Kodak Vigilant Six-20 620 Folding Camera Anastigmat 100mm f/8.8 Diomatic

620 roll film
6x9 medium format
Folding camera
Anastigmat 100mm f/8.8
Vintage 1940s Kodak
US Seller • We ship the same-day for orders placed before 2:00 PM Pacific, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays)

Classic Kodak Vigilant Six-20 folding camera for 620 roll film, equipped with a Kodak Anastigmat 100mm f/8.8 lens in a Kodak No. 1 Diomatic shutter. This example (body serial no. 124259) is a nice candidate for display or restoration, with working focus, shutter, and aperture controls—see condition notes below for details.

The Vigilant Six-20 line was produced roughly from 1939–1949 for 620 roll film and was offered with several Kodak Anastigmat lens options, including the 100mm f/8.8 in a Diomatic shutter found on this camera. While some higher-end Kodak lenses from this era can be dated precisely using the company’s letter-code system, there is no widely published serial-number chart for the Vigilant Six-20’s simple numeric body serials, so serial 124259 can be placed within the general 1939–49 production period but not assigned an exact year.

Key Features

  • Kodak Vigilant Six-20 folding camera designed for 620 roll film (approx. 2¼ x 3¼ in / 6x9cm negatives).
  • Kodak Anastigmat 100mm f/8.8 lens in Kodak No. 1 Diomatic shutter with B, T, and standard timed speeds (all speeds fire; accuracy not tested).
  • Focus adjustment is smooth and moves freely from infinity down to approximately 3.5 ft on the scale.
  • Bellows appear supple with no obvious cracks or pinholes visible under basic light inspection.
  • Side pop-up optical viewfinder is clear for framing; red film window / counter is clean and easy to read.

Condition

  • Vintage pre-owned condition with typical cosmetic wear from age and use (scuffs, finish wear, minor marks), but no major dents or structural damage observed.
  • Lens optics show noticeable dust/soiling from age and would benefit from a proper cleaning; waist-level “brilliant” viewfinder above the lens has a cracked/deteriorated internal mirror (front glass intact) and is effectively not usable. Shutter speeds (including B and T) and aperture from f/8.8–f/32 cycle, but have not been tested for timing or exposure accuracy. Camera has not been tested with film and is sold as a vintage collectible/as-is for display, restoration, or careful use.

Items Included

  • Kodak Vigilant Six-20 folding camera body (serial no. 124259) with attached Kodak Anastigmat 100mm f/8.8 lens and Kodak No. 1 Diomatic shutter.
  • No film, case, strap, or separate accessories are included unless shown in photos.
  • Accessories not listed are not included. See photos for details.

At-a-Glance Specs

Mount / Thread 620 roll film format; fixed Kodak Anastigmat 100mm f/8.8 lens in Kodak No. 1 Diomatic shutter (approx. 6x9cm image area).
Material Metal body with leatherette covering, metal lens standard, leather bellows, glass optics, and chrome-plated hardware.
Options Single vintage camera only in the 100mm f/8.8 Diomatic configuration—no variants or multiple options in this listing.
Compatibility Designed for 620-size film spools; ideal for collectors, display, or experienced film users who re-spool 120 film or source fresh 620 stock.

Note: The camera is designed for 620 film only. Standard 120 spools are too large for the original film chambers unless you modify the camera or re-spool the film onto 620 spools.

Compatibility Notes

  • Film format & spools: The Vigilant Six-20 was built for 620 roll film, producing approximately 2¼ x 3¼ inch (6x9cm) negatives. Many modern users re-spool 120 film onto 620 spools to keep these cameras shooting.
  • Viewfinders: The waist-level “brilliant” finder above the shutter has a cracked/deteriorated internal mirror and is not functional for composition. The side pop-up optical finder, however, is clear and usable for framing.
  • Check Your Gear: Please confirm you have access to 620 spools/film or plan to re-spool 120 film before shooting. As with any mid-20th century mechanical camera, a professional CLA (clean, lube, adjust) is recommended before regular use.

Shipping

  • We ship the same-day for orders placed before 2:00 PM Pacific, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays).
  • Ships well-padded with tracking; combined shipping available on multiple items.
Additional disclosures: Terms & Conditions (see below).