Kodak Empire State

Produced by Kodak between 1893 and 1913, the Empire State represents an early attempt at utilizing the emerging 135 format, later standardized as 35mm. It functioned as a basic snapshot camera, likely designed for the amateur market seeking affordable and easy-to-use photography solutions during a period when Kodak was rapidly popularizing roll film and simplifying picture-taking for the masses. While specific details are scarce due to the unknown type designation, its existence underscores Kodak's experimentation with smaller formats before the monumental success of the Brownie and the eventual dominance of 135 film in the mid-20th century. The Empire State serves as a tangible piece of the foundational era of amateur photography, embodying Kodak's strategy of making picture-taking accessible to the general public through standardized, convenient products.