The desire to capture scenes in 3D is not a wish of recent years, but almost as old as the cameras we know today. One model that is almost a hundred years old is the Stereo Kodak Model 1 from 1917. For 37 years, the Rochester-based company has been introducing another stereo camera, the Kodak Stereo.
From 1954 to 1959, around 100,000 Kodak cameras were built. The original price of 84.50 US dollars at that time corresponds to about 820 US dollars on today’s scale. The model was developed by Arthur H Crapsey.
How does a stereo camera work? In principle, the construction is very simple, two lenses that are positioned at a certain distance from each other and simultaneously capture the scene on film. After development, the images can then be viewed with a special viewer, for example.
In this case, the Kodak Stereo comes with two “Anaston 35mm f/3.5”. The focal length is 35mm and the largest aperture of the lens is f/3.5 and can be stopped down to f/22. The 35mm camera has no autofocus. It is focused manually. The closest focusing distance is 1.2 m.
The correct exposure cannot be measured by the Kodak Stereo because it has no light meter. Each lens has its own Kodak Flash 200 shutter. This allows to take pictures with a shutter speed from 1/200 second to 1/25 second. The stereo camera has a bulb setting.
The camera with bakelite housing has a thread for a tripod. There is also a connection for a cable release. Also a connection for an external flash is not missing. The “Kodak Standard Flasholder” or the “Kodak BC Flasholder” can be used.
Films for the Kodak Stereo
What kind of films does Kodak Stereo require? The camera uses normal 35mm film. These are still produced today and can be developed without any problems. A special feature is the exposed area of the stereo camera. The area is 23 x 24 mm and logically two pictures are always taken. The images are not directly next to each other on the film roll, but offset. So the first image is on position 1 and 4, the second image on position 3 and 6, and so on. With a normal 36 frames film 28 stereo pairs can be recorded.
Possible films for Kodak stereo are the Kodak Portra 160* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for b/w photos. During development, care should be taken to ensure that the negatives are not cut up in the image. A corresponding note to the laboratory is useful here.
After development, the images can be positioned next to each other. Kodak provided various additional devices for viewing. For example, there was the Kodaslide Stereo Viewer I and the Kodaslide Stereo Viewer II, which look a little like today’s VR glasses. The slides were mounted in a special holder and could be viewed through the devices.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Stereo camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 23 mm x 24 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 120 cm / 3.936 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/25 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Kodak Standard Flasholder & Kodak BC Flasholder |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| End of production | 1959 |
| Production duration | 5 years |
| Number of units produced | 100000 units |
| Estimated value / Used price | 394,18 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 4, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 167,00 Euro (180.76 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 292,74 Euro (316.06 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Kodak Stereo
How does this old Kodak camera take two pictures at once?
It uses two lenses, positioned a certain distance apart. Both lenses capture the scene simultaneously onto the film. This creates a stereoscopic effect when viewed with a special viewer.
What kind of film does the Kodak Stereo camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, which is still available today. The camera exposes two images per frame, offset from each other on the film roll. The film is developed like regular 35mm film.
Does the Kodak Stereo camera have autofocus?
No, the Kodak Stereo camera does not have autofocus. You have to manually focus it. The minimum focusing distance is 1.2 meters.
How does it control the exposure of the image?
The camera doesn't have a light meter, so you have to set the exposure manually. Each lens has its own shutter with speeds ranging from 1/200th to 1/25th of a second, plus a bulb setting.
Can I use a flash with this old 3D camera?
Yes, the Kodak Stereo has a connection for external flash units. Compatible flashes include the Kodak Standard Flasholder or the Kodak BC Flasholder.