Antique Kodak cameras
from the late 1880s to the 1910s

First Kodak bellows cameras

Two years after the introduction of the revolutionary Kodak box camera, Eastman launched another important model. In July 1890, the No. 4 Folding Kodak appeared—the first folding camera designed exclusively for roll film. The early versions were clearly aimed at well-to-do amateurs.
Improvements soon followed, including an adapter for plate holders. The camera’s design was revised so that it could accept either plate holders or a roll holder, and older models could be converted accordingly. More advanced shutters were introduced, and by 1893 the Improved model had developed into a camera suited for the serious (amateur) photographer. It offered a double swing back, both vertical and horizontal front movements, more sophisticated shutters, and a dropping baseboard for use with wide-angle lenses.
With all these features, it was no longer a camera for the snap-shooting tourist.

Below an overview of the different versions of the models No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6