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 (to around serial no. 300) had a round finder, later it is square or rectangular.
• New sizes introduced in 1890. Before no. 336.
• 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 late models have a sector diaphragm.
• Some late models have tripod bushes
• Some very late models have a frame counter which replaces the click spring on the top plate.
• Some late models have doors beneath the spool chambers.
• Very late models have a window in the back for viewing film numbers.
• On very late models the ratchet on the film-advance spool is inside the camera rather than outside.