Large Format Box Camera, circa 1915

Name: Large Format Box Camera, circa 1915
Brand: Eastman Kodak
Rating: 4.4 (26 reviews)

About the Item

This large format box camera was made by the Folmer & Schwing Division of Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY. The case constructed of mahogany in a rich old red finish has many original details and was being used as a working camera until around 1960. See photo 5 for a retrofitted aftermarket shutter lens that was its last upgrade and done professionally to make the antique camera usable 50 years after its manufacture. The firm of Folmer and Schwing was founded in 1890 and was an innovator until its take over by the Eastman Kodak company in 1905. The brand name and logo shown here in photo 8 from the camera was used from 1907 to 1917 make the dating of this camera from a very specific phase in the firm's development easy. The Eastman Kodak company dominated the camera & photography market in this country especially but also internationally for decades and was capable of consistent improvement on the form and use of cameras within the industry. These cameras were innovative and important to the history of film and camera making but their large size and need to set up and carry from place to place made then progressively less desirable considering the nature of photography and its desire to capture the moment without planning. Dinosaurs now, many have not survived as they simply got tossed away. The cases of fine woods, beautiful brass fittings, bellows and dials for focus and refinement of the image make then interesting scientific /sculptural items in world of today. Condition Disclosure: While we do our best to carefully inspect and give a full report on the condition of any item we sell, pointing out any repairs or alterations that may have been done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item, there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there may have been damaged which has been professionally repaired and as such a repair undetectable it is therefore impossible for us to disclose... we recommend that you also read and agree to the 1st dibs user agreement, particularly sections 9,13,15,18,19 and 27

Creator:
Eastman Kodak (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Glass,Leather,Wood
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1915
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
Hudson, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU811312519591