Kodak Vest Pocket

[Stephanie Brim]

Among a large box of different cameras I came across a very nice example of a Vest Pocket. It's an interesting camera due to its age and, surprisingly enough, it looks as though the speeds are correct, the viewfinder is in good shape, and the lens has no fungus/haze, just a little dirt. The shutter and aperture blades both have a bit of oil, but nothing major that would prevent use.

Has anyone used one of these? Mine came with the very beat up instruction manual and I'm incredibly curious to see photos taken with the lens.

Also, I had no clue where to really put this. 127 film isn't really medium format, but it sure isn't 35mm either.

 

[juan]

I have one. The Kodak ball bearing shutter has a good reputation for continuing to work. I've used mine only a little because my bellows are shot. I've thought of getting it fixed, because it is certainly a nice size for carrying around.

Photos would probably look about like those shot by one of the Brownie variations. I'd show you my test shots, but the light leaks from the bad bellows keep them from being representative.
juan

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I'm actually trying to decide whether to sell the thing or not. While I would love to use it, the film is hard to find here and a pain in the butt to order online. I figured that some photos taken with it may help me decide. Does the lens itself have any special qualities?

 

[Digidurst]

I might be wrong but there might be a way to modify it so that it'll take 120 film. Anybody know?

 

[Gerald Koch]

FWIW, you can buy B&W, color print and color slide film in 127 size from J and C Photo http://www.jandcphoto.com

 

[juan]

The camera is far too small to take 120 film. Ditto Gerald's post - 127 is as easy to order from JandC as any other film. Give them a try.

The lens is a single meniscus - some folks, particularly in Japan, seem to think the flare and soft focus this lens can produce at rather wide apertures is of value. I've heard of some folks removing the lens and rigging it to a 35mm camera. If it covers 127, it's sure to cover 35mm.

Well, upon further review, it seems some of these cameras also came with an Anastigmat lens, which, IIRC is a Rapid Rectilinear. Those may not have the soft focus effect. I'd say order a roll of film from JandC and see if you like the effect.
juan