Kodak No. 1A Pocket Camera Value Guide

The Kodak No. 1A Pocket Camera is a cornerstone of early 20th-century photography, representing Eastman Kodak's successful push to make cameras truly portable. Its iconic folding bellows design and leather-clad metal body allowed amateur photographers to capture large negatives in a format that could finally fit into a large coat pocket.

What Is Kodak No. 1A Pocket Camera Worth?

The typical price range for Kodak No. 1A Pocket Camera is $45 - $50 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 leather covering, specifically looking for 'red rot' or peeling.
• The integrity of the bellows; light leaks or pinholes significantly reduce the value to collectors.
• Functionality of the shutter mechanism and the clarity of the glass lens.
• Presence of original accessories such as the stylus for the 'Autographic' feature if applicable to the specific sub-model.

How to Identify Kodak No. 1A Pocket Camera?

• Check for the 'No. 1A Pocket Kodak' designation stamped into the leather or on the metal faceplate.
• Verify the presence of the original black or red fabric bellows, which should fold neatly into the metal housing.
• Look for the authentic Eastman Kodak branding and patent dates ranging from 1914 to 1920.
• Examine the lens assembly for the specific shutter settings and glass optics typical of the 1910s era.

History of Kodak No. 1A Pocket Camera

Introduced by Eastman Kodak in the early 20th century, the No. 1A Pocket Kodak was part of a revolutionary line of cameras that made photography portable and accessible to the masses. Its folding design allowed it to be collapsed into a compact, leather-clad box, earning it the 'pocket' designation despite its relatively large size by modern standards. This model was a favorite among amateur photographers for its reliability and the larger negative size it produced.