2005.52.105

Kodak 2C Autographic Junior
c. 1920
1.75 in HIGH x 4.375 in WIDE
(4.44 cm HIGH x 11.11 cm WIDE)
Gift of Patricia Brenzel Vercelli
2005.52.105


Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York Rapid Rectilinear, Bausch & Lomb Lens Ball bearing leaf shutter, T, B, 25, 50, 100 Size A-130 film

The Autographic series cameras had a little window on the back which you could flip open and write a small comment ("Hiroko's Wedding 1923/10/11"). Thus you could keep a record of what and when.George Eastman wanted to make photography available for the masses, to put a camera in every hand. Previously, photography was a messy, icky affair with wet chemistry glass plates that had to be coated before each exposure and processed immediately in a darkroom tent. You literally needed your own pack mule to take photos anywhere.Kodak developed the technique of putting film emulsion onto a thin flexible backing and thus developed the first roll film. Kodak also gave us the numbering system (Type 135 for 35mm film; Type120/220 for medium format roll film, etc.). Originally, 35mm film was designed solely for motion picture usage. It was Oscar Barnack's brilliant idea to use it for still photography that led to the Leica, and the development of 35mm miniature cameras.

Used: Ernest Michael Blaess

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