This is a larger version of the earlier and successful No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak. The camera takes photos of 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch on daylight loading rollfilm.
The top video shows the earliest version of the first model that was made in December 1899 only.
The second video shows the Model D.
The design of the No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak changed quite a bit during its lifetime:
The first model from December 1899 until May 1905 had no door over the lens, just like the original model of the Folding Pocket Kodak of 1897. When you pulled out the lens panel it snapped into the correct position.
Model B, from June 1905 until August 1906, had a door over the lens when closed. Just like the first model is was self erecting, meaning that the lenspanel came into the correct position when you opened the front door. The Model B had twin finders.
From September 1906 until June 1909 the Model C had a single reflex finder. The Model C had several improved shutter versions.
The Model D, July 1906 until April 1915, had a metal lens panel instead of the previous wooden lens panel. The example in the video is a Model D.
The camera cost $ 12 and in total 202,000 were sold.
The camera above is a very early version of December 1899 with a ratchet mechanism on the winding key. In January 1900 this was replaced with a noiseless winding key.
Ad in The Photographic News, February 23, 1900.
Above a sample photograph made with the
No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak.
Portrait of a pretty girl with some kind of farm equipment. On the back is a stamp of the Seely Drug. Co. of Cleburne in Texas.
