Kodak, Rochester, New York. Around the end of the Twenties one of the improvements to folding cameras was the widespread use of a self erecting mechanism. To explain, folding cameras largely used a system where a hatch door hinged down until locking to form the lens bed. The lens board was then pulled forward on a set of rails on the bed until it aligned with a focus scale or locked into a preset position. The arrival of the self erecting mechanism meant that the whole operation could be carried out in one go, so that the camera was ready for action immediately. The self erecting mechanism fitted to this camera is not quite perfect, the lens board needs to be guided out carefully to ensure trouble free opening. Later designs were developed that brought the lens into the taking position is an almost balletic motion. Film used is No.1 (120) still easily available today. This was by no means the first Kodak self erecting mechanism, this honour goes to the 1897 Folding Pocket Kodak. This particular camera was donated to the collection by Mr. P. Stewart, in 1995.

Body No.113831
Shutter, Kodak Ball Bearing, speeds B, T, 25, 50 & 100th
Lens, Kodak Anastigmat 112mm, F6.3
Condition, 5F