Antique Kodak 620 Model C Folding Camera. Art Deco. Stuttgart, Germany, 1938

Antique Kodak 620 Model C Folding Camera. Art Deco. Stuttgart, Germany c. 1938

This elegant Kodak 620 Model C, produced in Stuttgart (Germany) by the prestigious Nagel-Werk between 1938 and 1939, is a magnificent piece of photographic history and a perfect example of refined Art Deco style applied to industrial design. Its metal structure combined with black leather covering and chrome fittings embodies the geometric, clean, and balanced aesthetic characteristic of the period. Every line, every faceted edge, and every detail in its finish reflects the modernity and taste for functional elegance that defined the 1930s and 1940s.

Equipped with a Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 lens and a German precision Compur shutter, this camera represents the perfect union of engineering and art. The Model 620 was designed to use film of the same name, introduced by Kodak in 1932, and was renowned from its release for its portability and reliability. Its folding body, only 15 cm high and 8 cm wide, opened like a small work of mechanical engineering, ready to capture images with excellent optical quality and tonal fidelity.

This particular unit is preserved in splendid condition, with its original bellows intact, free from cracks or light leaks. The mechanics respond perfectly, although it has not been tested with film. The exterior leather retains its original texture, with slight scuffs that enhance its authenticity and character. The chrome finish shines brightly, and the engravings on the lens ring remain sharp and well defined. Its overall appearance is remarkably attractive, reflecting the timeless charm of a camera that combines technical precision and visual beauty.

Because of its German origin and its production just before the Second World War, this Kodak 620 Model C represents a fascinating testimony to a moment when photography was becoming democratized and design was turning into art. Its Art Deco aesthetic distinguishes it among models of its generation, giving it a sculptural presence that transcends mere technical function. Ideal for a discerning collector or for anyone seeking an exclusive conversation piece, this camera brings elegance and history to any space.

An exceptional opportunity to own a piece that combines beauty, history, and mechanics with an Art Deco spirit. Its presence stands out in any display case or shelf, evoking the golden age of analog photography.

Measurements: 15 cm (5.91 in) × 8 cm (3.15 in).

History of the Kodak 620 Model C

The Kodak 620 Model C was developed in the German Nagel-Werk workshops in Stuttgart, a company founded by engineer August Nagel. Kodak acquired the firm in 1931 to strengthen its presence in Europe and produce cameras with German mechanical quality and American industrial vision. The Model 620 introduced the new film spool of the same name, an improvement over the 120 format that allowed for more compact cameras without sacrificing quality.

During the 1930s, the Nagel factory in Stuttgart became the technological heart of Kodak in Europe. In those years, the Art Deco style dominated architecture, design, and everyday objects: symmetrical lines, clean geometry, and shiny materials that symbolized progress and modernity. The 620 Model C fully embodied that spirit, combining German functional rigor with avant-garde and refined aesthetics.

Its launch coincided with a period of intense competition between manufacturers such as Zeiss Ikon, Agfa, and Voigtländer, in a Europe still breathing modernity before the war. After the Second World War, production of these cameras ceased, increasing their rarity and appeal among collectors. Today, every surviving Kodak 620 Model C stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of Nagel-Werk and to the splendor of European Art Deco design, a piece that embodies the perfect balance between art, technique, and time.