Instructions for Use of the Ciné-Kodak Model K (f/1.9 Kodak Anastigmat Lens).
Rochester, New York: Eastman Kodak Company, n.d. [ca. 1930–1932].
Original illustrated operating manual for the Ciné-Kodak Model K 16mm motion picture camera.
THE ORIGINAL KODAK HANDBOOK THAT TAUGHT A GENERATION OF AMATEUR FILMMAKERS HOW TO BRING 16MM MOTION PICTURES TO LIFE.
Issued during the early years of amateur filmmaking, this official Eastman Kodak instruction manual introduced owners to the operation of the Ciné-Kodak Model K, one of the company's landmark 16mm motion picture cameras. More than a simple owner's guide, it reflects Kodak's effort to make home cinematography accessible to a growing generation of enthusiasts through clear illustrations, practical instruction, and detailed exposure guidance.
Illustrated throughout with photographs, technical diagrams, and exposure tables, the manual documents the transition from still photography to consumer motion pictures. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the technology, techniques, and optimism that characterized home movie making during the early sound era.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Pocket format measuring 4 x 6 inches; 56 pages.
Original pale green printed paper wrappers with triple-rule Art Deco border to the front cover. Saddle-stapled as issued. Illustrated throughout with photographic reproductions of the Ciné-Kodak Model K, instructional diagrams demonstrating camera operation and film threading, accessory information, and numerous technical exposure charts for Kodak films including Kodachrome, Super-X, and Super-XX. Printed on coated stock with clear typographic layout intended for practical field use.
CONDITION: Very Good. Binding remains tight and square with clean, sound staples. Covers show light overall age-toning, modest shelf handling, and mild darkening along the spine and edges. Interior pages are clean and bright with no writing, ownership markings, or notable defects observed. A well-preserved working manual.
COMPLETE TECHNICAL MANUAL.
Includes illustrated instructions covering camera loading, film threading, focusing, exposure, panoramic filming, maintenance, accessory lenses, and detailed exposure tables for multiple Kodak motion-picture film stocks.
PERIOD ILLUSTRATIONS.
Well illustrated with photographs of the camera, operational diagrams, and technical charts that make the booklet valuable both as a reference and as an example of Kodak's industrial design and instructional publishing.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: THE AGE OF HOME MOVIES.
Introduced in 1930, the Ciné-Kodak Model K represented Kodak's continuing effort to expand the popularity of 16mm filmmaking among serious amateurs. Compact, dependable, and comparatively easy to operate, the camera helped transform motion-picture production from a professional activity into a hobby accessible to families, educators, travelers, and clubs.
DOCUMENTING PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY.
This manual captures a pivotal moment in photographic history, when advances in camera engineering, portable film stocks, and standardized exposure systems allowed ordinary users to create their own motion pictures. The detailed operating instructions and exposure tables preserve techniques that were once essential knowledge for amateur cinematographers.
KODAK'S EDUCATIONAL LEGACY.
Beyond selling cameras, Eastman Kodak built a comprehensive instructional system that emphasized proper technique and successful results. Manuals such as this formed an integral part of Kodak's marketing philosophy, helping generations of photographers and filmmakers develop confidence in an emerging visual medium.
SUBJECTS: Eastman Kodak Company, Ciné-Kodak, Model K, 16mm Cameras, Amateur Filmmaking, Motion Pictures, Photography, Cinematography, Kodak Manuals, Camera Collecting, Photographic History, Industrial Design, Cinematography, Technical Manual, Camera Instruction, Industrial Design, Americana.
Item #22328
Price: $30.00
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