Around 1948-50, three disposable cameras appeared in America: the Picture Box, the Photo-Pac and the more abundant Hollywood, available by saving up enough coupons from cigarette packs. All were sold pe-loaded with film.

 

The Hollywood was made of cardboard with a paper covering that resembled a light-coloured leather. It had a shutter release and film wind knob on the side, a wire-frame viewfinder that pulled up from the top and a simple fixed focus, fixed aperture lens. The camera came pre-loaded with a roll of 127 film and was used like any other box camera of the day. In case of doubt, full instructions for use were printed on the side.

 

A label on the bottom of the camera was pre-printed with the name and address of the Encore Camera Company that made the camera and processed the film. The label also included a place for the user to write his or her name and address and then the edge of a coin was used to open a perforated slot. Into this the photographer inserted $1.25, suggested to comprise a quarter coin (25 cents) wrapped in a dollar bill. Then all the user had to do was stick a six cent stamp on the camera and put the whole thing in the mail. Sometime later, a set of pictures would arrive in the post followed shortly by another pre-loaded camera.

 

Variations on the Hollywood included the Encore Deluxe, which was the same camera covered in fake snakeskin, and one badged by, and given away to passengers travelling on, Continental Airlines.

 

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