No. 1 Autographic Kodak Special Model A

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

I could not resist, such a pretty camera. This would date from 1919-1920; the 1915-1918 models did not include the term 'Model A"

Wollensak Optimo No.1 shutter with speeds to 1/300
Kodak Anastigmat F 6.3 110mm lens

For more info:
mconnealy.com/vintagecameras/no1special/

The Tessar ones often go for quite a bit of money, while this Anastigmat was very reasonable, even to a bottom feeder such as myself Very Happy

. As usual, Kodak makes a beautiful corpse: the bellows corners are full of pinholes. But I have a four step program for that: 1) bellows patch paint 2) thicker goo for cars 3) tiny bits of gaffers tape 4) I have a few NOS Kodak bellows that may or may not be for this model, but should be adaptable.

Anyway, to the pictures:

No. 1 Autographic Kodak Special Model A by Nesster, on Flickr

1 Autographic Kodak Special Model A by Nesster, on Flickr

To educate everybody on what a leaky bellows looks like Laughing

carousel by Nesster, on Flickr

town pool, Glen Ridge NJ by Nesster, on Flickr

fish4570 · Expire: 2012-03-21

nice looking piece of machinery. and despite the leaks, looks to have a pretty good lens.

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

Other than the bellows, that looks in great condition. A very nice looking camera. Cool

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

That was the top of the line for that format at the time; it certainly wasn't second to the ones with the Tessars; in fact yours might also be a Tessar. Its easy enough to check - take out the rear group - if its thick its a cemented pair and therefore a Tessar.

The Optimo shutter was also top of the line. Thats a better shutter, IMHO, than the Deckel Compur and Compound shutters. It boasted a higher speed than those did at the time and IMHO also is both quieter, with less shake and more reliable. Its also easier to restore than a Compound. It does have the inherent problems of an air-regulated shutter, as with the Compound. Later Wollensak shutters (also excellent) were clockwork regulated like the Compurs.

I have a very similar UK made No.1 Special with the same Bakelite body panels and all, with a Compound Shutter and a Cooke (actually made by Cooke) triplet. Kodak would mount anything I think.

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Nice, Jussi, when you get the bellows sorted would like to see what it does with color film!

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Had to come back for second look. Quite like the effect in the carousel picture.

Aren't you glad you posted these in this forum instead of one where some wiseass is
typing in capital letters: move the antenna, you'll get better reception! Wink

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

This new one dropped into my lap (in exchange for some paypal cash) recently: No 1 Autographic Kodak Special with a TTH Cooke 6.3 lens. Per MkKeown, this lens and camera combination was sold only in 1915 and 1916.

In the case of this camera, the bellows seem sound, the shutter works fine etc. I had to clean out a heavy dust deposit from the rear element, plus install a ruby window as that was missing. There's film in it now.

No 1 Autographic Kodak Special 1915-1916 by Nesster, on Flickr

No 1 Autographic Kodak Special 1915-1916 by Nesster, on Flickr

The camera has an interesting way to set the infinity stop: there's a screw head under the lid foot, you can set it to match the lens that's installed within a short variation of focal lengths.

hemmo · Expire: 2016-12-17

Beautiful! Congratulations Jussi!

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

first result: looks like I need to make some adjustments, but the thing is light tight! The first Kodak of that age I've found that is so.

slide by Nesster, on Flickr

Dimg162 by Nesster, on Flickr

Dimg161 by Nesster, on Flickr

the playground pics are at f/8 and 1/25; the tug is at f/16 and 1/300 into the (cloudy) sun. Tmax 400 in D-76