Antique Kodak Vest Pocket Camera Model A, Usa 1912–1914

This Kodak Vest Pocket Model A is the first in a long line of folding cameras that marked a turning point in the history of photography. Manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, between 1912 and 1914, it was conceived as a truly portable camera, designed to fit easily into a vest pocket — hence its celebrated name “Vest Pocket.” This initial version, released before the introduction of the Autographic system, is characterised by its clean design, mechanical simplicity and remarkable efficiency. Its black-enameled metal body with leather bellows offers a compact, lightweight and durable structure.

The camera uses 127 roll film and features a Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter, an innovative mechanism of the time that ensured smooth and reliable operation. Unlike later models, this example does not include the Autographic system or the rear metal stylus, which identifies it as the first generation or Model A, prior to 1915. The front bears the original engraved inscriptions: “Vest Pocket Kodak, Patented Mar. 4, 1902, May 6, 1913,” together with the manufacturer’s mark “Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.” — a distinctive hallmark of early American production.

The shutter features the classic exposure settings “25, B, T, 50,” and a small meniscus achromat lens integrated into the mechanism, designed to capture sharp images with surprising depth of field for such simplicity. The example is preserved in good overall condition, with minor signs of wear on the exterior finish that add authenticity and character to the piece. The bellows remain structurally sound, and the shutter operates correctly, although the camera has not been tested with film.

Most notably, it retains its original leather case, a rare accessory to be found alongside the camera more than a century after its manufacture. This detail not only increases its collectible value but also adds a historical patina that transports us directly to the era when Kodak democratized portable photography.

A piece like this represents the starting point of a visual revolution. It embodies the essence of early 20th-century photography and is ideal both for the discerning collector and for anyone seeking a unique conversation piece. Its simplicity and timeless elegance make it a safe investment and a decorative object with history and soul.

This camera, complete and in working order, retains all the charm of its original design.

Dimensions: 12 cm × 6.5 cm (4.72 in × 2.56 in).

History of the Kodak Vest Pocket

The Kodak Vest Pocket was introduced in 1912 as a revolutionary innovation in portable photography. It was the first camera designed specifically to be easily carried in a vest pocket, which gave it its iconic name. The Eastman Kodak Company, under the direction of George Eastman, aimed to democratize photography and bring it to the general public by offering an affordable, lightweight and easy-to-use camera.

The Vest Pocket quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, especially during the First World War, when thousands of soldiers carried it to document their experiences at the front. Indeed, it was nicknamed “The Soldier’s Camera” due to its widespread presence in the pockets of British and American troops. The first version, produced between 1912 and 1914, did not yet include the Autographic system (introduced in 1915) but already contained the mechanical and design foundations that made the series famous.

Its folding bellows system and metal body inspired generations of later portable cameras. Despite its simple meniscus lens, it offered excellent results for its time. Today, the Vest Pocket represents a milestone in the history of modern photography, symbolising the transition from large studio apparatus to the freedom of the amateur photographer. We are professional antique dealers. To see more photos of this item, Please click on this link:

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