What was the cost of a camera in the 1800s?

Answer 1

Just as there are many options today, so were there many options in the 1800's. Workmanship, features, finish, optical equipment--all had an effect on price. For example, in the 1860's, Anthony's New York Gem camera cost $24 with a full complement of four lenses, or Anthony's Success Multiplying camera was available for $68 with four lenses; $90 with nine lenses, or $105 dollars fully equipped with both 4-lens and 9-lens options; in 1871, a variety of Anthony portrait boxes (supplied without the lens) were available from $12 to $95. Eastman's original Kodak cost $25 and came with a full load of film. The entire camera was returned to the processor with $10, which got the film processed and printed, and the camera reloaded.

Answer 2

The 1685 year that keeps cropping up on WikiAnswers is someone's idea of a joke. Cameras had been around (in the form of the camera obscura) for hundreds of years prior, and the first camera was not used for photographic purposes until April 1816 by Nicephore Niepce. Niepce either made the camera himself or had it made, but there is no record of its cost.