Cameras/camera from parents
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Question
Just moved my parents into a retirement home, (in Illinois). They are 86 and 87. I found a Kodak, Jiffy Kodak six-16, I think 1934. The only reason I am writing because I know it is probably worth about $50 bucks, is that is in a case and it is relatively nice shape.
I collect CW items so I know higher quality is important. Probably 80 million of these were made. Anything you can add? Dave Lindoerfer in Maryland.
Hello Dave,
The Jiffy Kodak Six-16 is a very common amateur's snapshot camera, made by Eastman Kodak in two models from 1933 to 1942, for 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch exposures on #616 roll film. Records suggest well over a million were sold. Truly excellent examples only bring about $25 today, but if you have the original factory box with its fancy art deco exterior design the price doubles. Sorry, not a treasure, but an interesting reminder of the state of industrial arts in the 1930's.
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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