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Pocket Kozy Camera, c.1898 |
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Kozy Camera Company
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How I love strange camera designs. The Kozy Camera was introduced in the 1890s and represents an unusual departure from traditional
self-casing, folding cameras. Instead of using the classic drop-bed design, Hiram A. Benedict (the inventor) created a novel camera that opened like a book with red leather bellows fanning out like pages. The overall design is somewhat fragile, making
the Pocket Kozy Camera a rare find in any condition.
Three versions of the Pocket Kozy Camera were produced. The first model (1897) opened with the bellows facing the rear of the camera and the lens / shutter located in the "spine" position. The
second and third models placed the bellows to the side. All versions made 12 or 18 exposures, 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches, on rollfim.
This particular camera is the improved third model with a leather covered, round front end and red leather bellows.
Earlier models had flat metal faces.
The camera was made for the amateur market and sold for $10 in 1898 (about $204 in equivalent year 2000 dollars). It had a simple meniscus lens and single speed instanteneous shutter with a "T" setting.
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Until George Eastman's historic "You Press The Button, We Do The Rest" approach to marketing, many companies tried novel ways to mass
market their cameras (also refer to the Putnam Marvel story). Hiram's unique approach to sell his simple camera was equally creative. Realizing that $10 (in 1898) could be a lot of money for amateurs, he set aside 1,000 cameras
for prospective buyers to use on a 10 day trial, as described in the following 1898 advertisement excerpt: |
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Send us your name and address, mentioning this magazine, and stating occupation and references, with a deposit of $1.00. The
Kozy will be forwarded all charges prepaid. For ten days after its receipt, you are to test the camera to your satisfaction. If at the expiration of that time, you decide to keep it, you are to send us $2.00, and thereafter $2.00 a month for 5 months,
making a total payment of $13.00. Or, if you are not completely satisfied after ten days' trial, you are to return the camera to us, charges prepaid, and we will immediately refund your deposit of $1.00. This special offer will be withdrawn on April
30, or sooner if the 1,000 cameras are taken before that date. If you prefer to send cash in full with application, we will furnish the new Kozy for $10.00 cash until April 30. Catalogues and full particulars free with application. |
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The "try and buy" promotion had even loftier aspirations. In the same 1898 advertisement, the company's stated objective was to, "open
the way for a sale of 100,000 in 1898." ( !!! ) Given the rarity of any model Pocket Kozy Camera, it is probably safe to assume that the company's goal of selling 100,000 cameras fizzled. The [100,000] milestone would have to wait for George Eastman
in another couple years. |
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