Kodaks and Kodak Supplies, 1914 Informative Summary

Overview:

This 1914 catalog from the Canadian Kodak Company, titled “Kodaks and Kodak Supplies,” serves as an advertisement and guide for amateur photographers. It showcases a diverse range of Kodak and Brownie cameras, films, developing supplies, and accessories, emphasizing Kodak’s commitment to making photography accessible and affordable for everyone.

The catalog highlights the simplicity of Kodak products, with features like daylight loading and automatic operation, allowing even beginners to easily capture stunning images. It also promotes the importance of Kodak’s educational resources, such as the new monthly magazine “Kodakery,” designed to help amateurs improve their photography skills. The catalog showcases the various models available, ranging from the pocket-sized Vest Pocket Kodak to the larger and more advanced Special Kodaks, each equipped with different features and capabilities.

Key Findings:

Emphasis on Simplicity: Kodak prioritized simplicity and affordability, making photography accessible to the masses.
Focus on Education: The company provided educational resources to help amateur photographers improve their skills.
Diverse Range of Products: The catalog offered a wide selection of cameras, films, developing supplies, and accessories to cater to different needs and budgets.
Technological Advancements: The catalog highlights Kodak’s commitment to innovation, introducing new features like the Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter and Anastigmat lenses.

Learning:

The History of Kodak: The catalog provides insights into the evolution of Kodak’s product line and its dedication to simplifying photography.
Early 20th Century Photography: The catalog offers a glimpse into the state of amateur photography in 1914, including popular camera types and techniques.
Kodak’s Business Practices: The catalog sheds light on Kodak’s business strategy of providing a comprehensive range of products and services, including educational materials.

Historical Context:

The catalog was published in 1914, a period marked by significant technological advancements and the growing popularity of amateur photography. World War I was looming on the horizon, but the catalog focuses on promoting leisure activities and the joys of capturing everyday moments.

Facts:

Kodak’s Trade Mark: The “KODAK” name was a registered trademark, used only for goods manufactured by the company.
The Kodak Idea: Since its inception, Kodak aimed to make photography simple enough for anyone to enjoy.
The First Kodak: The first Kodak camera, introduced in 1888, came with instructions for basic photography techniques.
Kodak’s Educational Efforts: Kodak distributed booklets and brochures, providing free instructions in amateur photography.
Kodakery Magazine: A new monthly magazine called “Kodakery” was introduced to further assist amateur photographers.
Ball Bearing Shutter: This innovative shutter, fitted with ball bearings, allowed for smoother and more precise operation.
Kodak Autotime Scale: This device simplified exposure by automatically indicating the correct settings based on light conditions.
Anastigmat Lenses: These superior lenses provided better definition, flatness of field, and faster speed than regular lenses.
Vest Pocket Kodak: This compact camera was popular for its portability and ability to capture high-quality images.
Kodak Juniors: These models were designed to offer daylight loading and Kodak efficiency at a lower price point.
Brownie Cameras: Brownie cameras were initially created for children but quickly became popular among adults for their simplicity and affordability.
Panoram Kodaks: These specialized cameras captured panoramic views of landscapes and outdoor groups.
Special Kodaks: These high-end cameras were equipped with anastigmat lenses and high-speed shutters, offering superior performance.
Six-Three Kodaks: These models provided the advantages of anastigmat lenses at a more affordable price.
Brownie Enlarging Camera: This simple and affordable camera enabled anyone to make enlargements from their negatives.
Kodiopticon: This projector allowed users to display lantern slides with ease and clarity.
Velox Transparent Water Color Stamps: These stamps made it possible to color prints and slides without artistic expertise.
Kodak Film Tank: This innovative tank streamlined film development by eliminating the need for a darkroom.
Brownie Developing Box: This simpler version of the film tank allowed users to develop Brownie films in daylight.
Eastman Plate Tank: This tank allowed for the development of plates in a controlled and simplified manner.

