Common Cameras and Values

      To save you and myself some time and effort, I have listed below some of the more common Kodak cameras, their production dates, and approximate current collector's value for them.

      Keep in mind that cameras that are nearly a century old are definitely neat and interesting, but that does not necessarily mean that they are very valuable.   Remember that, among other things, George Eastman was something of a genius at marketing.  Because of that, despite what you may have been led to believe, most old Kodak cameras are actually not very rare at all relative to the demand for them.  In fact, the great majority of old Kodak cameras are worth less than $50.00, and most Brownies are worth less than $30.00.

      A brief anecdote on the subject:  A couple of years ago, I received a query from a gentleman who had a very nice No. 2C Folding Autographic Brownie and wanted to know its approximate value.  I responded to him that it was probably worth somewhere around $20 to $25.

      I received this perplexed reply:

      "I'm writing in response to your appraisal of the Kodak No. 2C Autographic Brownie.  I have spoken to family and friends and they cannot believe that a camera made in 1916 and in excellent condition is worth only $25.  Everybody I have spoken to seems to think that it should be worth at least $1000.  Please explain."

      To which I answered:

      "This camera is quite common -- there were very many cameras of that model sold.  The market value of the camera today reflects the fact that it is so common."

      "However, if you truly believe that the camera is indeed so valuable, I will make you this offer:  I will gladly sell to you all of them that you desire for the unbelievable bargain price of only $200 each!"

      "How many of them will you be needing?"

      Please note that I am not attempting to be an absolute authority on the current value of Kodak cameras.  The values listed below are simply my best guess, based on my own experience.  If you are interested in an authoritative price reference, then I suggest that you obtain a current copy of McKeown's Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras.  You may find a copy at your local library.   Instructions for obtaining your own copy are listed in my References.

      Common Kodak Cameras

      Camera Dates Approximate Value
      Autographic Kodaks 1914-1934 $25
      Brownie, No. 2 or No. 2A 1901-1933 Black - $10
      Colors - $40
      Brownie Bullet 1957-1964 $5
      Brownie Bull's-Eye 1954-1960 Black - $15
      Gold - $25
      Brownie, No. 2 Folding 1904-1907 $50
      Brownie, No. 3 Folding 1905-1915 $25
      Brownie, No. 3A Folding 1909-1915 $25
      Brownie, No. 2 or No. 2A Folding Autographic 1915-1926 $15
      Brownie, No. 3A Folding Autographic 1916-1926 $15
      Brownie, No. 2 or No. 2A Folding Pocket 1907-1915 $25
      Baby Brownie 1934-1941 $15
      Baby Brownie Special 1939-1954 $10
      Brownie Hawkeye Flash 1950-1961 $5
      Brownie Holiday 1953-1962 $5
      Brownie Junior (Six-16 and Six-20) 1934-1942 $10
      Brownie Starflash 1957-1965 Black - $5
      Colors - $20
      Disc Camera 1983-1988 $5-$15
      Duaflex 1947-1960 $10
      Hawk-Eye, No. 2 or No. 2A 1924-1933 Black - $10
      Colors - $35
      Instamatic Cameras, 126 cartridge film 1963-1976 $5-$20
      Instant Cameras 1977-1985 $5-$10
      Jiffy Kodak 1933-1942 $15
      Kodak 35 1938-1948 No rangefinder - $20
      With rangefinder - $25
      Pony II 1957-1962 $10
      Pony 135 1950-1954 $10
      Pony 828 1949-1959 $10
      Signet 35 1951-1958 $30
      Tourist 1948-1951 $20
      Tourist II 1951-1958 $15
      Vest Pocket Kodak 1912-1914 $75
      Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak 1915-1926 $75
      Vest Pocket Kodak, Model B 1925-1934 $75