that differs in some respect to the other known models. Availability of components and other factors would have influeneced the various configurations to some extent. At times there seems to have been an overlap of components from older models to later versions, particularly in the earlier producation period, presumably to use up available supplies.
Early models (Iloca I / Ia and II / IIa) require removal of the base in order to load the film, which has to be inserted (complete with take-up spool) from the bottom of the camera. It can be a tricky procedure to ensure that the film is correctly located on the film sprockets, but it should be successful if you follow the instructions and take care. As a result, these early models did gain a reputation for being problematic due to the film loading and transport mechanism. Whether or not such a reputation is deserved is open to debate. Later models had removable camera backs which simplified the loading procedure somewhat (although the idiosynchratic camera back release methods are another matter altogether - simple in most cases once you know how!).
In their day, the range of Iloca models would have appealed to buyers looking for a decent quality camera at an affordable price. Some models offered a choice of lenses, and shutters with a greater range of speeds. More advanced features appeared progressively on later models - features such as built-in lightmeters and coupled shutter/aperture settings. The company's final effort was the ambitious and relatively high specification Iloca Electric, with electric motor drive and a choice of interchangeable lenses. This model (along with its Graflex Graphic 35 Electric counterpart) was the most expensive Iloca model produced, and is generally acknowledged as the first production camera with electric motor drive.
In addition to this list, there were many variants produced under different brand names such as Realist, Graflex, Tower, Argus and Photrix, MPP/Iloca.
The company also produced a range of Iloca stereo cameras.