Statistics:

Vest Pocket Kodak Size: 1 × 2⅜ × 4¾ inches
Vest Pocket Kodak Weight: 9 ounces
Vest Pocket Kodak Film Capacity: 8 exposures
No. 1 Kodak Junior Film Capacity: 6 exposures
No. 1 Kodak Junior Size: 17⁄16 × 3⅝ × 6⅝ inches
No. 1 Kodak Junior Weight: 23 ounces
No. 1A Kodak Junior Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 1A Kodak Junior Size: 1⅝ × 3¾ × 8 inches
No. 1A Kodak Junior Weight: 28 ounces
Nos. 1 and 1A Folding Pocket Kodak Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak Size: 1⅝ × 3½ × 6¾ inches
No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak Weight: 16 ounces
No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak Size: 1¾ × 3⅞ × 7¾ inches
No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak Weight: 22 ounces
No. 1A Folding-Pocket Kodak – R. R. Type Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 1A Folding-Pocket Kodak – R. R. Type Size: 8 × 2 × 3¾ inches
No. 1A Folding-Pocket Kodak – R. R. Type Weight: 26 ounces
Nos. 3 and 4 Folding Pocket Kodak Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak Size: 1¾ × 4½ × 7½ inches
No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak Weight: 23 ounces
No. 4 Folding Pocket Kodak Size: 2¼ × 5¾ × 9 inches
No. 4 Folding Pocket Kodak Weight: 2 pounds 11 ounces
No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak Film Capacity: 10 exposures
No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak Size: 9½ × 4¾ × 2 inches
No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak Weight: 41 ounces
No. 4A Folding Kodak Film Capacity: 6 exposures
No. 4A Folding Kodak Size: 11×6½×2⅝ inches
No. 4A Folding Kodak Weight: 4 pounds 4 ounces
No. 1 Panoram Kodak Film Capacity: 6 exposures
No. 1 Panoram Kodak Size: 3⅜ × 4⅜ × 7⅜ inches
No. 1 Panoram Kodak Weight: 24 ounces
No. 4 Panoram Kodak Film Capacity: 4 exposures
No. 4 Panoram Kodak Size: 4¾×5⅝×10⅛ inches
No. 4 Panoram Kodak Weight: 2 pounds 14 ounces
No. 1 Brownie Film Capacity: 6 exposures
No. 1 Brownie Size: 4⅞ × 3⅛ × 3 inches
No. 1 Brownie Weight: 8 ounces
Nos. 2 and 2A Brownie Film Capacity: 6 exposures for No. 2, 12 exposures for No. 2A
No. 2 Brownie Size: 5⅝ × 4 × 3¼ inches
No. 2 Brownie Weight: 13 ounces
No. 2A Brownie Size: 37⁄16 × 5⅛ × 6⅛ inches
No. 2A Brownie Weight: 21 ounces
No. 3 Brownie Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 3 Brownie Size: 6⅛ × 4⅜ × 5⅛ inches
No. 3 Brownie Weight: 24 ounces
No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie Film Capacity: 6 exposures
No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie Size: 6⅞ × 3⅝ × 2⅛ inches
No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie Weight: 16 ounces
No. 2A Folding Pocket Brownie Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 2A Folding Pocket Brownie Size: 8½ × 2 × 3⅝ inches
No. 2A Folding Pocket Brownie Weight: 23 ounces
No. 3 Folding Brownie Film Capacity: 12 exposures
No. 3 Folding Brownie Size: 8⅜ × 4⅝ × 2⅝ inches
No. 3 Folding Brownie Weight: 25 ounces
No. 3A Folding Brownie Film Capacity: 10 exposures
No. 3A Folding Brownie Size: 2⅝ × 4⅝ × 9⅞ inches
No. 3A Folding Brownie Weight: 34 ounces
No. 1A Special Kodak Size: 2×3¾×8 inches
No. 1A Special Kodak Weight: 30 ounces
No. 3 Special Kodak Size: 1⅞×4½×8 inches
No. 3 Special Kodak Weight: 32 ounces
No. 3A Special Kodak Size: 9½ × 4¾ × 2 inches
No. 3A Special Kodak Weight: 42 ounces
Kodak Tripods No. 320 Length Closed: 14½ inches
Kodak Tripods No. 330 Length Closed: 11¾ inches
Kodak Tripods No. 340 Length Closed: 15½ inches
Kodak Tripods No. 380 Length Closed: 11¾ inches
Kodak Tripods No. 390 Length Closed: 11½ inches
Kodak Tripods No. 400 Length Closed: 12 inches
Kodak Tripods No. 410 Length Closed: 16 inches
The Eastman Tripod Length Folded: 21 inches
The Eastman Tripod Length Extended: 53½ inches
The Bull’s-Eye Tripod Length Folded: 24 inches
The Bull’s-Eye Tripod Length Extended: 42½ inches
The Standard Tripod Length Folded: 21 inches
The Standard Tripod Length Extended: 53½ inches
Kodak Trimming Board No. 1 Capacity: 5 × 5 inches
Kodak Trimming Board No. 2 Capacity: 7 × 7 inches
Kodiopticon Image Size at 10 feet: 36 inches
Kodiopticon Image Size at 12 feet with Arc Lamp: 42 inches
Velox Transparent Water Color Stamps Number of Colors: 12
Velox Transparent Water Color Stamps Number of Stamps per Sheet: 22
Kodak Film Tank Development Time: 20 minutes
Eastman Plate Tank Development Time: 15 minutes
Eastman 3A Outfit Number of Pictures: 24
Kodak Box No. 2 Number of Pictures: 24
Brownie Developing and Printing Outfit Number of Pictures: 24

