the 1892/3 Kombi made in Chicago
Toronto. In 1888 Eastman marketed the famous “Kodak” camera to use its newly developed roll film. Initially stripping film was used due to issues with the transparent material but the issue was resolved quickly and in a few months tradition material was used.
In 1893 Chicago, the Alfred C Kemper Co released a miniature camera and viewer called the Kombi. The company looked east to Rochester for its custom made roll film – a few years after Eastman’s success!
In issue 26-1 there are a couple of Kombi related articles. This is the first: (A Miniature from the past). Walter Shean of Shelburne brings many a treat to our meetings and Fairs to tempt our collecting addictions. This all-metal Kombi was one camera that attracted attention despite its miniscule size.
“McKeown’s indicates that it was introduced in 1892 [other show date as 1893] and was the mini-marvel of the decade. It consisted of a 4 ounce seamless metal box with oxidized silver finish. As new it sold for $3.00 and the manufacturer’s ads (Alfred Kemper) proclaimed ‘50,000 sold in one year’.
“Although not rare, they are a prized collector’s item, particularly with the original box. T.G. Winks of Winnipeg, Manitoba, became the western Canadian distributor for the Kombi and ran the advertisement (below) in the Nov. 7, 1895 issues of the Qu’Appelle Progress and The Brandon (Weekly) Mail. By then the price was listed at $4.00 Canadian with a suggestion that Boy or Girl could use it.
“No description of size was given. Eastman countered with the Pocket Kodak (box) in 1895.”
Members read the other story of the Kombi and saw the photos in the 26-1 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above and at right to join. Email all membership questions to member@phsc.ca.
