Early Beginnings (1880–1900)

Kodak traces its roots to 1880, when George Eastman began manufacturing dry photographic plates in Rochester, New York. In 1888, he introduced the Kodak camera, the first camera designed for ordinary consumers rather than professional photographers.

The camera came preloaded with enough film for 100 photographs. After users finished the roll, they mailed the entire camera back to Kodak, which developed the photos, reloaded the camera and returned it.

This business model was promoted with the famous slogan:

“You press the button, we do the rest.”

The name Kodak was invented by Eastman himself because he wanted a short, distinctive and easily recognisable word beginning and ending with the letter K.2

Kodak introduced many products that shaped modern photography.

Major Innovations

• 1889 – First commercial transparent roll film
• 1900 – Brownie Camera ($1), making photography affordable for millions
• 1935 – Kodachrome colour film
• 1963 – Instamatic camera with cartridge-loading film
• 1975 – World’s first digital camera prototype (invented by Kodak engineer Steve Sasson)
• 1986 – First practical megapixel CCD image sensor
• 1995 – Kodak DC40 consumer digital camera
• 2001 – EasyShare digital camera system3

For decades, Kodak became one of the most recognised consumer brands in the world.

The company’s signature yellow-and-red branding became instantly recognisable, and the phrase “Kodak Moment” entered popular culture to describe a memorable event worth photographing. Kodak also invested heavily in advertising and sponsorships, helping establish photography as a common part of family life and travel.4

Kodak transformed photography by making it:

• Affordable
• Portable
• Easy to use
• Accessible to non-professionals

Before Kodak, photography required specialised equipment and chemical expertise. Kodak simplified the process through consumer cameras, roll film and photo processing services, enabling millions of people to document everyday life.5

Kodak has been a major supplier of motion picture film.

Its film stock has been used in countless Hollywood productions, and the company has received multiple technical awards from the film industry for innovations in motion picture technology. Even today, many filmmakers continue to use Kodak film for its distinctive look.6

One of the most interesting chapters in Kodak’s history is its role in digital photography.

In 1975, Kodak engineer Steve Sasson built the world’s first digital camera prototype. Although Kodak continued investing in digital imaging and released several consumer digital cameras in later years, the company’s traditional film business declined rapidly as digital photography became mainstream. Kodak eventually filed for bankruptcy protection in 2012 and restructured its operations.7

In 2012, Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States.

Following restructuring, the company shifted away from most consumer camera businesses and focused on:

• Commercial printing
• Digital printing systems
• Industrial imaging
• Specialty chemicals
• Advanced materials
• Motion picture film

Kodak emerged from bankruptcy in 2013 as a smaller company with a stronger emphasis on industrial and business customers.8

Modern Kodak is no longer primarily a consumer camera company.

Its core businesses include:

• Commercial printing technology
• Inkjet printing systems
• Offset printing plates
• Motion picture film
• Specialty chemicals
• Industrial materials
• Functional printing technologies

The Kodak name is also licensed for selected consumer products, including some digital cameras and related electronics manufactured by partner companies under the Kodak brand.7

Some of Kodak’s best-known products include:

• Kodak No. 1 Camera
• Brownie Camera
• Kodachrome Film
• Ektachrome Film
• Instamatic Camera
• EasyShare Cameras
• Kodak Gold Film
• Kodak Portra Film
• Kodak Tri-X Film
• Kodak Vision3 Motion Picture Film9

George Eastman built Kodak around several principles:

• Customer-first thinking
• Mass production at affordable prices
• Worldwide distribution
• Strong advertising
• Continuous research and innovation

These ideas helped Kodak become one of the world’s first truly global consumer brands.10

Kodak’s influence extends beyond photography. The company:

• Popularised personal photography.
• Played a key role in the development of motion picture film.
• Helped advance digital imaging technology.
• Holds tens of thousands of patents earned over more than 130 years of research and development.
• Left a lasting cultural impact through the enduring idea of the “Kodak Moment”.11

Kodak is one of the most influential brands in the history of photography. Founded by George Eastman in the late 19th century, it transformed photography from a complex technical process into an everyday activity. Although the company faced major challenges during the transition from film to digital imaging, it continues to operate as a technology company focused on commercial printing, advanced materials and imaging solutions while maintaining a globally recognised brand with a legacy spanning more than 140 years.12

1. Company | Kodak
2. History | Kodak
3. George Eastman | Kodak
4. Photography | Kodak
5. Milestones | Kodak
6. Kodak cautions on business operations but remains confident it can meet debt obligations
7. Why third-party licensees of Kodak and Yashica brands are succeeding where more major camera manufacturers aren’t
8. Why is Kodak still the brand for photo memories ? | Kodak
9. Our History | Kodak
10. About Us | Kodak
11. Kodak Ltd | Science Museum Group Collection
12. Kodak – WikiZero