Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie (1916–1926)
The Kodak No. 3A Folding Autographic Brownie is a folding camera made by Eastman Kodak from 1916 to 1926. Some sources disagree on the dates. The Science Museum Group says 1916-1924, and ePHOTOzine stretches it to 1914-1934. It was also called the "postcard" camera, because its 3¼ × 5½-inch exposures matched the postcard format of the day. It used 122 roll film. The camera back carries the inscription "USE AUTOGRAPHIC FILM NO." That refers to Kodak's Autographic system, which let photographers write notes on the film backing through a small trapdoor on the camera.
The record is thin past that point. Most of what survives is physical description: an achromatic lens (one source calls it a brass lens), an "iris diaphragm" with numbers 1-4, a reversible reflecting finder, sliding focus with lock, and an imitation leather covering. The camera is marked "NO. 3-A FOLDING AUTOGRAPHIC BROWNIE" and "MADE BY EASTMAN KODAK CO. ROCHESTER, N.Y. U.S.A." One auction listing shows a red bellows example with serial no. 8824. A complete camera with its valise has also appeared at auction. The original price is uncertain. One source gives $50.50 and another simply "18," so treat either figure with caution.
It was a portable, rugged design. The lens sat at the end of a collapsible bellows system, adjustable for focus, which kept the camera relatively compact when closed. No shutter speeds, focal length or production numbers are documented. One dealer listing reports a used example as "tested and working, no issues found."
ePHOTOzine (n.d.) notes the camera's postcard-format image size and its use of 122 roll film, confirming its place in Kodak's Autographic line.
Known specs:
- Film format: 122 roll film
- Image size: 3¼ × 5½ inches (postcard format)
- Lens: Achromatic (described as brass in one source)
- Aperture: iris diaphragm, numbers 1–4
- Finder: reversible reflecting
- Focus: sliding with lock
- Dimensions: approx. 9 × 4 × 2 inches; weight approx. 1.8 lbs
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