Kodak cameras, particularly the original Kodak Brownie, worked by using a preloaded roll of flexible film to capture multiple exposures, which were then developed by the company.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
-
Preloaded Film: Unlike earlier cameras that required loading a glass-plate negative for each photograph, the first Kodak cameras came with a roll of film already inside. This film was enough for 100 exposures.
-
Taking a Picture: The user would point the camera and press a button to take a picture. Each press advanced the film to the next unexposed frame. The Brownie cameras were simple and easy to use, targeted at a mass audience.
-
Exposure and Image Capture: When the shutter button was pressed, the shutter would open briefly, allowing light to expose the film. The light-sensitive chemicals on the film would then react, creating a latent image.
-
Developing the Film: Once the roll of film was fully exposed (after taking all 100 pictures), the entire camera was mailed back to the Kodak factory.
-
Print Creation and Camera Reloading: Kodak would then develop the film, print the photographs, and reload the camera with a fresh roll of film. The prints and reloaded camera were then sent back to the customer.
In essence, Kodak simplified photography by handling the complex processes of film loading, development, and printing, allowing users to simply "press the button" and leave the rest to them. This approach democratized photography and made it accessible to a much wider audience.
