When did Eastman secure the patent for the first practical Kodak camera?
Answer
September 4, 1888
While the foundational flexible roll film was patented earlier, the actual box camera designed for amateur use, which utilized that film, was patented on September 4, 1888. This date marks the official introduction of the specific device intended to bring photography out of the laboratory and into the hands of the general public. This simple box camera contrasted sharply with the complex, high-cost photographic apparatus previously required, such as those utilizing wet-plate collodion or large-format dry plates.

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