The Bulls-Eye line of cameras was originated in 1892 by Samuel Turner and his Boston Camera Manufacturing Company. The original Bulls-Eye camera was historic as it was the first camera to use a small celluloid red window and black-paper backed rollfilm which allowed the photographer to identify frame numbers.

Eastman bought the patents to the Bulls-Eye in 1896, and eventually expanded it to five sizes/models: The No. 2 and No. 2 Special, the No. 3, and the No. 4 and No. 4 Special. 'Special' models were designated such since they had higher quality Eastman Triple Action Shutters and Bausch & Lomb Rapid Rectilinear lens.

The Special models also featured attractive polished wood, nickel, and brass construction. The camera, shown at right with its front door open, is quite attractive.

The No. 4 Bulls-Eyes took 4 x 5 inch images on size 103 rollfilm. Although the Bulls-Eye series was manufactured through 1913, the Bulls-Eye Special cameras were only available from 1898 to 1904. List price for the No. 4 Bulls-Eye Special in 1898 was $20.00 versus $12.00 for the basic model.

Click here for an 1890s Kodak Bulls-Eye film carton