Posted 3 years ago
Ctorrez
(1 item)
Can anyone tell me anything about this camera? There is no model number and no information i can find about it.
NO.3-A FOLDING POCKET KODAK CAMERA | ||
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Posted 3 years ago
Ctorrez
(1 item)
Can anyone tell me anything about this camera? There is no model number and no information i can find about it.
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Hi Ctorrez, I don't know anything specific about old cameras, but am still 99% sure this one would be a model "No.3A", as it says on it....?? Good luck with finding more info from somebody that really *does* know?!! :-)
As noted on the inside back, your camera is a No.3A Folding Pocket Kodak. The No.3A was extremely popular and considered very common by collecting standards. It was introduced in May 1903 and discontinued around 1915. Factory records estimate over 360,000 made. Patents noted inside the back are for various parts that were used in the camera. The #122 roll film made pictures in the format of 3-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches. This is referred to as a postcard format.
Your camera has Kodak’s Ball Bearing shutter. And based on some other design details and that your camera's interior back notes to use autographic film, I believe is your camera is a Model C made from about August 1914 to just before September 1914; after which the camera was renamed to be the 3A Autographic Kodak. According to my catalogues, in 1914, your camera sold for $20.00.
Typically, there is a serial number on the reverse side of the foot that supports the drop bed. The serial number can help me confirm approximate date and model.
Thank you rneiderman ... I will look into finding the serial number ...
Model c number 424796
The s/n confirms the camera was made sometime from August to September 1914. The s/n is very late in the production run and, my guess, probably among the last of this model made before or during the name change to "No.3A Autographic Kodak." FWIW, August 1914 s/n's are believed to start after 368,668.
What would price value be of this product
CW doesn't like us providing online estimates and, even so, it's difficult for me to give you a good value because I don't know specifics about your camera.
What I see in the pictures is a camera in fair/average condition in terms of wear - the back isn't shown, etc. I don't know if the shutter works or if the lens is clean. Condition of metal finish is a factor. Earlier versions with red bellows and polished wood inserts are preferrable. Later models (yours) have black bellows and no wood inserts (not as attractive).
There are lots for sale on eBay ... maybe do a search and get a feel for the listings. Asking prices on eBay, IMO, are incredibly optimistic. Keep in mind this is one of the most highly produced of all Kodak cameras; supply greatly outstrips demand.
What I can tell you from attending a lot of camera shows is that actual sale prices (against $60+ asking prices) for a camera like yours are typically much lower. But it's been several years since I've been to a camera show (COVID and all that) to actually know what the current sold values are.