Antique Cameras

So being the photography nerd that I am, I bought two old vintage cameras…

The first one I bought was a No. 1A Autographic Kodak Jr. These were produced between 1914-1927 for the high-end price of $21.00. The body is made of wood with leather covering and leather bellows that fold out. The condition of this camera is amazing and all the part still work. I also was fortunate enough to find a copy of the original instruction manual so I have been learning how to use it.

Dialing in all the manual setting and hearing that “click” of the shutter is an amazing experience for a camera this old.  I can’t imagine what images have past through its bellows over the last 90 years. My goal is to take at least one picture with it and develop the film myself. I spent a few years in college studying black and white film photography and working in a dark room so we will see if it works… Below is a picture I took of the camera. It was shipped inside its leather case (shown on the right). I set it up and extended the bellows for the picture.

The second one I bought was a Kodak No. 2A Brownie. These were produced between 1907 and 1924 and were sold as a low-end camera for a price of $3.00. The irony in this is that I found this little gem on ebay and my winning bid was… if you can believe it… $3.00. I guess I should take solace in the idea that they have not lost their value over the years. I felt bad when I received it in the mail because I noticed the postage was $6.50, so someone lost money selling it to me.

The camera is a box style body and is made of heavy card stock covered in leather. And to add to the nostolgia, it smells heavily of dust and cigars, a point that I only think adds to its personality. This camera is much more simple than the 1A, and again, my goal is to take at least one picture with it. If I can get it to work I will post pictures. Below is a picture I took of the camera once I got it.