I found the body for this camera on eBay--it had no lens and an obviously shot bellows, yet the photo intrigued me--the body seemed like new. I got the body for the $.66 asking price--I think the tattered bellows scared buyers away.

Well, the body itself turned out to be like new, a pristine candidate for an as-original reconstruction, so I went searching for parts. I found an exact original match for the bellows on Craig Camera, and replaced those using a homemade prying tool. I then researched what kinds of lenses were available for this model, and found an excellent Kodak Anastigmat 130mm f/4.5 on a Kodamatic shutter. Another valid candidate would have been a Tessar on a Compur shutter, but I am quite happy with Kodak Anastigmats--this is a beautiful lens, as you'll see. Therefore, this restored Kodak Model 3 has a fully original configuration, with all as-new components. It is a beaut, and even smells new.


First light, ever

Using the Aerographic Plus-x film described in the recent "130 film" thread, I made up a roll of 118 on an original spool last week and went to my favorite local subject, the limestone pedestal that gives its name to the town of Round Rock, Texas. I developed the roll in D-76 1:1 and scanned it on an Epson 3200. The developer was old, but I still pulled an acceptable image for this camera's "first light"--not a bad showing for this restored hardware. I gotta tell you, these old lenses had beautiful bokeh before the term was even coined for that lovely out-of-focus quality! Even the larger photo linked below does not do justice to the detail and graduation in this lantern slide format (3.25x4.25" negative). I love this camera already--she's my Lady Frankenstine!