Premo Camera Appraisal

Kodak No. 2 Folding Cartridge Premo Camera with Ball Bearing Shutter

The item is a vintage folding camera, likely belonging to the turn of the 20th century or early 1900s, given the 'Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter' and 'No. 2 Folding Cartridge Premo' markings. The camera has a black leatherette exterior, which appears worn in places, revealing some underlying structure or perhaps bare metal. The body is rectangular when folded, designed to open into an extendable bellows camera. The front standard, where the lens and shutter assembly are mounted, is prominently featured. The shutter is a 'Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter', which suggests a manufacturing period between approximately 1900 and 1920, renowned for their reliability and smooth operation. The lens is contained within this shutter assembly. Above the shutter, there is a brass-rimmed viewfinder lens, which appears to be intact but possibly dusty. The entire shutter and lens assembly is made of dark-finished metal, possibly brass or steel, with some brass accents, particularly around the 'EKC' (presumably Eastman Kodak Company) logo and other engraved text. The engraved text is in a clear, white or light-colored font, indicating model and patent information. The camera is labeled 'No. 2 Folding Cartridge Premo', indicating its model line and that it uses cartridge film. The bellows, visible behind the front standard, appears to be made of dark, possibly black, fabric or leather, and shows signs of creasing and potential dust accumulation. The camera's base, which folds down, features a metal track or rail system for extending the bellows and lens. There are several metal knobs and levers for operation, including a textured, possibly knurled, knob for focusing or adjusting the lens. The overall condition shows significant dust and grime, especially on the bellows and internal mechanisms, suggesting it has been stored for a long time without cleaning. The metal parts exhibit a dark patina consistent with age, and some minor surface corrosion or wear might be present on the exposed metal elements, such as the folding bracket at the bottom. The leatherette covering shows scuffs, scratches, and some flaking, particularly at the edges and corners, indicative of prolonged use and age. Despite the visible wear and dirt, the primary components appear to be assembled and structurally sound, though functionality cannot be determined without hands-on inspection.