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Art Deco Cameras

Kodak Baby Brownie

Specification

baby-brownie
Kodak Baby Brownie
Manufacturer: Kodak
Produced: 1934-1941(US)
1948-1952(UK)
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Solid Body
Construction:Bakelite
Film Type:127
Film Width:46mm
ImageSize:1⅝ x 2½ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:meniscus
Focal Length:60mm
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Range:10ft - inf.
Aperture Type:Fixed
Aperture:f/16
Shutter Type :Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T, I*(1/50sec)
Size (w x h x d):78 x 66 x 72 mm
Weight:185g
* Measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

star star star star
Significant: Pronounced and self evident

I consider this camera to warrant 4 stars for the following attributes:

Description

This camera was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague, a noted industrial design pioneer going back to the 1930's. Teague was responsible for the design of the famous Sparton table radios, a revamp of the Texaco gas station and logo, TWA identity and early Polaroid cameras.

The camera body is made from moulded Bakelite with linear raised vertical striped pattern. It has a folding frame finder. The shutter is operated by the lever under the lens. A brief time button was added above the lens to the US version for export models from 1936 until it was discontinued in 1939.

Kodak UK Limited manufactured this camera from 1948 to 1952 but for export only after World War II. A brief time button was added above the lens to the UK version from 1951 until it was discontinued in 1952.

For those wishing buy one of these cameras to take pictures, please be aware that the Bakelite has become very brittle and many specimens of this camera have broken seals. So look carefully at the seals before purchasing. I had to buy 4 of these on Ebay before I got one with complete seals.

How to Use

Find the manual for this camera here:- Baby Brownie Manual

This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.

If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.

Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.

The table assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.

This camera has an aperture of f/16 and a shutter speed is 1/50s.

As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to try to hold the camera against a wall or other solid object. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your face.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/16+2 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/16+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/16Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/16-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/16-2 Stop
Underexposed
Unacceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/16-3 Stop
Underexposed
Unacceptable

Photographs taken with this Camera

Using Kodak Portra 160 120 film cut down to 127. Developed in Tetenal.

Century Methodist Church, Llanishen, Cardiff, Wales
Century Methodist Church, Llanishen, Cardiff, Wales
St Denys Church, Lisvane, Cardiff, Wales
St Denys Church, Lisvane, Cardiff, Wales
Bridge Cottage, Llanishen, Cardiff, Wales
Bridge Cottage, Llanishen, Cardiff, Wales
Ffynnon Wen Public House, Cardiff, Wales
Ffynnon Wen Public House, Cardiff, Wales