Late 1960s
The main problem was having to use film to shoot porn, getting it processed and then selling to largely a criminal organisation. A small Mafia type organisation ran the Soho porn industry. The size of the market was small then, but the shops took millions. Vice police were on the take, shop keepers were informed of the planned raids.
Very few shooters. The release of Color Climax had a huge effect and the shops had problems keeping shops stocker. Buyers got a 50% discount off their next purchase when they returned the magazine in good condition. Expensive rental scheme. The magazine was smuggled into the UK, in the back of lorries.
Prior to magazine there was a huge market for B/W photos in sets of five. 5 pounds a set and again 50% off, on return. This made porn very expensive and a gold mine for those in the business. I worked in a porn shop and modelled for photos with girls. Films were again B/W and loops on 8mmand a nightmare to get processed, due to it being illegal.
This was the time of John Lindsay a Scottish photographer. I think I worked for him. It wasn't the time when people were exchanging business cards. He shot glamour and porn.
Lots more to read in my coming book and on
Porn Memoirs.
Having problems betting Analytics installed, in case anyone asks.