Lot of 6 Kodak Data Books & Guides (c. 1950s–60s) — Eastman Kodak | Illustrated Charts & Tables, Technical Manuals

Description

Here’s a photo-lab time capsule: a set of six Kodak data books covering films, camera technique, filters, stains, motion-picture stocks, and creative color derivations. These mid-century technical manuals helped working photographers set exposures, pick lenses, process film, and solve darkroom problems.

Inside you’ll find charts, graphs, photographs, and step-by-step tables—classic Kodak know-how in compact, bench-friendly pamphlets.

All details are photo-verified and ready to shelve, reference, or display.

Quick Specs

• Item Type: Set of 6 technical pamphlets (Kodak data books)
• Size: 9 × 6 × ~0.5 in (stacked; each ~9 × 6 in)
• Material: Paper pamphlets, die-cut/punched for binder
• Color: Multicolor mid-century covers (black, red, gray, yellow)
• Origin or Maker: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY
• Year or Era: 1950s–1960s (exact years not shown)
• GENRE: Photography / Technical Manuals
• Language / Pages: English; ~60 pages each (average)
• Identifiers: Publication No. H-1 visible on Motion Picture Films; others Not provided

Edition & Features 

• Dust Jacket: Not applicable
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: B&W photos, technical diagrams, spectral graphs, exposure/processing tables
• Extras: Pre-punched binding for workshop binders; original cover prices visible (25¢–$1.25)

Titles Included (6)

1. Kodak Films for Black-and-White Photography — Kodak Data Book, 7th Ed., 50¢
2. Camera Technique for Professional Photographers — A Kodak Professional Data Book, 50¢
3. Stains on Negatives and Prints — Eastman Kodak, 25¢
4. Eastman Kodak Motion Picture Films for Professional Use — Kodak Publication H-1, $1.25
5. Kodak Wratten Filters for Scientific and Technical Use — price mark 75¢ visible
6. Derivations from Color Photographs — A Kodak Publication, 25¢

Condition Grade: Good

Notes: Covers show rubbing, small creases, edge wear, and a few surface scratches; light shop handling; clean, legible interiors; intact punches/holes; no loose pages noted. See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

About the Author Eastman Kodak Company

Founded in 1888, Eastman Kodak Company led consumer and professional photography for decades, publishing technical data books that defined best practices in exposure, processing, and darkroom craft.

Add a true working-lab vibe to your shelf—classic Kodak tech never goes out of style.

Disclaimer

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.

While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item. 

Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store flat or upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.