Antique Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic Special Camera. Usa, 1915–1926

Few cameras capture the adventurous and elegant spirit of the early 20th century as well as this Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic Special, manufactured in Rochester, USA, between 1915 and 1926. Compact, lightweight, and beautifully covered in Persian Morocco leather, it was the preferred camera of explorers, soldiers, and traveling photographers seeking quality in a pocket-sized format.

It uses 127 roll film, producing 4×6.5 cm negatives, the ideal size for portable photography of its time. Equipped with a Kodak Anastigmat f/7.7 lens and a Ball Bearing Shutter (patents of 1910 and 1913), this camera combines mechanical precision with the aesthetic refinement that defined the golden age of Eastman Kodak. All its mechanisms operate smoothly: the shutter works correctly and the bellows extend firmly without leaks, maintaining the smooth feel of its original metal structure.

Its most distinctive feature is the innovative Autographic system, an invention that marked a milestone in photographic history. Through a small window with a metal cover, the photographer could write directly on the film with the original stylus, recording dates, places, or dedications that appeared after development. This brilliant innovation turned the camera into a personal instrument, where memory blended with the emotion of the moment.

This example retains all its original components: French-language manual, leather case with button closure, film spool, and metal stylus, which is rarely present in surviving units. The leather preserves a firm texture, with light wear on the edges that enhances its authenticity. It has not been tested with film, but its mechanical operation is fully functional, making it ideal for both collection and display.

For its presence, history, and undeniable charm, this camera stands among the most sought-after pieces for lovers of classic photography. It evokes the time when carrying a Kodak was a gesture of modernity and each image was a small adventure. A historical gem that speaks of light, technique, and emotion, perfect to enhance any collection or showcase dedicated to the visual memory of the past.

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

History of the Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic

The Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic was introduced in 1915 as an evolution of the original 1912 model, during an era of great photographic innovation. During the First World War it became known as “The Soldier’s Camera” due to its portability and reliability under extreme conditions. Thousands of soldiers carried it to the front, leaving behind a visual legacy that forms part of the history of documentary photography.

The Autographic system, invented by Henry Gaisman and adopted by Kodak, allowed users to write on the film without opening the camera. The result was a fusion of word and image, technique and sentiment. The Special version, such as the one presented here, represented the peak of the series: improved construction, high-quality leather covering, and a more precise shutter, conceived for those who wanted more than a camera, a refined and faithful travel companion.

Over time, the Vest Pocket Autographic became a symbol of an era of optimism, ingenuity, and discovery. Today, more than a century later, it remains one of the most cherished Kodak cameras among collectors for both its historical importance and its timeless beauty. We are professional antique dealers. To see more photos of this item, Please click on this link:

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