The box camera is, with the exception of the pin hole camera, a camera in its simplest form. The classic box camera is shaped more or less like a box, hence the name. A box camera has a simple optical system, often only in the form of a simple meniscus lens. It usually lacks a focusing system (fix-focus) as well as control of aperture and shutter speeds. This makes it suitable for daylight photography only. In the 1950s, box cameras with photographic flash were introduced, allowing in-door photos.

Typical box cameras are:

• The Kodak N° 1 introduced in 1888, the first box camera -- the advertising slogan being You push the button - we do the rest.
• The Kodak Brownie, a long lasting series of classical box cameras using roll film.
• The Kodak Instamatic using 126 film, later 110 film.
• The modern disposable camera using 135 film.