Shutter: String-set sector shutter

Lens: Achromatic 6", 3 wheel-set apertures

Dates: 1891-1895

Original List Price: $10.00

Condition: 8+

The "Ordinary" series of cameras were so-named to distinguish them from the other Kodak models of the time - the Daylight, Folding, Junior, and Regular Kodaks. The "Ordinary" name came from the fact that, unlike the Folding, Junior, and Regular Kodaks, the Ordinary did not have to be returned to the factory to be reloaded with film. However, unlike the Daylight, a darkroom was still required, since the celluloid film did not yet have an opaque leader or backing. That invention was not to come along until 1892, and did not appear on a Kodak camera until 1895.

The Ordinary and Daylight cameras came in three sizes, designated 'A', 'B', and 'C', differing primarily by the image size, which were 2¾"x3¼", 3½"x4", and 4"x5" respectively. The 'B' Ordinary is the rarest of the Ordinaries - only 1,900 were made.

The second photo shows the front of the camera with the faceplate removed. You can see the unique string-set shutter mechanism and the aperture wheel. Pulling the string cocked the shutter mechanism, which is then tripped by pressing the button on the side near the reflecting viewfinder. The faceplate had to be removed to select the shutter aperture.

In addition to the reflecting viewfinder, the camera has a set of "V" sighting lines on top, which are visible in the second photo.