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This is a bantam f4.5 strut folding camera made by Eastman Kodak in New York in the late 1930 and early 1940s. It is inscribed with the code number 14A/3663 which indicates that it is a rare UK military issue. The camera appears to have been professionally refurbished in the past. It is in exceptional cosmetic condition and in full working order.
Cosmetic condition (to be read in conjunction with the photographs)
This camera is in excellent condition throughout. The leather on the body is complete and almost unmarked apart from two shiny marks on the rear door. I suspect that the camera has been re-covered. If that is the case, it has been done to a very high standard. The black painted surfaces are also excellent with just a small amount of paint loss on the edge of the viewfinder. The satin chrome finishes are unmarked apart from raised areas around the tripod mount and the shutter face plate is near mint. The interior of the camera is also unmarked and appears very little used.
Operational Condition
This camera is in full working order. The shutter and lens assembly pop out as they should and the release spring is strong. The shutter fires on all settings and the aperture opens and closes very smoothly. The shutter timing feels right but will need to be checked. The viewfinder pops up nicely and gives a clear image. The back of the camera hinges open easily on releasing the side catch. The lens is a Kodak Anastigmat Special f/4.5 with a focal length of 47mm. The lens is clear and appears to be free from fungus. The camera takes Kodak 828 film. Dimensions with the lens folded are 4 x 6.5 x 11.5cm and the camera weighs 340g.
The camera comes in its original Kodak leather case which is complete and in good condition.
Please note that whilst I believe this to be a genuine Military Model of the Kodak Bantam, it is impossible to be 100% sure. The inscription appears to be in the correct style and the camera has been refurbished to an extremely high standard, possibly by the factory, which indicates that it may be the genuine article. Please judge for yourself!
Overall, this is a very nice example of this rare US made camera. It has not been tested with film and as with any camera of this age it would probably benefit from a general mechanical service if you intend to use it. I check all lenses for fungus as best I can, but do not guarantee that any lens is entirely fungus free. Although this lens appears to be clear, I recommend having the lens professionally cleaned if you intend to use this camera.
Due to the age of this camera it is being sold as seen without warranty.
This camera will be sent fully insured by eBay Shutl service. The price you see is a contribution towards this cost.
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Category: Cameras and Photography:Vintage Photography:Vintage Cameras:Folding Cameras
Location: Basingstoke