Kodak Brownie Target Six-16
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1946 - 1952 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Cardboard/Metal |
| Film Type | : | 616 |
| Film Width | : | 70mm |
| Image Size | : | 2½ x 4¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 100mm |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Aperture | : | f/16, f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,I(1/50 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 138 x 141 mm |
| Weight | : | 635g |
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric Art Deco 'Kodak Girl' front panel;
- Chrome finder surrounds
- Chrome winder;
- Concentric circles on winder
- Symmetrical face.
Description
The Kodak Brownie Target Six-16 is a box-type camera from the 1940s. It is based on the Kodak Target Six-20 which was produced starting 1941. The facade has a strong symmetrical geometric pattern echoing the 'Kodak Girl' stripe. The body is metal and covered in leatherette. It has two reflecting brilliant finders. It features a chrome winder with concentric circles.
How to Use
This camera takes uses 616 film which is not available anymore except as expired films. This means that the camera needs modification to take 120 film. Modification is fairly straight forward and will easily give 5 'panoramic' exposures producing 2¼ x 4¼ inch negatives. Check out my page on 'Conversion of a 616 camera to take 120 film'.
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object to get shake free shots. There are no tripod sockets. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
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.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day in the UK.
Remember that the exposure guide in the manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The camera has 2 aperture values available controlled by a metal tab. Aperture values are:- f/16 (Tab Down); f/22 (Tab Up). If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the lower light level.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | Tab Up f/22 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | Tab Up f/22 | Good |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | Tab Down f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | Tab Down f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | Tab Down f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | Tab Down f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |