Antique & Vintage Photographic Equipment

Kodak No 1 Panoram

Eastman Kodak Company

Name: No 1 Panoram
Type: Box (Rollfilm)
Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Co.
Country of Origin: US
Construction: Box form rollfilm camera for panoramic shots. The camera has a leather covered cherry (?) wood body that divides into two parts to allow the film to be loaded. The tubular lens assembly is pivoted and driven by a variable tension spring (two settings to adjust the speed) that allows the lens to rotate through an arc of 180 degrees, although the exposure only occurs within the central 112 degrees to create the panoramic image. The film itself is held in a curve in order to ensure that the focal distance remains constant throughout the sweep of the lens.
The camera is equipped with a viewfinder built into the top edge and two spirit levels. It has a carry handle attached on one end of the casing.
Production Period: 1900 - 1926

The No 1 Panoram underwent a number of design changes during its long period of manufacture, with four distinct models being introduced (the original followed by Models B through D) with a number of other minor variations on the way.

Model / Variant: Original Model
Plate / Film Size: 105 rollfilm (for picture 2¼" x 7")
Lens: Rapid Rectilinear
Shutter: Swinging lens tube with focal plane slot
Movements: None
Dimensions (w x h x l):  
Date of this Example: c1901
Serial Number: Serial 5159 impressed into leather on the underside
Availability:
  • Common [ ]
  • Uncommon [x]
  • Hard to Find [ ]
  • Scarce [ ]
Inventory Number: 97

<Photographs to be added>

Description

This is an example of the first model (1900-1901) of the Kodak No 1 Panoram camera. With a serial of 5159, I suspect this example dates to the second year.

This camera shows sign of some restoration in that it looks as if the leather covering may well have been died black sometime in the recent past. It is in good condition generally, although the handle is missing (as are the loops to hold it), the front door is buckled and no longer fastens as the panel containing the closure clasp is also dented. But it still works!

Notes

The No 1 Panoram is the most common of the Panoram models (others are the larger No 3A and No 4), particularly in the US, but it can be a little more difficult to find an example in Europe.