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: 7/26/2008 Subject: Old Kodak camera
Question Dear David, I have a old camera with it's box and instruction manual. The booklet is dated December 1912 and the camera is a Premoette Junior with a planatograph lens. It is in very good shape although the outside box is worn. Can you tell me more about the camera and what it might be worth? Who would want it? I think this was my grandfather's camera. My mom was born in 1920. Thank you very much for you time. Debby
Answer
Hello Debby,
The Premoette Junior is a simple folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak in several subtle variations from 1911 to 1923, for either 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inch exposures on #520 film packs (the No. 1 model) or 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch exposures on #516 film packs (the No. 1A model). It was a popular amateur's snapshot camera, zillions were sold, and for such a long time, you can imagine many of them have survived over the years. Since it's so common, I'm afraid it doesn't have much value. Truly excellent examples sell for about $50-$60 in the collectible camera market today. However, with the original box, some collectors might pay $10-$20 more (and the instruction book could add an equivalent amount to that). If you really wanted to sell it, to reach the greatest potential market, eBay would be your best venue. On the other hand, it probably has far more sentimental value, and I think you should keep and preserve it for future generations. It's a piece of your family history!
