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: 1/22/2008 Subject: KODAK POCKET CAMERA
Question WAS CURIOUS WHAT A NO. 3-A FOLDING POCKET KODAK MODEL C IS WORTH. THE YEAR OF THE CAMERA IF POSSIBLE . SERIAL # 315857 THANK YOU
Answer
Hello,
The No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak series of amateur cameras was a major top-selling line for Eastman Kodak from 1903 to 1915. The main attraction was the size of picture it took...3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch exposures on old #122 roll film. This was the same size as a standard post card, and indeed one of the many services Kodak offered was to print negatives from these cameras directly onto post cards that could be mailed. The Model C was introduced in 1909, and it was the last and most common version. I'm afraid this is an extremely common camera, so it doesn't carry too much value today among collectors. A truly excellent example with a red bellows (1909 to 1913) will bring $65-$75, while one with black bellows (1913 to 1915) will only go for around $45. Still, it's a nice little bit of history, and ages away from the digital photography we have today. If you decide to display it in your home, don't pull the bellows out too far (about half way is enough for people to get the idea), and make sure it's in a dry, clean, cool location away from direct sunlight. No need to wash or polish it, but an occasional light dusting is recommended. Have fun!
