The collection of Retinas continues to grow. This example was picked up at Central Camera in Chicago on my first trip to that photogenic city. As usual, the build quality is exceptional. The Type 148 feels very similar to the Type 126 in my hands but feels slightly heavier. More details will be forthcoming once…
Category: Kodak
Kodak Retina IIa (type 016)
Visually, this Kodak Retina IIa (type 016), is a little crunchy. However, the mechanical components are near perfect. This sturdy 35mm folding rangefinder typifies what I like about the Retina lineup and why I have a mini-collection within my collection for these beauties. Make Kodak Model Retina IIa type 016 Year 1951-1954 Format 35mm Shutter…
Kodak Stereo Camera
The Kodak Stereo Camera surprised me, compared to the lightweight and somewhat flimsy design of the Graflex Stereo Graphic, it feels robust and substantial in hand. It appears easy to use, with self-cocking shutter, smooth focus, and spirit level. Make Kodak Model Stereo Year 1954 Format 35mm Shutter Kodak Speed B,25,50,100,200 Lens Kodak Anaston f3.5…
No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak (1899)
This is the oldest camera in my collection, so far. The No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak was a milestone in portable photography. Though large by todays pocketable standards, it was a breakthough for it’s time with its light weight, daylight roll loadable, and well-engineered strut design. Make Kodak Model No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak Year…
Kodak Retina IIc (type 020)
The Kodak Retina line contains some of my favorite cameras, due in no small part to the second camera in my collection, my great-grandmother’s Type 126. I find Retinas to have some of the best hand-feel of any pocketable cameras. As with all folding Retinas I have had the pleasure of using, the IIc has…
Kodak Retina 1b type 018
The Kodak Retina 1b (type 018) is an interesting example of the generally amazing Retina lineup. Unlike several of its later brethren, the 018 does not have a rangefinder, nor exposure meter, rather a coupled settings dial keyed to EV numbers from an external meter. As with all pre war and most post war Retinas,…
Kodak Retinette type 022
The Kodak Retinette Type 022, produced between 1954 and 1958 was the less expensive option to their Retina line, though the Retina 1b Type 018 has similar features including lack of rangefinder. It is also the first non-folding Retinette. Though not as hefty as a Retina, the Retinette is a well-built and fairly pocketable camera….
Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic
Manufactured between 1915 and 1926, the Eastman Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic strut folding camera is a great example of the quality mass produced models the company sold at that time. The special autographic 127 film, unfortunately no longer available, allowed the photographer to draw notes directly onto the film via a small door using the…
Kodak Petite
The Kodak Petite, manufactured between 1929 and 1934 (originally marketed to women) is a fun, simple shooter that will bring much needed color to any collection. The controls and features are straightforward, and the rotary aperture is a neat feature. No f-numbers are given. Instead the camera’s manual indicates the following: No. 1 – For…
Kodak Bantam (4.5)
The Kodak Bantam 4.5 is one of the first cameras I have run film through in 25+ years. It is an amazingly compact and capable 828 film camera that produces sharp images with good contrast. Build quality is exceptional, everything feels solid 77+ years after it left the factory. For such a small camera, the…
Kodak No. 1A Folding Pocket Special Model D
The No. 1A Folding Pocket Special Model D was produced between 1908 and 1912 by Eastman Kodak. The 1A used 116 film as opposed to the No 1 which used 120. The camera could take 8 exposures of 2 1/2 by 4 1/4. The “A” designation indicates that that camera had autographic function, though this…
Kodak Retina (type 126)
Manufactured from 1936 to 1937, the Kodak Retina I Type 126 was the first manufactured with a chrome top plate. Though functionally identical to the Type 119, all other control surfaces on the 126 are also chrome. The 126 also has an accessory shoe next to the rewind knob. This example is fitted with a…
