Posted 12 years ago
smsorensen27
(15 items)
The Kodak Happy Times camera was originally a promotional item given out when a case of Coca-Cola was purchased. 25,000 of these cameras were produced, however the promotion did not go as well as expected, and 6,000 were recalled to become Kodak EK2 cameras, also known as 'The Handle' due to the large handle.
Later, Kodak was sued by Polaroid, and part of the class-action lawsuit had Kodak collecting the plastic nameplate (HAPPY TIMES line on this camera), in exchange for cash perks. Many cameras from this era have been destroyed since the film is no longer produced, and even fewer still have the nameplate intact.
This is the only Kodak camera ever produced that does not have a Kodak logo, however it does say "Made in U.S.A. by Eastman Kodak Co." on the lower portion of the lens housing.
My fiance and I collect cameras...if you ever get a chance, you can see all of our antique cameras and facts at:
http://www.camerahistoryproject.com/
