Houghton Klito No.9

The Klito No.9 by Houghton represents a typical example of early 20th-century British plate camera manufacture, produced by the well-known optical firm Houghton-Butcher (later Houghton Ltd.) of London. While precise details of its introduction year, exact type (likely a folding field camera or possibly a press camera), and format (probably quarter-plate, half-plate, or possibly 5x4 inch) are lost to time, the "Klito" name was commonly used by Houghton for their folding cameras employing a baseboard and bellows design. Characteristic of its era and manufacturer, the No.9 would have been constructed from robust brass and wood, covered in black leather, and featured a leather bellows extending from a compact, folding body to accommodate a lens board. It likely utilized a simple drop-bed or baseboard mechanism for lens extension and employed Houghton's own lenses or possibly those from other reputable suppliers, with a basic optical viewfinder and ground glass focusing screen for composing images. As a mid-range offering from a respected British supplier, it catered to serious amateurs and possibly professionals seeking a reliable, portable system for plate photography, reflecting the practical tools of the time rather than pushing significant technical boundaries.