Antique Kodak Eastman Folding Pocket Camera. USA, Circa 1898

Antique Kodak Eastman Folding Pocket Camera. USA, circa 1898 This beautiful Kodak Eastman Folding Pocket, manufactured in the United States before 1899, belongs to the first generation of folding cameras produced by the Eastman Kodak company during the final years of the nineteenth century. It is a historic model, since after 1899 this design adopted the designation “No. 1”, which makes this example, bearing only the name “Folding Pocket”, an early, scarce and highly sought-after version among collectors. The camera is designed for 105 mm film, one of the earliest formats used by Kodak in its pocket cameras, and it preserves all the solid and handcrafted aesthetics of the company’s first productions, at a time when photographic design was undergoing a decisive transition toward more compact and portable cameras. The burgundy bellows, an especially attractive feature in these early models, is in surprisingly good condition, maintaining its firm structure and a deep, intense color that is very difficult to find in cameras of this age. The shutter works correctly, a particularly relevant point. The exterior, covered in traditional textured vulcanized leather, is well preserved, showing only small scuffs on the rear area, typical of the passage of time, but which do not affect the whole nor the visual presence of the camera. These scuffs also add a natural charm that enhances the authenticity of a camera approaching 125 years of age. The rest of the body shows minimal wear, reflecting very homogeneous and well-balanced preservation. The interior is also surprisingly attractive; it is clean, without rust or deformation, with the structure in excellent condition for its age. The hinges, supports and metal arms of the folding mechanism retain their shape and function, opening and closing the camera smoothly. We are looking at an example that clearly shows Kodak’s manufacturing quality during its first great stage of expansion, when the brand aimed for functional simplicity while sacrificing nothing of formal elegance. The front retains its original covering, with its focusing window and characteristic side viewfinder of these early series. As a decorative piece it is magnificent: its compact size and the presence of the burgundy bellows create a charming contrast that looks wonderful on shelves, display cases or spaces dedicated to antique photography. And as a collector’s item it is even more interesting, because Folding Pocket models manufactured before 1899 are not easy to find, especially in this level of preservation. This camera represents a very early chapter in the history of portable photography, at a time when Kodak was consolidating the idea of a light, accessible camera designed for the general public, yet built with noble materials and an aesthetic impossible to replicate today. A fantastic opportunity to add to any collection a rare, elegant and surprisingly well-preserved camera. A piece that conveys real history and immediately stands out among other period cameras due to its compact design, its colored bellows and its early place in Eastman Kodak’s production. A charming unit both for its beauty and for its historical significance, capable of enriching any photographic collection and bringing a unique touch to any space where it is displayed. It is not just an old camera; it is a key piece in the technological transition toward modern portable photography. Measurements: 17.5 cm (6.89 in) x 9 cm (3.54 in). History of the Kodak Folding Pocket The Kodak Folding Pocket was born at a key moment in the history of photography. At the end of the nineteenth century, Eastman Kodak was revolutionizing photographic practice with an approach aimed at simplifying the process and allowing more and more people to take pictures without requiring advanced technical knowledge. The introduction of folding cameras such as the Folding Pocket represented a decisive step in this direction, as it offered a portable and elegant design, easy to carry and to use, in contrast with the large plate cameras that had dominated previous decades. This line used roll film, a format perfected by the company that led to the gradual abandonment of glass plates. The original Folding Pocket began production in 1897 and was distinguished by its folding structure integrated into a narrow and elongated body designed to fit into a large pocket or a small personal case. From 1899 onward, Kodak renamed the model “No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak”, which helps approximate the production date of earlier units such as the one described here. During those years, the company was introducing constant improvements in shutter systems and viewfinders, incorporating lighter materials, refining mechanisms and experimenting with new combinations of wood, metal and leather. This model played a key role in consolidating pocket cameras, as it offered an exceptional combination of portability, durability and a build quality that made it very popular among travelers and enthusiasts. Its appearance paved the way for many later models that dominated the market during the first decades of the twentieth century, directly influencing the evolution of folding Kodaks, advanced Brownies and the compact devices that would come later. Folding Pocket cameras therefore represent a fundamental chapter in the history of photographic design and in the definitive expansion of portable photography as a global phenomenon.