SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Thanks John_F, I'll check this out!
If there are any pinholes in the bellows, what is a good fix for them?

Thanks again
Dave

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Thanks for the reply and the Ebay link too. I just looked at Ebay (your link) and did not see a "pocket" camera with the bubble beside the view finder? Perhaps an add on after purchase?

To be "Pocket Camera" This weighs just under 2.5 lbs!
Thanks again!
Dave

mrtobin Loc: North East Ohio

It probably takes 116 size film. 116 size film is a bit wider than the 120 film. The film size needed may be printed on the inside of the back. good luck

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Thanks mrtobin!
Come Monday AM.

Dave

GC-FineArt Loc: WDC

There were several versions of the Kodak 3A, yours is a variant of the “Model B-2,” see Scott's Photographica Collection. Forgo any thought of trying it out as these cameras used Kodak 122 film, a long-discontinued large format roll film. Best thing to do is just spruce it up a bit -- you can get some handy tips in this regard at Cleaning and Restoring Vintage Cameras -- and keep it as a conversation piece. These cameras are neither rare nor particularly valuable but in their day were top of the line Kodaks in their class and quite handsome actually.

(BTW, there is a similar “B-2” on eBay right now and as I’m writing this, bidding stands at $72.00US [26 bids]. )

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I have one of these 1920's Cameras - A German make that my wifes family bought in China while serving as Missionaries there -1876-1928 it uses 120 film - every once in a while I run a loll throu it - easy to use manual settings.
Try it - you will like the challenge.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

I've got a similar one except mine has two timer cylinders in front.

As said they are not that rare but really neat to have in a collection. They run around 25 to 100 bucks (US) now days. That depends on whatever goodies were included when origionally purchased.

One great thing is the ability to use it as a tilt-shift camera.

They made several models of nearly the same thing. That will determine the present value of it. The biggest problem is that it is VERY difficult to tell a fancy model from an average one.

One "help" is to open the back cover. The basic model/type should be listed there.

Another thing is the cover material on the body, different kinds of cloth or leather.

Another way is whatever goodies were put on the lens/shutter mechanism.

Someone told me they offered modifications to accept different size films.

When you look them up, good luck determining what model you have. From what I found out, just about every site that claims to have "the real thing". Actually it's just another style of the basic model.

*(Sort of looking up genealogy. Few people named Smith really know if another John Smith is really a relitives or not.) LoL

PhotoMan1929 Loc: Virginia, USA

Thanks for the reply. You would probably do irreparable harm to the bubble level trying to refill it. The simple little viewfinder on that camera made it difficult to get it level, so the bubble device was needed.

As for the U.S. aperture numbers -
US 4 = F/8
US 8 = F/11
US 16 = F/16
US 32 = F/22
US 64 = F/32

PhotoMan1929 Loc: Virginia, USA

If memory serves me, that camera took 122 film, larger than 120. Kodak was still making 122 up into the 1950s, but it has long since been discontinued.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Looking at your pictures where you used what looks like slide film containers under the camera to hold it up in front, I think mine has a little prop stand at the end of the bottom portion that holds the camera level. I'll have to find it and check it out one day. (Camera's in storage right now.)

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

My stand gizmo got broken off - been a long time it may have used 122 rather than 120. Mine too is in storage LOL

Beard43 Loc: End of the Oregon Trail

I have two of those. One is an Autographic. It has a carry case also. Both are in good condition.

Ron

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Thanks for the reply GC-FineArt ! And for the links and information too. Very interesting reading. The inside back cover states that the camera is a Model B-3 and this was noted in one of the articles you sent through the link. Looks like they made bunches of various models. You are right, there are many advertised on Ebay as well for rather small prices too, IF they sell that is.

Definitely going to follow the link for cleaning restoring, although I'm not sure about the restore part, definitely the cleaning areas.

Still, an interesting camera and one to put in a curio type cabinet.

Thanks again for the information!
Dave

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Time will tell Harvey.
Thanks for the info too. Although the back does not tell what size film it is supposed to use. And I cannot see where a size is indicated on the front of the camera either.
Thanks
Dave

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Thanks GENorkus for the information.
I wish the camera had a serial number on it...somewhere.
I do see what I would call an owner of the camera, at one time at least as he printed his name inside the film holder; FH Gambell or FH Gambelli from Willows, CA.

And again it is stamped as a 3-A Folding Pocket Camera, Model B-3. The film area is a pretty hefty size and I bet it is the 122 size as well. Don't see an modifications, etc. that would look like it would take 120 size film either.
The little "gizmo" stand is on this one...did not know what it was for. Now that I know, it is actually more level than the two decks of Casino cards that I used to "level" it with!

The cover is brown leather and for the age, I would say it is in rather good shape, no scars, tears or gouges.

But, as many say in here; it makes a good display camera.

Thanks!
Dave