Cameras/No.3-A Folding Pocket Kodak
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Question
I have this Kodak in question above patent dates from June 21, 1898 to June 16, 1914. It is in excellent condition and uses A-122 autographic film. My fiancee will sell if the price is right. can you tell me the value? thanks
Hello,
What you have is actually a No. 3A Autographic Kodak, a big amateur's folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak from 1914 to 1934, for 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch "postcard" size exposures on old #122 roll film. The camera alone would be a No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak, but the addition of the autographic feature on the back changes its designation. That feature, when used in conjunction with the specific autographic film (#A-122 rather than just #122), allowed the photographer to scribe information directly on the edge of the photographs. But you had to have that autographic film; the feature did nothing with regular film. The camera is extremely common, one of the best selling in history, and I'm afraid zillions have survived over the years. Today a truly excellent example will only sell for about $50 in the collectible camera market.
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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