No. 5 Folding Kodak

1890

Eastman Co.

Rochester

USA

Lens:

f11, 8" rapid rectilinear, apertures on sector: f11, f16, f22, f32.

Shutter:

Eastman sector, between-the-lens, spring powered and regulated, self-capping.

Construction:

Leather covered body, leather bellows.

Format:

54, 5" x 7" exposure on un-backed roll-film.

Focusing:

Bellows to 5 feet.

Attributes:

Film-advance indicated by a click. The measuring roller has two pins, top and bottom, to mark the film. Removable roll holder.

Identification:

Early version with sector shutter and wheel for film-advance.

Movements:

Rise and cross front.

Serial Number:

399 , Roll holder: 385.

Notes:

Address on roll holder: Eastman Co. Rochester (1889 - 1892).

With:

Roll of film.

The Folding Kodak was Eastman's first non-box camera. It is also an early example of the type of camera to become known as the 'Hand and Stand' type. Introduced in 1890 these early models had an Eastman sector shutter and took only a roll-holder. Film-advance was by a large diameter wheel on top of the camera.

In 1892 the shutter was replaced by the Barker shutter and an adapter could be fitted to take dark-slides. Roll-holders could also be fitted with a sheath so that they could be changed in mid film. A counter was added to the holder. Between 1890 and 1892 the film-advance wheel was replaced by a key.

In 1893 the shutter was replaced by the B&L Iris and interchangeable roll-holders were always fitted. Late models have a round window in the top to view the film counter.

The camera was also available in No. 4 (4" x 5") and No.6 (6 ½" x 8 ½") sizes. A stereo lens panel was available for the No. 5 and No. 6 sizes. Discontinued in 1899. The price of this model was £12.7.6.

References & Notes:

BP 9869/1889. BP 359/1890. PA 1891, p. 295. BJA 1892, p. 85. Kodak Cat. 1894, p. 24. Lothrop, Century, p.69. Coe, Kodak Cameras, p.94.

Kodak Company Details

Early Photography