Rare British 35mm camera with die-cast aluminium body and Dallmeyer 35mm f/4.5 lens.
The Ilford Advocate is a rare British 35mm camera produced by Ilford Ltd between 1950 and 1953, featuring a diecast aluminium body and a Dallmeyer D.Anastigmat 35mm f/4.5 lens. Ilford was best known for photographic film and paper rather than cameras, and the Advocate represents their brief and unsuccessful venture into camera manufacturing. It is now a collector's rarity.
Fixed Dallmeyer D.Anastigmat 35mm f/4.5 lens, 35mm film, Prontor-S shutter (1s to 1/300s plus B), scale focus, diecast aluminium body.
The Ilford Advocate is sought by British camera collectors for its rarity and Ilford heritage. The Dallmeyer lens delivers good results for its era. Production numbers were low, making complete working examples particularly valuable. The compact aluminium body is distinctive and well-machined.
Test the Prontor-S shutter at all speeds. Inspect the Dallmeyer lens for haze and cleaning marks. Check the scale focus mechanism engages correctly at the marked distances. Verify the film advance and frame counter operate correctly. A working example with clean optics is significantly more valuable.