The Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera, also known as the Kodak No. 1 Pocket Camera, is a vintage camera that was manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company in the early 20th century. This camera was designed to be small, portable, and easy to use, making it a popular choice for amateur photographers at the time.
**Introduction and Features**
Released in 1926, the Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera was part of Kodak’s successful line of portable folding cameras. It was a compact camera that measured about 3.5 x 4.75 inches when closed, making it convenient for photographers to carry it in their pockets.
One of the key features of this camera was its use of 120 roll film. This film format allowed for multiple exposures and produced larger negatives, resulting in higher quality photographs compared to smaller formats. The camera had a focal length of 105mm, providing a moderate wide-angle view for capturing a wide range of subjects.
The Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera had a simple lens and a fixed-focus system, which meant that photographers didn’t need to worry about adjusting the focus manually. This feature made it accessible to beginners, as they could simply point and shoot without the need for technical knowledge.
**Usage and Experience**
Using the Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera was a straightforward process. Photographers would unfold the camera, extend the bellows, and cock the shutter. The camera had a built-in viewfinder that allowed users to compose their shots.
Loading the film into the camera required opening the back cover, inserting the spool of film, and threading it through the film gate. Once the film was loaded, photographers would wind the film through the camera using the winding knob, advancing to the next frame after each exposure.
For capturing images, the shutter release button was pressed, exposing the film to light for a fraction of a second. After capturing the desired number of shots, the film needed to be rewound back into the spool to protect it from accidental exposure.
**Availability and Price**
The Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera was a popular camera during its time and can still be found in the vintage camera market today. However, due to its age and limited availability, it is considered a collector’s item and can be quite expensive.
The original price of the Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera was around $8 in the 1920s, which was a considerable amount at the time. Considering inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $120 in today’s currency.
In conclusion, the Kodak No. 1 Pocket Film Camera holds historical significance as a portable and user-friendly camera that was widely used by amateur photographers in the early 20th century. Its compact size, use of 120 roll film, and ease of use make it an intriguing piece of photographic equipment, even in the digital age.