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Art Deco Cameras

Kodak 'Hawkeye' Ace

Specification

'Hawkeye' Ace
Kodak 'Hawkeye' Ace
Manufacturer: Kodak
Produced: 1936
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Metal/Wood/Cardboard
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 :Flip Flop
Shutter Speeds:T, I(1/50sec)
Size (w x h x d):72 x 86 x 70 mm
Weight:175g
* measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

star
Limited: Minor and insubstantial

Description

The Kodak 'Hawkeye' Ace has a very simple construction, with an outer casing of cardboard and a metal front. It is covered in black leatherette. The metal film carrier is made from metal. The shutter mechanism and lens are held on wood attached to the metal front.

The camera uses 127 roll-film for capturing 4 x 6.5cm exposures. It has a fixed focus meniscus lens and an instantaneous flip-flop shutter. Photographs are taken by sliding the tiny silver button one way or the other. A wire frame viewfinder can be extended from the camera. A portrait attachement is available that presses on the front of the lens mount.

It is similar to the Kodak ' Hawkeye' and Kodak Baby Hawkeye. There is a 'De Luxe' model which has strap lugs on each side.

This camera was produced by Kodak Ltd to support premium schemes and was not shown in sale catalogues. Another example of a premium box cameras is the Kodak Baby Hawkeye.

How to Use

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