The Luzo is the first English roll-film camera, produced only one year after the Kodak. It is the first camera to have the film spools placed either side of the lens - an arrangement that was to be used later in most box cameras. The Luzo was advertised as a hand or detective camera. Although not disguised a leather case for concealment was provided.

The camera was designed by H. J. Redding and sold by J. Robinson & Son. In 1896 Redding, together with E. T. Gyles, left Robinson to form Redding & Gyles who made and sold the camera from then on.

Probably less than 1400 cameras were made. The serial numbers indicate that after the formation of Redding & Gyles camera production increased. The figures also show that Redding & Gyles was supplying Robinson & Son after the split so cameras with the Robinson name may be made after 1896.

Models

Variations

Some of the improvements made to the camera e.g. corner pieces were present on one example but not on another later example.

• Early models had a round finder, later it is square or rectangular.
• New sizes introduced in 1890. Before no. 352.
• Early shutters used a rubber band, later the improved shutter was spring powered. After no. 352 before 425.
• 1896 - Redding & Gyles name plaque on most cameras from this date. After no. 513 before 528.
• Early cameras have hook shaped catches to fix the back to the body, later these are changed to a hinged plate. After no. 664 before 694.
• Early models have 2 brass straps running between the top and front of the camera.
• Brass corner pieced were added to late models, at first on the back top corners then on all but the front bottom.
• On early models the film advance handle is a brass rod passing through a stem. Later, generally, the rod is replaced by a plate.
• Late model shutters sometimes have 3 positions for setting the spring tension.
• Later models have a brass cover over the shutter spring where it attaches to the body. After no. 735 before 792.
• Some models have Waterhouse stops.
• Some late models have a sector diaphragm.
• Some late models have tripod bushes.
• Some very late models have a frame counter which replaced the click spring on the top plate.

• The original film advance mechanism has been replaced. The clicker has been removed and its position taken by the film advance knob, a plate covers the original position of the film advance knob. A red window was added at the back of the camera. The measuring roller and film punch were removed.
• On quarter-plate models the 'red window' modification was made on two occasions. The first change had the red window in the centre of the back with a sliding cover inside the camera. Later this was covered by a brass plate on the outside of the camera and a second red window placed at the top right of the back. The first window may have been for roll-holder film (which would have needed to be re-spooled), the second window would have been for 118 size film introduced in 1900.
• The ratchet on the film advance spool is inside the camera rather than outside.
• There are doors beneath the spool chambers to provide access.
• The name is sometimes on a small metal plaque.

The small illustrations above show a camera with a rod-type film advance handle and the nickel spring that makes the 'click' as the film is advanced. The other camera is fitted with a plate-type film advance handle a frame counter.

The illustration, far right, shows the film punch on the back of the camera. The illustration, right, shows the scale fitted to a focusing model.