Kodak Brownie Starflex
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1957 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Plastic |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| ImageSize | : | 1⅝ x 1⅝ in |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | uncoated meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 45mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 4ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multi hole |
| Aperture | : | f/11, f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Guillotine |
| Shutter Speed | : | I(1/50sec) |
| Size(closed) (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 98 x 57 mm |
| Size(Open) (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 137 x 57 mm |
| Weight | : | 199g |
Art Deco Credentials
Limited: Minor and insubstantial
- Designed after the main Art Deco period
- Wrap around horizontal ribbing on the Bakelite body
- Lined pattern on camera face
- Aluminium lens bezels
- Aluminium hood with star emblem
- Chrome highlights on sides
- Curved Streamline Moderne design
Description
The Brownie Starflex is a twin-lens reflex style box camera from the 1950s. It can be described as a pseudo twin lens reflex camera. It isn't a true TLR because the top lens is just part of the viewfinder and does not aid focussing. It has a moulded plastic body with a large brilliant waist level viewfinder with a hood. It has a wire sports finder that can be unfolded from the base. A tripod mount is not provided.
The aperture control is labelled with the numbers 13(COLOR) and 14(B&W). These are not F values but EV values. It offers a choice of EV13(f/11) or EV14(f/16). The shutter speed is 1/50s. /p>
The film is loaded by moving a lever on the base so that the whole of the film transport system can be removed by lifting the top off the camera. It has an shutter interlocking system that avoids double exposure. When the film is loaded, the red window is used to locate the frame numbers.
Many different Kodak flash holders can be used with this camera as a screw and pin flash connection is provided.
How to Use
See the User Manual here:- Kodak Brownie Starflex 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 2 aperture settings of EV13(f/11) and EV14(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 body.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | EV14 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | EV14 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | EV14 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | EV13 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | EV13 | -1 Stops Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | EV13 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |