Kodak No. 3A Autographic Kodak Special (c. 1916–1934)
The No. 3A Autographic Kodak Special is widely considered to be the first rangefinder camera. The rangefinder version, the Model B, had a coupled split-image rangefinder mounted on the lens panel. That beat scale focusing or guesswork by a wide margin. It was a large folding bellows camera making 3¼ × 5½ inch exposures on 122 roll film, roughly 8 × 14 cm. That is a generous negative for its day.
The record on this model is messy because there are so many variants. The Science Museum Group holds examples of both the Model B and the Model C, and their specifications differ. The Model B, described as having a coupled rangefinder, is documented with a Kodak Anastigmat F:170mm f/6.3-45 lens in a Wollensak Optimo shutter (speeds 1/2 through 1/300 plus B and T). A Pacific Rim Camera Catalog listing for a Model B describes a B&L Kodak Anastigmat No. 4 in a Compur shutter instead. The Model C is documented with the same Kodak Anastigmat 170mm f/6.3-45, but in a Kodamatic shutter with a different speed range (2 through 1/150 plus V and T). It also has a screw rising front, sliding cross front, and sliding focusing from 100 feet to 6 feet. Both variants share the rotating brilliant reflecting finder. One auction listing for a Model B notes a rare Carl Zeiss London Tessar 6.3/16.5cm lens fitted. So at least some examples left the factory, or were later fitted, with optics other than the standard Kodak Anastigmat.
The dating in the surviving sources is muddled. The span often cited is 1914 to 1934, but the Science Museum Group dates its Model B example to 1916-1924, and other references narrow the non-rangefinder version to 1914-1916. The rangefinder version appears to have been produced from 1916 onward. Given the contradictions, the safest statement is that the model family spans roughly 1914 to 1934, with the rangefinder-equipped Model B appearing around 1916. Original prices in the record are bare figures, 74 and 109.5, with no currency or year attached, so treat those with caution. A Leitz Auction listing for a Model B in good condition (grade A/B) with its Anastigmat 6.3/170mm lens hammered at €331.
The Model B's rangefinder was a genuine innovation, and PetaPixel has highlighted the camera's place as the first of its kind. One surviving Model B in the Pacific Rim catalog carries an engraving for "Lutz ferrando & co, buenos aires" on the back. That is a dealer inscription.
Known specifications (varies by model letter):
- Format: 3¼ × 5½ inches on 122 roll film (Autographic No. A122)
- Lens (standard): Kodak Anastigmat 170mm f/6.3–45
- Lens (alternate, Model B): B&L Kodak Anastigmat No. 4; rare examples with Carl Zeiss London Tessar 16.5cm f/6.3
- Shutter (Model B): Wollensak Optimo, 1/2–1/300 + B/T; or Compur on some examples
- Shutter (Model C): Kodamatic, 2–1/150 + V/T
- Focusing: Sliding focusing, 100 ft to 6 ft (Model C); rack and pinion with coupled rangefinder (Model B)
- Movements: Screw rising front; sliding cross front (Model C)
- Finder: Rotating brilliant reflecting finder
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