- 1884: Invention of the First Kodak Camera, 1884-1888, George Eastman, Rochester, NY. The invention of Roll Film and later invention of Motion Picture Film, 1884-1885, came from David Houston and the patents were purchased by George Eastman. After perfecting the technology, Eastman released the first Kodak camera in 1888 with the slogan: “You press the button, we do the rest.” It cost $25 and came with enough film for 100 pictures.
