Expert: David Silver - 7/1/2006

Question
I have what I believe is a Kodak Vanity camera. It is in a reddish brown clamshell case. It is in superb condition as is the case. I suspect that it has never been used. There are no signs of wear. The red bellows shows some cracking at the tips of the folds.
Could you provide an estimate of its value?

Answer
Hello Rich,

I apologize for the couple days delay, but it wasn't my fault.  I informed the AllExperts system that I was on vacation through the weekend, and they should have disabled my service during that period, but they allowed your question to go through for some reason.  I suppose they'll claim it was "computer error", but more likely somebody was slow to do their job!  Anyway, I'm back this morning, I've just reactivated my service, and there's your question.  So, without any further delay...

The Vanity was a series of compact folding bellows cameras, made by Eastman Kodak 1928 to 1933, for 1 5/8 x 2 1/2 inch exposures on #127 roll film.  They were offered in five fancy colors with matching "clam shell" cases: blue, brown, green, grey, and red.  The dye used to color the bellows was acidic and caused the fabric to crack and deteriorate, so unfortunately we find far too many of these cameras with factory replacement black bellows.  Also the case is usually missing, or so worn from rough treatment that it's virtually worthless.  Such examples of the camera tend to sell for only around $75.  A typical nice example of the camera with a typically deteriorating original colored bellows goes for around $100 to $125.  A truly excellent example of the camera with completely intact (but inevitably cracking in the corners) bellows can reach $175.  A well preserved matching case can add $50 to $75.  So your red Vanity with matching case, if it is indeed in "superb" shape with completely intact original red bellows, should sell in the $225 to $250 range.  These are not uncommon cameras (as you would expect of a model that was sold over a five year period), but they do attract collectible interest for their colorful beauty.  They tend to be difficult to sell for true market value because so many remain available.  For example, they frequently die on eBay.  If you wish to sell the camera, please feel free to e-mail me directly at <silver@well.com> and I will gladly recommend a number of honest collectors you can contact for a stress free transaction.  You can send me a single small JPEG of the camera as well if you think that's necessary.

Best wishes,

David Silver