AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Expert: David Silver Date: 7/6/2007 Subject: No.0 Graphic
Question Hi I have a camera its No.0 Graphic, eastman kodak co, rochester NY USA, Folmer & Schwing division, the number 118598 is stamped into leather on bottom and iside it says patented Sept 25 189? and then five other dates roughly two years apart after that, then it says other patents pending, it is not in bad nick considering its age, the viewing glss is still intact and the spirit level is accurate please could you help me by telling me what its woth roughly?? many thanks
Answer
Hello,
The No. 0 Graphic is an elaborate box camera equipped with an internal focal plane shutter, made by the Folmer & Schwing Division of Eastman Kodak from 1905 to 1923, for 1 5/8 x 2 1/2 inch exposures on #127 roll film. The serial number on yours suggest a manufacture date of 1922. Most of the patent dates deal with various improvements in the shutter design. This was a popular camera, many were sold, and it remains common, but it is quite difficult to find clean and complete examples today since they were usually well used. I would say a truly excellent one would bring about $250 in the collectible camera market.
