Kodak No. 2A Folding Autographic Brownie (1915–1926)
The No. 2A Folding Autographic Brownie was one of Kodak's most successful folding cameras of the 1910s and 1920s. It was produced from 1915 to 1926, and over 210,000 units were built before 1921 alone. The design was straightforward and rugged. The lens sat at the end of a collapsible bellows that folded flat into the body when closed, so the camera was portable enough to carry anywhere. The "Autographic" feature was Kodak's system for labeling negatives. A small door in the back opened to reveal the film's paper backing, and a metal stylus (which came with the camera) was used to write directly on the paper. The notation was then exposed onto the negative itself, leaving a permanent record on the finished photo.
It shot 116 roll film, producing large 2½ × 4¼-inch frames. The standard lens was a Kodar 122mm f/7.8, paired with a Kodex No. 1 shutter offering B, T, 1/25, and 1/50 speeds. Some examples carried a Kodak Ball Bearing shutter with an additional 1/100s speed, and at least one documented variant came with a Rapid Rectilinear lens by Bausch & Lomb. Eastman Kodak built the camera in Rochester, New York, with some production also handled by Canadian Kodak Co. in Toronto. It sold for roughly $7.00 new, about $233 in today's money.
Surviving examples still turn up regularly. One collector, referring to a c.1918 example, noted simply: "Not bad for over 100 years old!" The Henry Ford Museum holds one in its collection, and period listings describe it as "a camera with a story to tell." Prices today range widely, from around $50 for a well-worn example to over $300 for one in exceptional condition with its original case and stylus.
Documentation on the specific variants within the line is thin. Sources note that "several variants were produced between 1915 and 1925" without detailing each one, and no aperture range or maintenance history has survived in the record.
Known Specs
- Film: 116 roll film (Autographic)
- Frame size: 2½ × 4¼ inches
- Lens: Kodar 122mm f/7.8 (some variants with Rapid Rectilinear by Bausch & Lomb)
- Shutter: Kodex No. 1 — B, T, 1/25, 1/50 (some with Kodak Ball Bearing shutter adding 1/100)
- Production: 1915–1926; 210,000+ made before 1921
- Original price: ~$7.00
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