Terms:

Anastigmat: A type of lens that is corrected for distortion and astigmatism, providing sharp images across the entire frame.
Ball Bearing: A type of bearing that uses rolling balls to reduce friction and wear.
Compound Shutter: A shutter that combines automatic and setting functions, allowing for both time and instantaneous exposures.
Meniscus Lens: A type of lens with a concave and convex surface, used in simple cameras.
Rapid Rectilinear Lens: A type of lens corrected for distortion, providing sharper images than simple lenses.
Zeiss Kodak Anastigmat: A high-quality anastigmat lens manufactured by Carl Zeiss.
Cooke Kodak Anastigmat: A high-quality anastigmat lens manufactured by Taylor, Taylor & Hobson.
Daylight Loading: A feature that allows users to load and unload film in daylight.
Panoramic: A wide-angle view encompassing a large area.

Examples:

Kodak’s Educational Efforts: Kodak distributed booklets and brochures that explained basic photographic techniques, such as exposure and development, making the process accessible to beginners.
“Kodakery” Magazine: This new magazine featured articles and illustrations that provided tips and tricks for improving photography skills, fostering a sense of community among amateurs.
Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter: The smooth and precise operation of this shutter enabled photographers to capture sharper images, particularly for moving subjects.
Vest Pocket Kodak: The popularity of this camera demonstrates the desire for compact and portable photography equipment that could easily fit in a pocket.
Brownie Cameras: These cameras were designed to be simple enough for children to use, making photography accessible to a wider audience.
Panoram Kodaks: This specialized camera allowed photographers to capture sweeping landscapes and large groups of people in a single shot, expanding the scope of amateur photography.
Special Kodaks: These high-end cameras, equipped with superior lenses and high-speed shutters, allowed photographers to capture high-quality images in challenging lighting conditions.
Six-Three Kodaks: These cameras provided the advantages of anastigmat lenses, such as improved definition and speed, at a more affordable price point, encouraging more people to utilize these advanced lenses.
Brownie Enlarging Camera: This affordable camera allowed anyone to create enlargements from their negatives, making the process accessible and less intimidating.
Kodiopticon: This projector enabled users to display their lantern slides, transforming negatives into captivating presentations.

Conclusion:

The 1914 “Kodaks and Kodak Supplies” catalog highlights Kodak’s commitment to making photography accessible and affordable for everyone. It showcases a diverse range of cameras, films, and accessories, all designed for simplicity and ease of use. The catalog also emphasizes Kodak’s educational efforts, providing resources to help amateur photographers improve their skills. This 1914 publication provides a glimpse into the early days of amateur photography and Kodak’s role in shaping its development.

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