So, what might this old Kodak be?

mshchem · Jun 8, 2021

BAC1967 said:
Looks very similar to my 3 Autographic Kodak Special Model A, it took 118 roll film. A sheet of 9x12 film fits perfectly, Fomapan 100 comes in 9x12. I taped over the window and use it as a one shot camera. Can also cut down 4x5 film to fit. My camera was also available with a sheet film back, wish I had that.

Kodak 3 Autographic Special Model A by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

DawC by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

So that's some good looking Dog. And, he has a Hot tub!

Donald Qualls · Jun 8, 2021

@BAC1967 The 3A is bigger than 9x12 -- it's postcard format, 3 1/2 by 5 1/2, IIRC (would be 9x14, near enough).

To OP: J. Lane makes glass plates in this size, if you can find the glass plate back and a plate holder or two (or you can probably single-load them in the camera as is, but you'll need to cover both the red window and the autographic port -- Borut Peterlin has done that with collodion wet plates). Otherwise, folks have suggested how to use 120 in it (and you can buy spool converters to hold 120 centered in the 118(?) space, or print them yourself if you have a 3D printer).

Since the negatives were normally contact printed, the pretty simple lens doesn't hurt the print quality significantly. Do your part (expose and focus correctly, keep the camera steady) and it'll make very good images.

Dusty Negative · Jun 8, 2021

BAC1967 said:
Looks very similar to my 3 Autographic Kodak Special Model A

my my my. That camera is in beautiful shape. Looks like a museum piece.

removed account4 · Jun 8, 2021

Hi Dusty Negative

if you trim barely the edge off of a 5x7 sheet of paper you can position it on the film gate and close the back of the camera and make a paper negative to be either scanned or contact printed on another piece of paper. the post card format looks perfect on a sheet of 5x7 paper . you can also spool some paper trimmed down and shoot paper negatives on a roll to be scanned or contact printed. they made 122 film into the 1970s so if you want to use film it will be old but doable. you might have to see-saw develop it though. Ilford might be making rolls of 122 for their yearly special order too ...
what a great camera you have!
John

BrianShaw · Jun 8, 2021

There are several other folks who have used these cameras in modern times. This guy, Anton Orlov, used old 122 film and adapted Paterson reel for processing. I tried to find 122 film but to no avail.

http://thephotopalace.blogspot.com/2016/04/kodak-3a-122-film-camera-sees-first-use.html

Don_ih · Jun 8, 2021

The format is pretty much exactly like the box postcard camera I have. That had a roll of Verichrome in it when I got it - partly used. I developed it. There were only two images, both horribly out of focus. I think the original owner shot a roll, loaded a new roll, got back his postcards - saw they were horrible - threw the camera in a closet for 70 years. I checked the focus of the camera. The lens slides out and locks into a stop (set at the factory) --- the stop was roughly 1/2 of an inch away from where it should have been.

@BrianShaw Anton is quite a dedicated photographer. He's done some very cool things with daguerreotypes over the last few years.

BAC1967 · Jun 8, 2021

mshchem said:
So that's some good looking Dog. And, he has a Hot tub!

He’s a great dog, belongs to a friend, but he’s not allowed in the hot tub.

Down Under · Jun 8, 2021

Dusty Negative said:
Well, shutter opens and closes. I’d need to tape up the back cover — looks like there would be some light leaks. But — with a spacer like in the referenced thread — why not? Could be fun.

That's what those old Kodak shutters did, basically. No finesse there. Press down (or up) the lever and Click! you got your image. Films were like, ASA 6 so a steady hand and an ample stomach were required.

I have got myself into a laptop mess here. Meant to do one post but ended up with three!! Will leave well enough alone. See my next (longer) post. On to my morning coffee now.

Down Under · Jun 8, 2021

The Autographic's back is curved, which to some extent eliminates light leaks. The interior may have to be relined - memory fails me on this and I still haven't had the time to look for my camera, so I'm guessing on this - and the OP should most definitely replace the red window with a new one, even a home cutout. Roll film isn't cheap (at least down here in the Land of Oz) nowadays, so it's best to do it right. [/QUOTE]

jnantz said:
if you trim barely the edge off of a 5x7 sheet of paper you can position it on the film gate and close the back of the camera and make a paper negative to be either scanned or contact printed on another piece of paper. the post card format looks perfect on a sheet of 5x7 paper.

A good idea, this. If you have a darkroom. With the added advantage that with photo paper, you can watch the image as it develops (under a safelight) and customise the contrast you want when you contact print your negative. Expect long exposure times for both the original image and the contact print.

Matt King (#21) your photo made me eat my original comment!! The mid-tones are truly gorgeous. It shows what these old cameras are capable of doing in the right hands.

Bryan (#25) Yes, a very handsome dog. Ideal model for an Autographic, but not with paper negatives!!

Down Under · Jun 8, 2021

Double post. In fact, triple post. I have deleted this one. My usual apologies, not enough early morning coffee before I turned on my laptop.

Dusty Negative · Jun 8, 2021

Yowza. Lots to think about. I think I’ll rig some 120 first to see if the focus is aligned properly. Then perhaps on to some of this 5x7 business that sounds so mysterious to me (I’ve never shot larger than 120).

removed account4 · Jun 8, 2021

ozmoose said:
A good idea, this. If you have a darkroom. With the added advantage that with photo paper, you can watch the image as it develops (under a safelight) and customise the contrast you want when you contact print your negative. Expect long exposure times for both the original image and the contact print.

yea its ez and fun . and RC paper processes quickly !

Dusty Negative said:
Yowza. Lots to think about. I think I’ll rig some 120 first to see if the focus is aligned properly. Then perhaps on to some of this 5x7 business that sounds so mysterious to me (I’ve never shot larger than 120).

rate the paper someplace between iso 6 and 24, shoot on days with flat light / open shade. paper sometimes can be "contrasty" some folks use a yellow filter like a darkroom filter to tame the contrast ... its a lot of fun and kind of addictive shooting paper negatives, be careful!

So, what might this old Kodak be?

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