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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 1
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 2
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 3
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 4
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 5
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 6
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 7
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 8
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 9
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 10
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 11
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  • Antique Eastman Kodak F.P.K. Model 3A B2 122-Format Film Folding Camera, C. 1904 12
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Description

Back in 1903 when Eastman Kodak first introduced a new range of "postcard format" cameras, they decided to call it the F.P.K. range, which stood for "Folding Pocket Kodak" - and Edwardian trousers must have had pockets like sacks, because at 24cm (9.5") in length and 12cm (4.75") it's certainly not what we'd call a pocket camera today. It is, however, a very beautiful camera, featuring red leather bellows, brass and wooden parts and an excellent viewfinder.

This example is the updated B2 model produced between June 1904 and November 1906. It seems that, shortly after Kodak started making the B2 variant, it was decided to put the company logo on the support leg/catch lever instead of the serial number - this one has the serial number (6866-A) and is, therefore, an early example. There's not a great deal of information on these around but, based on what can be gleaned, I suspect it was made in 1904.

Fitted with Kodak's own Automatic Shutter and Bausch & Lomb's superb Rapid Rectilinear lens the B2 was Kodak's top of the range camera and cost $78 brand new, at a time when the US average annual salary was around $428 - $78 would be around $2470 today. Kodak had even introduced a new film format for the Model A, which continued to be used right through to the final model (the C) in 1915 - known as 122 or postcard format, it produced images of 8.25 x 14cm (3.75" x 5.5") and remained in production right up until 1971.

Like many pre-1920 Kodaks, the B2 uses the Uniform System to designate aperture rather than the f/ system which has become standard (and pretty much had in 1903 too, for nearly every manufacturer except Kodak). This takes some getting used to: whereas f/ is based on a sequence of the powers of the square root of 2, moving one stop up or down in the Uniform System either doubles or halves the aperture diameter. F/16 is equal to US/16, but the next stop down, f/11, is equal to US/8, then f/8 to US/4 and so on. All part of the fun of shooting with antique cameras but, if you plan on actually using an F.P.K., something you need to know about because aperture is all you get - shutter speed is set at approximately 1/60th of a second. However, you do get three shutter modes: T (Timer; shutter remains open until button depressed a second time), B (Bulb; shutter remains open as long as button is depressed) and I (instant, for one 1/60" exposure). The B2's aperture range extends from US/4 US/128 (= f/45) to US/4 (=f/8), though it can be pushed a little beyond 4 to open up to somewhere between f/8 and f/5.6.

Unfortunately, this example is missing its back - it was possible to buy a glass plate back and it's likely that such an item was fitted to this one but was later broken and never replaced. However, it still has the leather covering of the original non-glass back and, since shell construction was simple, it wouldn't be difficult to restore it to full working order. Otherwise, it's in good shape - there's some dust in the barrel but the optics, considering they're nearly 120 years old, are in a good state and the diaphragm, aperture selector, shutter and shutter mode selector all work perfectly. The bellows are a little dented but have no tears or rot; all the metalwork, though there's some light surface patina, is free of serious rust and the folding mechanism works perfectly. All the woodwork is all present, as is the distance scale. The cover hinges are good but the catch mechanism needs some attention as it no longer latches into place, while the rest of the shell is heavily scuffed in places but generally solid. The original leather carrying case is also included; despite a broken strap and some scuffs, it's in surprisingly good condition and inside still bears a sticker (along with the details of a previous owner) with the address of the shop from which the camera was originally purchased - Kodak's own outlet at 40 Strand, London W.C.

• Closed Dimensions (W x D x H): 24.2 x 5.1 x 12cm (9.5 x 2 x 4.75")
• Depth When Opened: 21.6cm (8.5")

• Note: as stated above, 122 film hasn't been made since the early 1970s, However, if you want to use this camera it's possible to adapt 120 film (which is still produced today, 121 years after its introduction in 1901) - there are numerous guides online demonstrating how to do this.

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people in Cambridgeshire living with a life-limiting illness and those who need end-of-life care. Our services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

We only accept payments via PayPal for items sold through eBay, or cash and credit/debit card if the item is to be collected. If paying via PayPal, please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within three working days.

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within three working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items.

About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its 'Outstanding' services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

More than 4,100 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients' own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.

Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.

It will cost £8.56 million in 2020/2021 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. £4.29 million has currently been secured from the NHS, meaning that £4.27 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.