Description
Kodak No. 1A Series III Folding Camera is a classic piece of photographic history from the early 20th century, part of Kodak’s long-running folding camera line. Here’s a detailed overview for you:
General Information
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Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Company (Rochester, USA)
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Model: No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak, Series III
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Production Years: Approx. 1909–1915
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Format: Designed for 116 roll film, producing 2½ × 4¼ inch (6.5 × 11 cm) negatives – roughly postcard size.
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Type: Folding bellows camera
Features
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Lens & Shutter:
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Typically fitted with a meniscus or Rapid Rectilinear lens, though some had higher-quality Bausch & Lomb or Kodak Anastigmat lenses as upgrades.
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Shutters were often simple rotary or Kodak Ball Bearing shutters, offering speeds like T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 sec.
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Body:
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Leather-covered wood or metal body.
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Nickel-plated fittings.
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Folding bed with red or black bellows (red bellows are especially collectible).
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Viewfinder:
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Brilliant finder, sometimes with a swing-up waist-level finder.
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Film Use:
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Took 116 roll film, which is discontinued today (but hobbyists sometimes respool 120 film onto 116 spools).
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Collectability
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Historical Importance: This was one of the popular models that brought photography to the masses – portable and relatively affordable compared to large plate cameras.
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Commonality: Not rare, but early variations (especially with red bellows, ornate shutter plates, or uncommon lenses) are desirable.
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Condition Matters: Collectors value intact bellows (no pinholes), working shutters, original leather cases, and shiny hardware.
