Houghton Folding Klito De Luxe

The Folding Klito De Luxe represents an early but significant step in the popularization of the 135 format (35mm) still photography. Produced by Houghton Butcher & Co. in the UK from 1913 to 1918, it capitalized on the smaller film size introduced by cinema, offering greater portability and reduced bulk compared to larger plate or roll-film cameras of the period. Its key design feature was the bellows-folding construction, allowing the camera to collapse into a compact, pocketable package—a significant convenience for travel and candid shooting when extended. It typically featured a simple lens and shutter system, often a meniscus lens with a single-speed or basic variable shutter, prioritizing affordability and ease of use over sophisticated optics for the amateur market. The Klito De Luxe occupied an important niche as one of the earliest commercially successful 35mm folding cameras aimed at the serious amateur, predating the more famous Leica by several years but demonstrating the practical viability of the format for still photography beyond cinematography.