Kodak Camera (Original)
The Kodak Camera (Original), commonly referred to as "The Kodak", is a roll-film box camera from the late 19th century that established the consumer snapshot category. It was sold pre-loaded and returned to the factory for processing, positioning it as the first camera aimed at non-specialist users.
Auction evidence for this model is extremely thin: a single UK saleroom hammer result of £2,600 from 2014 is the only data point, so a meaningful current price range cannot be quoted today. Because surviving examples appear so rarely at auction, value is highly condition- and provenance-sensitive, and what an Original Kodak sells for in 2026 will depend almost entirely on completeness and the specific sale.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2018
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36522) Title: Eastman Kodak The Kodak Camera
Description:
original first model Kodak camera, made by Frank Brownell for the Eastman Dry Plate & Film Co., this was the first commercially successful camera to use rollfilm, in original condition, very collectible and historically important Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Mar 2014 | EUR 2,600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 25 (Lot AI_25_30375) Title: The Kodak Camera (Original Model)
Description:
The Eastman Dry Plate & Film Co., the original model with very early serial number from the first batch in 1888. Box-form camera for 100 exposures, 2 1/2" diameter, on 2 3/4" wide roll film, 9/57mm lens in rotating horizontal cylinder shutter, T and instantaneous, shutter cocked by pulling string on the top of the camera. With felt lens plug, original leather case in original wooden box. Production started for the original Kodak camera in June of 1888. The camera was put on the market in August with the slogan “You press the button, we do the rest." Original list price was $25.00, including film, leather case, and booklet for recording exposures. One of the most important cameras in the history of photography. Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 1,979 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24087) Title: Eastman Dry Plate & Film Co. The Kodak Camera (Original)
Description:
the first series-produced roll film camera (100 exposures 2.5' circumference), Rapid-Rectilinear 9/57mm. Important collectors item in relatively nice condition (transport winder renewed) Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Kodak Camera (Original) worth today?
With only one recorded UK auction hammer result (£2,600 in 2014), a reliable current value cannot be stated; price will depend on condition, completeness and provenance at the specific sale.
How much does a Kodak Camera (Original) sell for at auction?
The single UK auction hammer price on record is £2,600, but this is wholesale (pre-commission) and one data point is not enough to establish a typical price range.
Why is the price and value data so limited?
Examples of this early Kodak rarely appear in UK salerooms, so there is insufficient sales history to compute a median or range.