Cameras/ID old Kodak camera?
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Question
Got me a Kodak camera, looks to be turn of the century maybe? Says No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak Model B3 inside the back. Outside is covered in black leather. Has red accordian part that pulls out, and fancy brass shutter part with Kodak Automatic and numbers above and below, chrome cyclinders to the sides. All very pretty, nice shape, must have been kept in its big leather case most of the time. Treasure or flea market fodder? Is it still usable? Thanks!
Hello HAL,
The No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak was a VERY popular line of cameras made by the Eastman Kodak Company between 1905 and 1914 (although the last version of the camera actually continued on to about 1919 under a different name), and made 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch "post card size" exposures on #122 rollfilm. You specifically have the model B-3 version with the red "accordian" bellows, and that places it more precisely between about 1909 and 1912. As pretty and obviously antique as these look, they are extremely common, even today. Kodak made zillions of them! However, truly excellent examples can sell for about $75 in the collectible camera market. Usable? Not really. #122 rollfilm was discontinued in the 1970's. There are a couple places where they will specially roll the film for you today, but it is too expensive I feel. With no lack of other similar cameras around from that period, for which film is still available, I don't see any advantage to forcing this one out of retirement! Have fun!
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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