George Eastman (1854-1932)
Eastman wanted to make taking pictures popular. To do this, he needed something lighter and safer than glass plate negatives used in the 1880s.
His first solution was a paper film. In 1884 he introduced "negative paper" cameras. But these made poor quality photos and he replaced them with a hybrid paper/gelatin product he called "American Film."
In 1888 Eastman introduced the Kodak No. 1 camera. It cost $25 (about $780 in 2022 dollars) and came loaded to take 100 shots. Developing cost $10. Eastman sold about 5,200 Kodak 1 cameras.
Working with chemist Henry Reichenbach, Eastman produced the first celluloid film in 1889.
Eastman followed with a series of cheaper cameras. The Brownie, a $1 version was introduced in 1900. An additional $0.90 bought film and a kit to develop it and print pictures. It proved hugely popular. 245,000 were sold in under 2 years. Other models followed until 1982.