Kodak Prototype

Introduction |

Prototype of a Subminiature Camera by "Kodak", 1938 Pre-war prototype of a subminiature camera for 16 mm film by Kodak/Nagel in Stuttgart. Functional design, metal body, leathered, edges nickel-plated. Dimensions of the body (without fittings or lens cap): 3 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. Unmarked lens (when it has a focal length of 25 mm the brightness might be approx. 1:3,5). The lens is behind a hinged "Kodak" cap. Compur shutter 1/2 to 1/1.000 sec. Distance setting on camera base with a knob. The film gate moves. Film advance and shutter cocking with a sliding lever on camera base. Put-on viewfinder. Prepared for flash synchronization. Gap on left side beside Rim-Compur disk (prepared for aperture setting?). - A real highlight of German camera construction and the rarest Kodak camera that was ever built! All important photo manufacturers had prototypes which never reached the market. The question is, why this one was never produced? Possibly one reason is the appearance of the "Minox" camera in spring of 1938, or another reason might be the beginning of WWII. Without any doubt a gem of significant importance and a true design highlight.Estimate: € 20,000/30,000, US$ 24,000/36,000 (from Auction Team Koeln)

 


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