Kodak Junior Six-20 Series III Value Guide

The Kodak Junior Six-20 Series III is a classic pre-war folding camera celebrated for its innovative self-erecting mechanism that allowed for rapid deployment. Produced in the USA between 1937 and 1939, it remains a quintessential example of mid-range consumer photography that brought high-quality imaging to the middle class.

What Is Kodak Junior Six-20 Series III Worth?

The typical price range for Kodak Junior Six-20 Series III is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the leatherette covering, specifically looking for 'Zeiss bumps' or peeling.
• The clarity of the glass lens and whether the shutter speeds remain accurate after decades of storage.
• The presence of the original 620 metal take-up spool, which is essential for modern film conversion.
• The integrity of the bellows, as light leaks significantly decrease the value for functional collectors.

How to Identify Kodak Junior Six-20 Series III?

• Check for the 'Series III' designation typically found on the faceplate or embossed in the leatherette.
• Verify the self-erecting struts are made of chrome-plated metal and function smoothly upon opening.
• Confirm the camera is designed for 620 roll film, which features a slimmer spool than standard 120 film.
• Look for the specific combination of metal, leatherette, and glass components characteristic of late 1930s Kodak manufacturing.

History of Kodak Junior Six-20 Series III

Introduced in the late 1930s, the Junior Six-20 Series III was a popular mid-range consumer camera. It featured an improved self-erecting mechanism that allowed the camera to be ready for use almost instantly upon opening. It played a significant role in making high-quality amateur photography accessible to the middle class during the pre-war era.