POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

An Eastman Kodak 'No. 3 Brownie Model B' camera

An Eastman Kodak 'No. 3 Brownie Model B' camera

Object No. H9024

George Eastman patented his first Kodak camera in 1889 with the slogan: 'You press the button we do the rest'. Over the next century Kodak cameras revolutionised photography by reducing costs and making simple but high quality camera's available to non-professionals. The earliest Kodak's were simple box cameras which were sent to a local dealer after all the shots on the film inside were taken. The dealer developed the film and sent the photographs and the reloaded camera back to the photographer. Kodak realised the real money was in the sale and developing of film and he introduced numerous models to capture the interest of people from all walks of life. While introducing a wide range of innovative features two designs dominated Kodak's cameras. The most famous of these was the Box Brownie, designed by Frank Brownell, and introduced at the cost of one dollar in 1900. Brownie's were produced in one form or another up until the 1960s when the Kodak Instamatic was introduced. The second major design was Folding Pocket Kodak camera introduced in the 1890s. The Folding Pocket camera was highly portable and could be brought in a range of film sizes. Larger negatives such as those found in the No. 4A Folding Pocket Camera were favoured for more professional shots. The smaller Vest Pocket Kodak camera's were introduced in 1912 and were popular with soldiers in World War One. This is an example of the Kodak box "Brownie" No. 3, camera which was in production from 1908 to 1934. These cameras had coarse grained imitation leather covers before 1926 and pin-grained covers after this date. References McKeown, Jim and Joan, Collectors Guide to Kodak Cameras, Centennial Photo Service, 1981 Geoff Barker, October 2006

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Summary

Object Statement

Box camera, 'No. 3 Brownie Model B', metal / glass / leather, made by Eastman Kodak, New York, United States of America, 1908-1934

Physical Description

A box-like camera covered in black leather with a leather strap on the top. One side of the strap has detached from the metal bolt that holds it in place.The front section of the camera is held in place by two metal clasps. A horizontal viewfinder is located in the top of this front section and there is a vertical viewfinder and a shutter release lever on the right side of the front section of the camera. The film winder for the camera is on the right side of the main body of the camera. Three circular lenses can be seen on the front of the camera. On the back of the camera there is a round, red tinted window.

DIMENSIONS

Height

135 mm

Width

123 mm

Depth

158 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

This camera was made by Eastman Kodak in America between 1908-1934.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of R A Hinds, 1973

Acquisition Date

23 May 1973

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