Kodak Stereo (1954–1959)

Name: Kodak Stereo
Brand: Kodak
Availability: InStock

A 35mm film stereo camera produced by Eastman Kodak, designed for capturing paired images in the Stereo-Realist format.

Overview

The Kodak Stereo is a 35mm film stereo camera manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, from 1954 to 1959. Designed by Arthur H. Crapsey, it was built to produce stereo image pairs in the Stereo-Realist format, using standard 135 film to yield 20 stereo pairs per roll. The camera features two Anaston 35mm f/3.5 lenses and a Kodak Flash 200 shutter with speeds ranging from 1/25s to 1/200s, plus a bulb setting. It has a right-hand lens with a focus scale calibrated in feet and accepts Kodak Wratten Filters in Series V size directly, without adapter rings. Approximately 100,000 units were made during its production run.

Specifications

Film Format	35mm (135 film)
Picture Size	23 x 24mm or 24x24mm
Lens	Two Anaston 35mm f/3.5
Shutter	Kodak Flash 200
Shutter Speeds	1/25s to 1/200s, Bulb
Focus	Right-hand lens with calibrated scale (feet)
Filters	Accepts Kodak Wratten Series V directly
Flash Connection	Kodak
Body Material	Bakelite
Production Years	1954–1959
Quantity Made	Approx. 100,000
Original Price	$84.50 or $85

Design

The Kodak Stereo uses a dual-lens system aligned for stereo imaging, with the right-hand lens providing manual focus via a calibrated scale. The body is constructed from Bakelite, contributing to its substantial weight. The camera is designed to work with Kodak Wratten Filters in Series V size without adapter rings. When using a satin finish reflector with flash, the lens opening should be set one half stop larger than indicated.

Context

Market

A vintage Kodak Stereo Camera with accessories, including a Norwood Director Exposure Meter, sold for $135 with $26.55 shipping in a recent listing. One collector reported acquiring the camera at an estate sale for $25. The camera is compatible with modern films such as Kodak Portra 400, particularly when adapted to 620 spools.