Cameras/Eastman Kodak Autographic
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Question
I have an old Eastman Kodak Autographic folding camera which used #A-120 roll film.
When was this film taken out of production?
Leather covering loose at corners and/or edges.
Original leather carrying strap is missing.
Approximate value range?
Hello,
I apologize for the delay in answering your question. Wasn't my fault, but it appears the AllExperts system had a rush of activity this weekend and many inquiries were backlogged. I just received your question a few minutes ago, so without any further delay...
That film is still readily available, in many different emulsions, but with a slight change in designation. Rather than A-120 (the A designates that the film is backed with special paper to utilize the autographic feature on those old Kodak cameras), it is simply 120 film. It remains a popular film for professional photographers working with "medium format" cameras. However, you won't find it at the local pharmacy or grocery store. You need to find a full service photography supply store.
As for the camera, I'm afraid you've given me more of a generic desription rather than a precise model name, and therefore I can't give you an exact value. However, cameras that used A-120 film were designated either No. 1 (for various Kodak models) or No. 2 (for Brownie models), they were introduced in 1914, and available as late as 1932. It was a popular format, and MANY different Kodak folding camera models were produced during that period. Values today range as low as $15 for the really common models up to around $100 for the more exotic. If you can't determine the exact model of your camera, go ahead and send a single small (emphasis on small!) JPEG showing its overall appearance to my personal e-mail <silver@well.com> and I'll get right back to you.
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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