Antique & Vintage Photographic Equipment

Boy Scout Kodak (US Model)

Eastman Kodak Company

Name: Boy Scout Kodak
Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Company
Country of Origin: USA
Construction: The Boy Scout Kodak is based on the Vest Pocket Kodak Model B shell but with olive drab coloured leatherette and green bellows and a metal enamelled faceplate showing the Boy Scout emblem.
Production Period: 1931-35

 

Model / Variant: US Model
Plate / Film Size: 127 rollfilm
Lens: Meniscus
Shutter: V.P. Rotary
Movements: None
Dimensions (w x h x l):  
Date of this Example: c1931
Serial Number: None
Availability:
  • Common [ ]
  • Uncommon [x]
  • Hard to Find [ ]
  • Scarce [ ]
Inventory Number: 170

Image of Kodak Boy Scout Vest Pocket Camera (US version)

Description

This is an example of the Boy Scout Kodak produced for the US market, based on the Vest Pocket Kodak Model B, with matching leather case. It is in good condition, with only very minor damage to the painted surfaces.

Image of Kodak Boy Scout camera and matching case

This is quite different to the Boy Scout Kodak produced in the UK by Kodak Ltd. The US version has olive drab leatherette covering as against the green crackle finish used in the UK, has green bellows while the UK version has black and the metal edging is in matching green while on the UK model it is black enamel.

Rear view of Kodak Boy Scout camera

The Girl Scout insignia shown on the front face of the baseboard is also quite different of course.

Image of Kodak Boy Scout camera enamel baseplate

The camera came with its original booklet "Picture Taking with the Boy Scout Kodak", which is in good order with only minor tears and folding on edges of cover. It appears that separate booklets were produced for the Girl Scout and Boy Scout cameras in the US, while a single instruction booklet was produced to cover both of the equivalent UK models.

Notes

The US version does not turn up often in the UK unless being sold by another collector. This example was purchased from the US. Prices vary, but they are quite sought after.

There is an equivalent US Girl Scout camera.