Using a 100-year-old Camera: No. 1A Pocket Kodak

[@homestudioplace]

I found a 120 to 116 film adapter on Amazon. Get your here (affiliate link) amzn.to/3tpGe94

[@outlawflyer7868]

Glad to have found this. You give a great explanation as to how this camera is used. I found this camarra new in a box, never been used nor expanded. Its been sitting in my mother in-laws basement for decades. I was able to get the bellows expanded but not without problems. The bellows did tear at the corners so I used liquid tape to seal the corners and that worked really good. It even closes with no issues. I was able to find the 116 to a 120 spool along with film on amazon.

[@homestudioplace]

What a great find! Good luck with it!

[@TinLatt-ud2my]

Glad to see my own Kodak Autographic 1A here. Thank a lot. It's very beautiful in my eyes.

[@homestudioplace]

It is pretty, isn't it?

[@kevinthephotographer9346]

A very comprehensive description. I've just been given exactly the same camera and I'm looking forwward to trying it out.

[@homestudioplace]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@arianabuck982]

This video is a life saver. So happy I officially know how to use my Kodak now. 😊

[@homestudioplace]

Happy to help!

[@equinoxobject]

This was extremely helpful. I got mine to close but cannot get it to close all the way - seems to push the bellows in awkwardly and I don't want to break them.

[@homestudioplace]

It is a risk with these old cameras. Be careful and good luck!

[@christophersmithphotograph2275]

Do you do restoration work? I’d love to have a mint example of this camera as an everyday camera. I currently have 2 just ok copies I’m trying to get light tight. Haven’t found a replacement bellows and understand it’s pretty hard to replace?

[@homestudioplace]

Sorry, no. Check out my other video where I do the restoration. I include info about how I got the new bellows and show my experience with the installation. I hope it inspires you to DIY it. Good luck!

[@rachelmarie4194]

Hi! Ive been gifted this camera by grandad, and God knows when it was last used. I can't seem to open it to access the film (likely due to lack of use for many decades). Any tips on how I can get it open without damaging it?

[@homestudioplace]

Be cautious. Don't force anything. Wiggling things is a good start. Find some videos to watch of people opening them, etc, so you can really see how it's supposed to work. I nearly broke mine because I didn't understand how the release works to fold it back up. Expect the bellows to be rotted out. Sadly, it's very likely. Good luck!

[@junsuinakokoro7992]

Bonjour, that me again do the black and white film of today can take the réd Light?

[@homestudioplace]

There are 2 kinds of black and white film. The more common kind is panchromatic which is sensitive to most wavelengths including red light (think Ilford HP5+ and FP4+). The other kind is orthochromatic film (like Ilford Ortho Plus) which is sensitive only to blue and green light, but not red. This kind can take some exposure to red light without harm.

[@Tomb1004]

Hey this is a random question, I can’t get mine closed when press the metal tab in the camera isn’t able to move back on the rails, anyone got any advice on how to fix that

[@homestudioplace]

Did you also press to release the two side arms?

[@junsuinakokoro7992]

Hello I need help do you know where I can find a store or éven an internet store to buy film for that camera

[@homestudioplace]

As far as I know the original 116 film is not available anywhere, but you can use 120 film in this camera using a 116 to 120 film adapter (added a link to the description). 120 film is still readily available from many places that sell film. I use filmphotographystore.com, amazon, and bhphotovideo.com.

[@junsuinakokoro7992]

​​@@homestudioplace thanks dude if i got some question do you mind if I ask them to you ? And also so you sell camera online ?

[@homestudioplace]

You're always welcome to ask questions in the comments. No, I do not sell anything photographic, I'm just here trying to help.

[@junsuinakokoro7992]

@@homestudioplace thanks dude you re the goat you think you are

[@journalsofathirddensitytra3498]

How do you take out the film after??

[@homestudioplace]

With roll film like this, you just keep advancing it until the whole spool is taken up. Then the paper backing will be covering the film so you can safely remove it. Unfortunately, there's no way to see, so you just have to keep turning the advance until you're sure you've gone far enough. There's no harm if you keep going. Once you remove the spool, stick the end tab down so it doesn't come loose.

[@andreatholstrom9949]

Hello..I just bought one of these cameras today but I can't seem to get the bellows and lense to move forward.. Any help would be appreciated.

[@homestudioplace]

Wish I could. It's hard over text. First, be careful. These cameras are old (duh), and the bellows are very likely to tear. If it's been closed for a long time, likely many years, the folds may be stuck and the fabric/paper has hardened. It's also possible the metal standard is stuck. It should slide along the bottom rails fairly easily, but if something is bent, misaligned, or rusted, that may be the reason. Good luck!

[@andreatholstrom9949]

Thank you for the reply.. The bellows seems to be ok ..I think it is a rail problem.. I thought maybe there was a release button of some sort but it sounds like from what you are saying there is no release button you just pull it out using the center knob. That's what appears to be stuck..It will pull outa out 1/4inch and that's it.. Any suggestions... Thanks@@homestudioplace

[@homestudioplace]

On mine, there is a release on the right hand side near the rail if you're looking at the lens. You only have to press the release to fold it back up (not to extend it), though. Maybe that's catching?

[@andreatholstrom9949]

Ok thanks I do see the release i will try that.@@homestudioplace

[@andreatholstrom9949]

Ok you are going to love this... My nephew came and figured it our...Thanks so much for all your help... the release button was a little stuck.. but he got it out... Thanks for the messages!

[@FlixCreEightR]

Why no video update on you using it ?

[@homestudioplace]

Sorry, real life has gotten in the way lately. It's on my list to do. Thank you for asking!

[@chriscard6544]

awesome

[@homestudioplace]

Thank you so much!

[@LP11294]

I found putting the thing back together again was a nightmare. The main camera body came out perfectly but for the life of me can’t get it back in 😂

[@homestudioplace]

You'll get it. :)

[@LP11294]

@@homestudioplace Yep, stupidly I was trying to put it in straight down rather than sliding it in. I'm looking forward to having a play with it and seeing if it all still works. I couldn't figure out why everything looked blurry through the viewfinder till I realised you don't need to close one eye like I did in the cameras I used as a child 🤣🤦‍♂

[@jetsilla]

I still have my parents but it is not useable. Wish I had seen this video a long time ago.

[@homestudioplace]

It may not be too late. I restored mine, and have a video showing the process. It did take some money, effort, and a bit of courage, but this being my father's camera (and, I think, his father's) I found it to be worth it.