Kodak Tourist Camera Value Guide

The Kodak Tourist holds a significant place in photographic history as the final American-made folding camera produced by Eastman Kodak. Its innovative design transitioned away from traditional lens-mounted triggers by integrating the shutter release directly into the die-cast aluminum body.

What Is Kodak Tourist Camera Worth?

The typical price range for Kodak Tourist Camera is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Lens and shutter configuration, with high-quality Kodar or Anaston lenses commanding higher interest than fixed-focus models.
• The physical condition of the synthetic leather bellows, which must be light-tight for functional use.
• Presence and preservation of the original leather ever-ready carrying case.
• Overall cosmetic state of the aluminum body, including the absence of corrosion or 'zinc pest' common in vintage die-cast metals.

How to Identify Kodak Tourist Camera?

• Check for the 'Kodak Tourist' nameplate and the distinctive die-cast aluminum body construction.
• Verify the presence of the integrated shutter release button located on the camera body rather than the lens.
• Inspect the film chamber to confirm it is designed for 620 roll film, a hallmark of this era's Kodak models.
• Look for the custom leather ever-ready carrying case which originally accompanied these folding units.

History of Kodak Tourist Camera

The Kodak Tourist was the last of the American-made folding cameras produced by Eastman Kodak. Launched in 1948, it featured a modern design for its time, including a die-cast aluminum body and a shutter release integrated into the camera body rather than the lens mount. It was designed to use 620 roll film and offered several lens and shutter combinations, ranging from simple fixed-focus models to high-quality Kodar or Anaston lenses.