The Kodak Brownie is a very basic point and shoot camera for 4x6cm
pictures on 127 film, 8 pictures per film. It was launched in 1952 and
produced in England. It was very popular in England, millions were made,
but few were exported. There were 3 models over the time, the first
(1952-59) and the second (1959-62) made from thick black Bakelite type
plastic. The third model was a complete re-design and a relaunch from 1965
to 1967, made of gray plastic and 4x4 format.
This camer is from the second series.
To keep costs down, Kodak used simple plastic lenses, often branded "Dakon" lens, a name that they previously used for simple shutters.
Its
main features are:
Plastic meniscus "Dakon"
lens, F11, focus free
Shutter
1/40, rotary, no double exposure prevention
Size 133 x 78 x70 Weight 242 gr.
Original pouch.
Camera and pouch.
Camera front. Lens,
viewer.
Camera back. Viewer and red window. If you really want to use the camera, put a piece of scotch over the red window except when you advance the film.
Camera top. Film wind and shutter release.
Camera bottom. No tripod socket, wouldn't make sense with 1/40 single
speed. Opening screw.
Film compartment with curved film plane to avoid vignetting from the
simple plastic meniscus lens.
Film insert, seen from front.
Film insert with curved film plane.
Housing with shutter.
These
are
the ultimate basics of a roll film camera, focus free, single shutter
speed and F11 fixed aperture. Point and shoot only. If you choose the
right film, ISO 200 in general and ISO 100 on very sunny days, you can
shoot outside photos that look o.k.. The rest will be "Lomo" style. Seen
the price of 127 film I would probably not run a roll through it. It came
with a plastic camera lot, so I had it for free. It's more an item for
collectors although there are still many of them around.
