Kodak No 4 Panoram-Kodak model B.
Kodak
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1900 - 1924
Materials
Wood, Leather, Metal, Glass, Fabric
Measurements
123 x 260 x 150 mm
Place of origin
Rochester
Collection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525784
Summary
Kodak No 4 Panoram-kodak camera model B. This camera used 103 roll film producing 3 1/2 X 12 inch negatives. The whole is constructed as a large wooden box covered with black leather/leather cloth. The top of the camera, when in use, has the prismatic viewfinder central to the front, the cover is embossed "Kodak", with the shutter release beside to the right. Behind is a stopped lever which moves the lens from side to side. Extreme right is the film advance crank. Either side there is a pull out button which operates the clips which allow the box section to be split from the front of the camera to expose the film compartment. On the front section is printed "No 4 Panoram-Kodak model B Pat Sept 25 1894 other pats applied for. Made by Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester N.Y.U.S.A." The front of the camera has the viewfinder aperture central at the top. Below is a slightly domed metal plate with a drop down flap which exposes the folded in lens mechanism. It is equipped with Rapid Rectilinear or Meniscus Pivoting lens with light channel and Panoram shutter. The closure mechanism is broken. The back of the camera is plain except for a red window to see the frame number. The right side is equipped with a leather hand strap attached by two metal rings on brackets. The left side is plain. The base of the camera has a tripod socket. Panoramic photography was used for reconnaissance purposes during the First World War as well as for portraits of regiments or other large groups. This camera, like all Kodaks, was cheap and easy to use.
Makers and roles
Kodak, manufacturer