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Back to the Future

3A Autographic Kodak Special Model B
I bought this as an ornament then realised they can be adapted to take 120 roll film instead of the no longer made 122 film which made a negative 3.25: X 5.5" which meant postcards could be contact printed lots of old photos are postcards the example shows the size of the camera. When this model was first sold in 1916 it was 'Special' it's believed to be the first camera with a coupled rangefinder.
Autographic refers to a special film Kodak made which had an extra layer of tissue like paper, on the back of the camera is a flap which could be opened and using the metal stylus supplied you could write details of the shot on the border between the negatives expose it to the light and the information would appear on the negative.
Adapting it to take the much smaller film isn't to much of a problem you can buy adaptors for the smaller film then I need to make film guides and a pressure plate, the problem is the getting the bellows light tight it is possible to buy new ones very expensive so I need to repair them if you look on the internet there are all sorts of ideas non ideal, a local art shop suggested Acrylic paint mixed with a small amount of PVA glue, I bought a very cheap bellows camera and tried it worked and looks alright but tends to stick if I fold the camera so I'm thinking not to fold fold it make a case to carry it open. Unless any one has any ideas
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22 comments

Günter Klaus said:

Wow,da hast du noch einen tollen alten Fotoapparat lieber Peter,eine exellente Darstellung ist das mit diesen alten Bild dazu :))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Abend,liebe Grüße Güni :))
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Steve Paxton said:

Peter you could spray a sealer over the bellows but in truth may be a better way is no longer fold just have in a hard case even a small make up case like I have my astro calibration gear. was a cheap on but its lined with foam cutouts everything is protected.
6 weeks ago

Christa1004 said:

What a great contribution for WPD, Peter, and also your explanation.
6 weeks ago

William Sutherland said:

Excellent compo! Happy World Photography Day!
6 weeks ago

Makrofan said:

Sehr schön und danke für die Informationen!
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Keith Burton said:

A beautiful looking old camera together with nice vintage photo Peter.............and your rock garden has provided a lovely background.

I do hope you manage to work out how to make the bellows light proof and are able to use the camera to take some photos!
6 weeks ago

@ngélique ❤️ said:

Superbe pour cette journée mon ami **********************belle soirée !et portez vous bien !
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Xata said:

Amazed with what you can and know how to do... but cannot help you !
Great photo for this day+++++++
6 weeks ago

raingirl said:

Peter! This is awesome. The photo itself is done beautifully, and the act of repairing and once again getting to use this camera is so great. Such ingenuity on your part. Thank you for sharing this on our special day. I look forward to seeing the result in the future.

Happy World Photography Day!
6 weeks ago

Ruesterstaude said:

Es macht Spaß, mit solchen alten Apparaten zu arbeiten, aber es ist sehr aufwändig. Ich habe noch eine alt Ica mit Kassetten für Glasplatten geerbt und damit ein paar Fotos gemacht. Wenn man's richtig macht, ist die Schärfe nicht zu übertreffen.
– Schön das du ein altes Foto noch hinzugefügt hast!
6 weeks ago ( translate )

HaarFager said:

Very nice camera and shot! A suggestion: You could use some graphite on all the swivel points of the metal slide mechanisms and a good saddle soap or Armor All to soften the leather bellows to make it not so dry. When they get old, the bellows tend to dry out. By rejuvenating it with something, it will help it last longer.
6 weeks ago

Boarischa Krautmo said:

well done!
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Love Song said:

Amazing *_* J**********************************
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Heide said:

Fabelhafte alte Kamera, sehr schön gezeigt.
6 weeks ago ( translate )