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No. 2 Bullet Improved (1896 - 1900)

This is a redesigned version of the No. 2 Bullet, which was the first Kodak camera that used the combination of the front-roll design, the red window in the back and 'cartridge style' daylight loading film spools. This redesigned, or improved, model can take 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 photos on film or glass plates. The original model could not be loaded with glass plates.

To take photos on glass plates the photographer had to take out a panel in the back of the camera. This panel was used to fill the empty space when the camera was used with film. When the panel was taken out the door in the side could be opened. Through this door a plate holder for single plates could be inserted. From serial number 27501 a double holder (for two plates) could be inserted.

The No. 2 Bullet Improved has no provision for a ground glass, so the photographer had to compose the image with the help of the tiny reflex finder. The camera has a fixed focus lens, so there is no need to focus it.

The camera was intended for the snap shooter who wanted to capture pleasant moments with family and friends, or nice scenes during a vacation trip. The instrument is easy to use. It takes sharp pictures from 8 feet onwards and has one shutter speed of about 1/30 of a second. It has three apertures, but only the largest one had to be used for normal photography during sunny days. The middle stop was for unusually bright scenes, like at the beach, and the smallest one was to be used with time exposures only.

The price of the instrument was $ 10. About 30,000 were made.

 


Instruction booklet for the No. 2 Bullet Improved.

 

 

 

 

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