Antique Kodak Six-16 Art Deco Folding Camera. USA 1932–1934

Antique Kodak Six-16 Art Deco Folding Camera. USA 1932–1934 Exceptional example of the Kodak Six-16, a folding bellows camera manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, between 1932 and 1934. This piece, with its unmistakable Art Deco design, represents one of Kodak’s aesthetic and mechanical peaks of the 1930s, when geometric elegance and refined materials coexisted with the highest optical precision. The body, made of black lacquered metal with silver lines and geometric details, fully preserves the essence of the era. The octagonal front panel with its distinctive red Kodak logo and the chrome elements along the frame give it a refined and sober presence. Inside, the leather bellows are immaculate, without cracks or signs of wear, and fully functional, ensuring light tightness and mechanical integrity. Mechanically, it is in excellent condition. The shutter works precisely at all speeds, and the diaphragm and focus controls operate smoothly. This camera uses type 616 film, which produced large negatives of approximately 6.5 × 11 cm, ideal for high-quality and detailed prints. Its foldable optical viewfinder system and engraved exposure indicator on the front ring reflect the level of attention to detail characteristic of Kodak engineering during this period. The exterior design, clearly inspired by Art Deco, combines angles, symmetry, and color contrasts reminiscent of the architecture and industrial aesthetics of the 1930s. The top leather handle and the elegant lacquered finish complete a harmonious ensemble that conveys sophistication and durability. The red rear window, a typical Kodak feature, allowed monitoring of film advance and carries the classic inscription recommending the use of Kodak film in the yellow box. The condition of this example is outstanding. It shines with the perfect patina of time and remains in admirable preservation. Both aesthetically and technically, it is one of the most attractive and representative cameras in Kodak’s folding line, a true testimony of how the brand blended art and functionality. For its geometric design, chromed details, and pure lines, this piece looks exceptional both in a classic camera collection and as a decorative element in a vintage or industrial space. Its timeless beauty and historical significance make it a unique acquisition for collectors and lovers of Art Deco design. Measurements: 17.5 × 8.5 cm (6.9 × 3.35 in). History of the Kodak Six-16 The Kodak Six-16 was launched by Eastman Kodak Company in 1932 as part of a series of cameras that introduced a distinctly Art Deco visual language into photographic design. It used type 616 film, introduced that same year, derived from 116 roll film but with a more compact spool, which allowed reducing the camera’s size without sacrificing negative format. The model was designed during the Great Depression, a period when Kodak opted for elegance and accessibility. With its octagonal chrome front, geometric typography, and black and red enamel details, the Six-16 is today recognized as one of the most beautiful cameras in the company’s history. Its Kodak Diomatic shutter, with speeds T, B, 25, 50, and 100, and its Kodak Anastigmat f/6.3 lens delivered high-quality results for demanding amateurs. The Six-16 was marketed alongside its smaller sister, the Six-20, almost identical but designed for 620 film. Both represent the transition between the wood-and-leather cameras of earlier years and the metal structures that would dominate the following decades. Its straight lines, color contrast, and minimal ornamentation made the Six-16 an icon of American industrial design. Today, units preserved in excellent condition, such as the one presented here, are highly valued by collectors of historical photography and by designers seeking authentic decorative pieces from the Art Deco period.