Inside The George Eastman House

Hundreds of digital cameras made by Kodak are on display at The George Eastman House.  It is proof that George Eastman and Kodak revolutionized photography.  "It's a big part of history," said Tim Basel.  Basel was touring The George Eastman House Thursday afternoon.  His love for photography began at 10-years-old with Kodak playing a major role.  "He made is accessible for everybody.  Before it was only for professionals.  Now, anybody can do it," said Basel.

Exhibits at The George Eastman House focus on his life and accomplishments rather than the demise of Kodak.   Encased in glass is a snapshot of where it all began.  The first Kodak camera was introduced in 1888, but Eastman wanted a camera that anyone could afford and use.  In 1900 Kodak introduced The Brownie.  It was a very basic cardboard box camera that sold for $1.  It was marketed mainly to women with the slogan, "You Push the Button and We do the Rest."   In 1975 the first true digital camera was introduced. 

Eastman Kodak made thousands of different models and was an industry leader for 125 years.  Just 6 months ago Kodak gave The George Eastman House models of the latest gadgets it was working on.  Things have changed.  Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but because of Kodak's innovation we can still capture those 'Kodak Moments.'  One thing many people do not know is beneath The George Eastman House is a vault where the Kodak patent collection is held.  Most every camera, even the prototypes are held and will be preserved forever.