Kodak No.2 Beau Brownie
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1930-1933 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Doublet |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 85mm |
| Focus Range | : | 10m to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Aperture | : | f/11, f/16, f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,I(1/30 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 80 x 107 x 110 mm |
| Weight | : | 415g |
Art Deco Credentials
Iconic: Famous, well-known and celebrated
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Designed by Walter Dorwin Teague.
- Geometric design to front panel.
- Chrome and enamel used.
- Decorative case latches.
- Octagonal plate around winder.
- Patterned and coloured leatherette to match with decorative front panel
- Matching leatherette on handle.
Description
The Kodak Beau Brownie is a box-type camera from the 1930s with an Art Deco facade made by designer Walter Dorwin Teague.
It was produced between 1930 and 1933 in two versions: the No.2 Beau Brownie for 120 film and the No.2A Beau Brownie for 116 film.
The front panel has a geometric design that has two different colours with borders in bright metal. Both versions were available in five colors:-
- Black - black and burgundy(maroon), black leatherette
- Tan - brown and tan, brown leatherette
- Blue - dark blue and sky blue, blue leatherette
- Green - turquoise and green, green leatherette
- Rose - rose and pink, rose leatherette
The body is covered in textured letherette to match one of the colours in the face plate.
In Europe the No.2 Beau Brownie is common especially the black, blue and tan. The green and rose were not sold outside the US and so it's more difficult to get one of these. If you do find a green or rose Beau Brownie, it's going to be a lot more expensive. The rose colour quite often sells for ridiculous amounts.
How to Use
Find the manual here:- Beau Brownie Manual - 2 & 2A
The Beau Brownie takes good quality snaps with 120 film which is easily available. As the shutter speed is only 1/30s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body. The snapshot on the right was taken using Portra 120 160 film. Don't worry too much about exposure values, the latitude of modern films is good. With ISO 100 film, use the aperture tab 'up' for sunny days, in the 'middle' for hazy days and 'down' for cloudy days.
Being nearly 90 years old, it would probably benefit from cleaning the lenses and viewfinders. This is easy to do and most worthwile. Check out my page:- 'Restoration of a Beau Brownie'.
Photographs taken with this Camera
Film - Kodak Portra 160 120.
