How I love strange camera designs. The two Kozy cameras shown here were introduced in the late 1890s and represent an unusual departure from traditional self-casing, folding camera designs. 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 any Kozy Camera a rare find regardless of the condition.

Three versions of the Pocket Kozy Camera were produced. The first model (1896 - the year the company was incorporated) 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, 3½ x 3½" on rollfim.

What is referred to by collectors as the 'flat face' Kozy was advertised as the No.2 Kozy Camera; while an improved third model with a leather covered, round front end was marketed as the Pocket Kozy. Although collectors often call these 'Pocket Kozy Cameras," only the 1898-99 model carries the 'pocket' designation.

Kozy Cameras were made for the amateur market and the 1898 model sold for $10 (about $402 in equivalent year 2026 dollars).