Kodak Folding Cartridge Premo No.2

The Folding Cartridge Premo No.2 represents Kodak's entry into the burgeoning 135 (35mm) film market during the 1910s and early 1920s. As a folding camera, it featured a compact design that expanded for use, utilizing the then-new 35mm cartridge film originally developed for motion pictures. This format offered greater portability and smaller negatives compared to contemporary roll films, paving the way for the miniature photography that would later dominate the industry. Produced continuously for a decade, it catered to photographers seeking a convenient, pocket-sized option, embodying Kodak's strategy of making advanced formats accessible to a wider audience through reliable, mass-produced equipment.

While not revolutionary in design—it utilized a simple lens-shutter system typical of its era—the Premo No.2 holds historical significance as one of the earliest widely distributed 35mm still cameras by a major manufacturer. Its production timeline places it before the landmark Leica I (1925), highlighting Kodak's foresight in recognizing the potential of 35mm film for still photography despite the format's initial association with cinema. It serves as a tangible artifact illustrating the transition period and the gradual acceptance of small-format cameras among serious amateurs and early enthusiasts.