Cameras/Pocket Kodak 3 Special
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Question
What can you tell me about this camera as I have not found it listed specifically anywhere on the web. It is a Kodak "Pocket Kodak 3 Special" autographic model, with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar lens 1:4.5 f= 12cm, Compur shutter, last backplate patent date of Aug. 12, 1924; and uses A118 film. Thank you.
Hello,
I knew the camera, no problem, but I took an extra day to research the lens and shutter because I've never heard of that combination on this model. Found it! The No. 3 Pocket Kodak Special is a better quality amateur's folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak from 1926 to 1933, for 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch exposures on #118 roll film. If you wanted to use the "autographic" feature on the back, you needed #A118 film instead. The vast majority of these cameras were fitted with Kodamatic shutters and Kodak Anastigmat lenses, they're fairly common, and these sell in the $30 to $40 range today. BUT this model was marketed in Europe only with the Compur shutter, and when found with the Tessar f4.5 lens the collectible value doubles to around $75.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you Mr. Silver for your research. This camera is in absoulutely fantastic condition. The bellows has not a single crack in it and all the chrome is near perfect. I intend to clean it up a bit -carefully... and wondered if you would like a photo of it when I am done. Let me know where to send the pic. M.R. Miller | ||
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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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