Original Kodak Camera, Serial No. 540
National Museum of American History

Original Kodak Camera, Serial No. 540

Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company · 1888

wood (overall material)
National Museum of American History
CC0 — Public Domain
National Museum of American History

This Original Kodak camera, introduced by George Eastman, placed the power of photography in the hands of anyone who could press a button. Unlike earlier cameras that used a glass-plate negative for each exposure, the Kodak came preloaded with a 100-exposure roll of flexible film. After finishing the roll, the consumer mailed the camera back to the factory to have the prints made. In capturing everyday moments and memories, the Kodak's distinctive circular snapshots defined a new style of photography--informal, personal, and fun.

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