Very hard to find No. 5 Folding Kodak.
The No 5. Folding Kodak arrived on the market in 1890 and first featured an Eastman Sector shutter. In early 1892 the shutter was replaced with a Barker shutter. By late 1892 / early 1893, the shutter became the Bausch & Lomb Iris shutter (which is this camera). By 1894, the No. 5 Folding Kodak was now called the No. 5 Improved Folding Kodak. This example was sold with 3 plate holders which are included. This example was sold with either plate holders or the optional Walker Film holder. This example has the holders only.
Condition:
Overall in very nice shape considering age and how most of these are found.
Bellows are in excellent condition - supple with very good color, no bad folds.
Lens appears to be in good condition but needs a cleaning.
Shutter - aperture works, speed seems stuck on 1/8 but works. I didnt want to force changing shutter speeds or try cleaning it but with some TLC this shutter should work ok.
Top cover of camera is attached and hinges are good (most of these cameras are found with the top separated).
Handle on top of camera is present and good shape (most are found brittle or missing).
Interior strap is missing as almost all are.
Ground glass excellent.
All 3 original plate holders are in great shape - save for one dark slide is cracked.
Exterior leather is mostly excellent - see photos.
Key latch is bent a bit but this can be easily pushed back with a clamp and some care.
Front button that releases front door needs some help to bring front door down. Needs a small adjustment and care but again,this should be a fairly simple repair/adjustment.
A period bubble level has been attached to the camera bed.
One marking on rear bottom of camera displays part number 179. On top of the camera - which I believe is the serial number is 7628
All in all, a very good example that displays quite nicely.
Here is another example of this camera (serial # 7717 ) See redbellows.co.uk/CameraCollection/Kodak/No5FoldingKodak_213 DOT htm
You'll find an original manual for a slightly later model No 5 Folding Kodak here ("Improved Model") : piercevaubel.com/cam/catalogs/1894foldingkodak5fmanual DOT htm
You'll find the 1892 and 1893 Kodak Catalogues which show the different No 5 Folding Kodak versions at Kodakcollector DOT com
I have a few more photos of the camera if you need to see more detail - please contact me. Thank you. AntiqueCameras DOT net
On Mar-06-16 at 15:59:00 PST, seller added the following information:
On Mar-06-16 at 17:16:43 PST, seller added the following information:
