You are here:

Cameras/Kodak Jr 6.16

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/4/2012


Question
David,

I read your answer regarding a similar Kodak bellows camera, so I supopose this old "family camera" (as it was known when I was a kid) is not valuable.  My question is what film does it use and is that film available anywhere?

Thanks,
Joe

Answer

Hi Joe,

The Kodak Junior Six-16 is a simple amateur's folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak in a couple of minor variations in the 1930's, for 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch exposures on old #616 roll film.  You are correct, it's a very common "family camera", zillions have survived, and excellent examples are only worth around $30-$40 today.  Of course, you can't place a price on sentimental value.  That size of film was discontinued over 40 years ago, but there is a small cottage industry out there that has been supplying many old roll film formats, called Film For Classics, and they do offer some sort of #616 for black and white.  It's been a long time since I visited their web site, but I do recall the film isn't cheap since it has to be carefully cut from large supply rolls and then hand rolled onto spools.  Do a Google search for Film For Classics and that will link you to whoever is actually selling their film today.  Have fun!

Best wishes,

David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization

silver@photographyhistory.com  

Cameras

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.