AboutDavid 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:
Expert: David Silver Date: 6/26/2006 Subject: Vintage Camera
Question Hi David: We have had this camera laying around for 40 yrs. Was wondering if you tell us its value. Its a Kodak No.3-A Folding pocket camera. Model B-4. The last patent number is Sept. 9th 1902 Serial # 158673-A.
Thank you very much.
Ed Butler
Answer Hi Ed,
The No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak is a line of large folding bellows cameras, made by Eastman Kodak in a number of different models from 1903 to 1915, for 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch "post card size" exposures on #122 roll film. The Model B-4 is one of the later versions, introduced around 1910, and the last to wear a red bellows (the following B-5 and C had black bellows). I'm afraid they are very common, zillions were sold, and a truly excellent example would only go for around $60 today.
