Kodak Cine-Kodak Royal Magazine Camera — 16mm Cine, ca. 1955, with 25mm f/1.9 Lens
CHF 180.00
The Cine-Kodak Royal Magazine Camera was Eastman Kodak's top-of-the-range 16 mm amateur cine camera of the mid-1950s, distinguished from the standard Cine-Kodak Magazine by its faster optics and refined finish. Introduced circa 1955, the Royal was designed around Kodak's proprietary self-loading 100-ft magazine system, which allowed daylight film changes in seconds — a decisive advantage for family and documentary filmmakers of the era. The camera accepts magazines pre-loaded with 16 mm film and exposes at user-selectable frame rates of 16, 24, or 64 fps, the latter enabling slow-motion playback at a standard projection speed of 16 fps.
The example pictured is fitted with its standard 25 mm f/1.9 prime lens — a fast, coated anastigmat that delivers crisp results even in subdued interior light. The lens barrel carries clear distance and aperture markings, and the focusing collar moves smoothly in the available images. A top-plate sliding selector moves through OPEN / LOCK / RUN positions to control the spring-motor drive. An interchangeable-lens scale visible on the top-plate lists focal lengths of 15, 25, 40, 50, 63, 102, and 152 mm, confirming the Royal's compatibility with a full range of Kodak "C"-mount-type accessories including wide-angle and telephoto turret lenses. The built-in optical viewfinder sits above the front face, flanked by a Kodak-branded red shutter release button.
The side panel carries an original "Universal Guide" exposure calculator — a rotating dial referencing monochrome film, daylight type, and various lighting conditions — a period-charming reminder of the pre-TTL metering era. The leatherette covering in deep navy blue with grey die-cast trim gives the Royal a distinctive, almost modernist appearance that stands apart from the brown and black finishes common to most contemporary competitors.
Condition is Very Good Plus overall. The leatherette is intact and firmly adhered, the chrome shows minimal brassing, and the Universal Guide label shows slight age-yellowing. Mechanical function should be confirmed by a qualified technician before film is loaded; the spring motor and shutter were not tested at time of cataloguing. A compelling display piece and a genuine user camera for 16 mm revival enthusiasts.
Material: Die-cast aluminium body, dark navy leatherette covering, chrome-plated trim and controls, optical glass lens elements
The example pictured is fitted with its standard 25 mm f/1.9 prime lens — a fast, coated anastigmat that delivers crisp results even in subdued interior light. The lens barrel carries clear distance and aperture markings, and the focusing collar moves smoothly in the available images. A top-plate sliding selector moves through OPEN / LOCK / RUN positions to control the spring-motor drive. An interchangeable-lens scale visible on the top-plate lists focal lengths of 15, 25, 40, 50, 63, 102, and 152 mm, confirming the Royal's compatibility with a full range of Kodak "C"-mount-type accessories including wide-angle and telephoto turret lenses. The built-in optical viewfinder sits above the front face, flanked by a Kodak-branded red shutter release button.
The side panel carries an original "Universal Guide" exposure calculator — a rotating dial referencing monochrome film, daylight type, and various lighting conditions — a period-charming reminder of the pre-TTL metering era. The leatherette covering in deep navy blue with grey die-cast trim gives the Royal a distinctive, almost modernist appearance that stands apart from the brown and black finishes common to most contemporary competitors.
Condition is Very Good Plus overall. The leatherette is intact and firmly adhered, the chrome shows minimal brassing, and the Universal Guide label shows slight age-yellowing. Mechanical function should be confirmed by a qualified technician before film is loaded; the spring motor and shutter were not tested at time of cataloguing. A compelling display piece and a genuine user camera for 16 mm revival enthusiasts.
Material: Die-cast aluminium body, dark navy leatherette covering, chrome-plated trim and controls, optical glass lens elements
Condition notes
Overall condition grades at VG+ (Very Good Plus). The navy leatherette covering is intact with no tears or significant lifting — light surface scuffs and minor soiling consistent with normal use over six decades. The chrome trim retains most of its plating with only minor brassing on high-contact edges. The
kodak
cine-kodak
royal magazine
16mm
cine camera
film camera
1950s
home movie