Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera
**What is the Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera?**
The Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera is a vintage camera released by Eastman Kodak Company in 1910. It was a popular choice among amateur photographers during the early 20th century. This camera was designed to shoot on 122 film, producing 3¼ x 5½ inch (8.3 x 14 cm) negatives.
**Features and Design**
The Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera showcased a foldable bellows design, allowing users to collapse it into a compact form for easy transportation. It featured an autographic system, which enabled photographers to write directly on the film’s backing paper using a stylus, noting details about the captured images.
Equipped with a meniscus achromatic lens, the camera had a fixed focus and a simple shutter mechanism. It had a time setting for long exposures and an instantaneous setting for quicker shots. The viewfinder on top of the camera provided a clear frame for composition.
**Price and Availability**
Back in 1910, the Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera was sold for around $38, which roughly translates to $1,000 in today’s currency. Considering the technological advancements and inflation, this camera was quite an investment during its time.
Unfortunately, this specific model is no longer in production, as film cameras have been largely replaced by digital ones. However, vintage camera enthusiasts and collectors can often find this camera or similar models through online marketplaces, auctions, or specialty camera stores.
**Experience and Image Quality**
Using the Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera was a unique experience. Loading the 122 film into the camera required careful handling, as the film needed to be aligned properly for smooth operation. Capturing images with this camera required a steady hand and patience, as the absence of automatic features meant adjusting settings manually.
The image quality produced by this camera was remarkable, considering the technology available at the time. The meniscus achromatic lens produced sharp and detailed images, while the autographic system allowed photographers to personalize their shots with notes and inscriptions.
In conclusion, the Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie Film Camera holds a special place in the history of photography. Its compact design, autographic feature, and impressive image quality made it a beloved choice among amateur photographers of its era. While it may be a relic of the past, it serves as a reminder of the evolution and progress of camera technology.
