box camera

American  

noun

1. a simple, boxlike camera, without bellows, sometimes allowing for adjustment of lens opening but usually not of shutter speed.

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box camera British  

noun

1. a simple box-shaped camera having an elementary lens, shutter, and viewfinder

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Etymology

Origin of box camera

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Christina Broom only began to experiment with photography in her forties, using a box camera.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

From foot soldiers to high-ranking officials, many Taliban were happy to pose for box camera portraits.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Lucas’s arrogance is exemplified by his insistence on transporting a big box camera and its gear, as well as a large cross meant for the new church.

From Washington Post • Mar. 13, 2023

Whether he's trying out the family's Kodak Brownie box camera or experimenting with his Rollei Magic camera in later years, Mike's photographs capture the Mersey Beat scene in all its glory.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2022

She had to be content with letting Flossie Gaddis, who had a box camera, take a snapshot.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith