Posted 12 years ago
bccanyon
(8 items)
Well... Not exactly museum quality but I have met my goal of acquiring the original KODAK string-sets No.1, No.2, No.3 and No.4.
Restoration to come soon.
1,2,3,4 KODAK | ||
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Completing a set is always a cool thing. Now you're obligated to build a complete grouping of Ordinary Kodaks (models A, B, and C); then Daylight Kodak models A, B, and C, and then ... it never ends ... does it? But that's the fun of this ... no?
Thanks for the comments... and Rob, I will do my best to get a LOVE IT response from you on one of my posts in the future. I really appreciated your comments in your CW interview. You are a motivating force for us amateur collectors.
If you look closely you will see that the nearest camera in my photo (the No.4) has been restored. I acquired it with little of the original leather in place. What did remain was flaking off. Using acid free adhesive and thin leather I carefully applied the new skin. Given that the No.3 needs similar attention I wonder if it is best to restore that one the way I did the No. 4. It will certainly look nicer but might decrease the value for some purists. It is my plan to do the restoration but I would not mind the feedback if any of you would like to weigh in on my decision.
Any suggestions for replicating a couple of missing winding keys would also be much appreciated!
I was thinking the No.4 camera looked a bit 'to good' but that's fine. As far as restoration, making the camera look good is what counts if its for your personal enjoyment. Otherwise, don't expect it to increase value. IMO, restoration is usually good for something hideously rare and historically important. There should be at least one decent representation of such cameras. In my collection, I have a couple cameras that fall into this category yet remain unrestored. While appearance is always important, in my case the lore and legacy is even more so. Given what I see in your picture, the No.3's condition doesn't bother me - then again, its about what you want out of collecting.
I don't have any suggestions about replicating winding keys; then again, no one has ever asked me. I'll check around ... or maybe contact Charlie Kamerman (one of the world's elite Kodak collectors).
As far as deep 'love', get any of the Ordinary Kodaks and love will come your way (especially the 'A' model)! In the collector community, I'm known as someone who doesn't get overly excited about box cameras but I own a couple. But you definitely get props for pulling together a set of Nos. 1 through 4.
Does serial # have any bearing on restoration?
With the No. 4. I have not yet stamped the serial # in the leather at the back of the camera. For me, it also seemed like a good idea to NOT restore the back of the camera but instead to leave it in original condition (with most leather intact) with the original serial number plainly visible.
Unfortuantely, the No. 3 is less attractive than it appears in the shot. the piece of wood between the side viewfinder and the top is missing. You may have seen this camera on eBay. I took a chance and was pleased with my purchase. The inside cleaned up nicely, the brass is in good shape and best of all.....
the serial number is .... 150!