From the Archives - Oct. 22, 2020
Made with fine leather and a high quality lens and shutter, the Kodak No. 3A Autographic was designed to take a variant of 122 format film, commonly known as the postcard format.
(Courtesy photo)
The Kodak No. 3A Autographic, manufactured from 1914-1937 by Eastman Kodak Company, is one of Kodak’s early folding cameras. It was made with fine leather and a high quality lens and shutter.
It was designed to take a variant of 122 format film, commonly known as the postcard format. This allowed the photographer to use the camera’s metal stylus to record information about the photograph just taken by opening the long window underneath the stylus holder on the rear panel of the camera and writing directly onto the margin of the negative via carbon transfer paper.
The original price of the camera varied between $49 and $110, depending on the lens/shutter combination.
What a difference in how we all take photographs now!
Although the museum remains closed, you can still purchase the 2021 Historical Calendar for $5. Call the museum to arrange a pick-up time, or send your request though an email or the Facebook page. If you wish to have one mailed to you, send $5 for the calendar and $5 for shipping to P.O. Box 808, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805. Calendars are also being sold at Boundary Tractor. Thank you for your continued support.
Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column.
Visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the Museum’s Facebook Page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. Or we can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720.