Kodak Vest Pocket Kodak Analogue camera

Historical notes: The camera from Eastman Kodak Co. named Vest Pocket Kodak was born in 1912 on the wave of the success of other small-sized devices that used roll film and featured metal linkages to keep the bellows in position. In 1915 the first version with Autographic-type finishes appeared. The characteristic of the Autographic-type models (born in 1914) was to have a small window on the back through which one could access the back of the film to write, with a special pen supplied with the device, information such as date, place, etc. Using special films with a fabric inserted between the film and the paper placed on the back of the film itself, which became transparent under the pressure of a pen. Autographic-type devices could be used with normal films as well as with these special films. The success of this type of camera was not due to this idea, however. In fact, today there are not many films of this type left. The production of Autographic films ended in 1934 with the advent of Panchromatic films, too sensitive to allow these applications. This camera enjoyed enormous success for its intrinsic features: it was very well made, economical, easy to use. Following this success, many other manufacturing companies began producing devices of this type with 127 roll film with frames of 4.5x6 cm. Later, in the 1930s, cameras using this film format were replaced by those with 120 film, much cheaper.

Author: Eastman Kodak Co. (manufacturer) (1889/)

Dating: ca. 1915 - ca. 1926

Material and technique: metal; leather; glass

Category: industry, manufacturing, craft

Measurements: 6 cm x 8 cm x 12.5 cm

The machine shows normal signs of use and age but is functioning, sold with original case.