Ilford's Dacora-built 35mm viewfinder camera — 1957, Dignar 45mm f/3.5, Vario shutter, all mechanical
The Ilford Sportsman was a range of 35mm viewfinder cameras sold by the British film maker Ilford from 1957, built in Germany by Dacora as rebadged versions of the Dacora Dignette. Ilford pitched the line as an affordable alternative to Kodak's Retinette for the newly popular 35mm format, and the family later grew to include metered and rangefinder variants such as the Sportsman Auto and 300L.
The original model carries a Dacora Dignar 45mm f/3.5 lens stopping down to f/16, in a Vario three-speed leaf shutter offering 1/25, 1/50 and 1/200 second plus B, with X flash synchronisation. Focusing is by scale through a direct-vision viewfinder, exposure is entirely manual and unmetered, and no battery is required. Later versions of the Sportsman substituted faster Prontor shutters and other lens options, so specifications vary across the range.
It suits collectors of British-badged photographica and film shooters wanting a simple, mechanical 1950s camera for relaxed daylight use. The three-speed shutter and scale focus impose a deliberate pace, and the Dignar is a modest performer, but the camera is light, neat and a common, inexpensive entry into 1950s 35mm photography.
Survivors are plentiful, so choose on condition: cycle the Vario shutter at all speeds since slow-speed drag is common, and check the aperture blades move cleanly. Confirm which variant is on offer, as Sportsman badging covers many different Dacora bodies of differing value. Inspect the viewfinder for haze, the film advance and frame counter for correct operation, and the body covering for lifting, typical of unserviced examples.