On this day in 1888, George Eastman received his patent for the roll-film camera and registered his trademark "Kodak" - a name he coined with no particular meaning. Glass plates and other methods with lots of equipment were required prior to this and it certainly wasn't something the average American could manage. The camera he launched in 1888 sold for $25 and was pre-loaded with enough film for 100 exposures - the slogan was "You press the button, we do the rest". I believe Kodak is most definitely a main influence on photography being so accessible to almost anyone.
However, times change and roll film is being overtaken by digital photography. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal describes Kodak's plan to be financially viable which includes selling their camera-film business which made it a blue chip company. Check out the timeline included in their article History of Kodak.
Just for fun, of course I'm including mid-century summertime Kodak ads in my short tribute to a company that has spanned three centuries. . .
Brownie Movie Camera $37.50 (lower right corner notes "- a trade mark since 1888")
June 27, 1955 Life Magazine
August 15, 1955 Life Magazine
Price of the Brownie movie camera cut to $29.95!
June 18, 1956 Life Magazine
July 22, 1957 Life Magazine
Three Way Magic of Color Slide Photography (Hand viewer, projector, prints) for 135.
June 13, 1955 Life Magazine
It appears 35mm cameras did not have Kodacolor negative film available in 1955 - the six popular sizes were 116, 120, 127, 616, 620, and 828. Available in "Daylight Type" or indoors with flash "Type A"
June 20, 1955 Life Magazine
July 11, 1955 Life Magazine
September 5, 1955 Life Magazine
Biggest 35mm news since color slides! 35mm color print film!
June 30, 1958 Life Magazine
And Indoor-Outdoor Kodacolor film in 1956
July 2, 1956 Life Magazine
August 5, 1957 Life Magazine
May 26, 1958 Life Magazine
June 16, 1958 Life Magazine
I hope you remembered your camera to preserve your 2012 summer memories.
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