George Eastman and Kodak Camera By Richard Bull

What is it and what does it do? Everyone could use the box camera because it was small and film could be stored in it and sent away to be developed. George Eastman also invented a better film for Edison’s movie camera. Today, Eastman Kodak corporation continues to make photographic equipment that is easy to use.

How does it work? Eastman developed a process for using “dry plate emulsion.” This is a method of exposing and developing film. It allowed photographers to take a picture and develop it later. “The Kodak no.1 came with a prefitted roll of film and was an immediate hit. When the film was finished, the camera was return to the Eastman factory, where the pictures were developed, and the camera was returned with a new roll of film.” (Inventions and Inventors vol. 3)

Who invented it? George Eastman invented the Kodak Camera. He was born in Waterville, New York in In 1884, he created paper-backed film. This discovery altered how you take pictures. “In 1888 he developed the simple box camera, called [the] Kodak.” He founded the Eastman factory in Rochester, New York in The company made him a very wealthy man. He gave away some of his money. “Among his many bequests were the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester. Eastman died on March 14, 1932, in Rochester.”

What inventions led up to this invention? The daguerreotype was a type of early camera. Pictures were taken on glass plates. As soon as the picture was taken, the glass plate was dipped in a chemical solution. Then, the picture appeared. This process made only one picture. “Daguerreotypes proved a dead end in... photography, mainly because they were expensive and unable to produce copies.” (Inventions and Inventors vol. 3)

The importance of the invention? “The Kodak revolutionized photography, making it a relatively inexpensive hobby for millions.” (Inventions and Inventors vol. 3)

Works Cited “Eastman, George." Compton's by Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., Web. 5 Jan “George Eastman.” Hall of Fame/Inventor Profile “George Eastman.” Inventor of the Week Archive: Lemelson-MIT. January Inventions and Inventors, Volume 3.: Communications. Danbury: Grolier Educational, p