Cameras/Old Kodak Camera
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Question
Hi and good day, I am just wondering if you have any information about a Kodak camera called the No. 1A AUTOGRAPHIC KODAK Special Camera (w/coupled rangefinder and Bakelite side panels). I have recentley discovered this camera among some old boxes in my father garage after he passed away. I was wondering if you can tell me what it was used for and is there any current value for it. It is in excellent condition including the pouch it came in. Thnks for your help
Hello John,
The No. 1A Autographic Kodak Special is a common amateur's folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak from 1917 to 1926, for 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch exposures on #116 roll film. It had two interesting features. First was the autographic back. When specifically loaded with #A116 rather than regular #116 roll film, the user could scribe short lines of information directly into the margins between each exposure through the little autographic door on the back of the camera. However, you had to be using the #A116 film with its unusual soft carbon impregnated paper backing...if you opened that little door while using regular #116 film, the autographic function did not work, and stray light might fog the film. Kodak was the only company that offered the autographic function. The second feature was the coupled rangefinder that allowed the user to precisely focus the lens. The Autographic Kodak Special series of cameras were the very first to offer this feature, but they did not have any specific controlling patent on the mechanism, and many other companies would follow their example. In truly excellent condition, you would expect this camera to sell for about $90-$100 today.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David 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:
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