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Art Deco Cameras

Jiffy Kodak six 20

Specification


Jiffy six-20
Jiffy Kodak six-20
Manufacturer: Kodak
Produced: 1933-1937
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Folding Strut
Construction:Metal
Film Type:620
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:2¼ x 3¼ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Twindar periscopic
Focus Type:Two position
Focal Length:95mm
Focus Range:10ft to inf
portrait 5ft - 10ft.
Aperture Type :Multihole
Aperture :f/11, f/16, f/22
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T, I*(1/45 sec)
Size Open (w x h x d):87 x 160 x 110 mm
Size Closed (w x h x d):87 x 160 x 38 mm
Weight:535g
* Measured on this camera

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Description

The Jiffy Kodak Six-20 is a folding camera for 620 film made by Eastman Kodak Co. Ltd. Rochester from 1933 to 1937. It was styled by Walter Dorwin Teague. It has a Twindar periscopic lens with zone focusing; the only zones given are "5 TO 10 FEET" and "BEYOND 10 FEET". It has three selectable apertures, f/11, f/16 and f/22. It has two brilliant viewfinders in the pop out lens board, one for vertical and one for horizontal images. There is also a 616 film version of this called the Jiffy Kodak Six-16. The cameras are identical in design and functionality.

How to Use

This camera takes 620 film which is still available from selected photographic outlets. Although the actual film is the same as 120 film, the spools are different. The 620 spools are slightly shorter and have a smaller diameter. Do not use 120 film in this camera because it will jam and may snap. It is possible to cut down a spool of 120 film to fit or to re-spool some 120 film onto 620 spools in a darkroom or changing bag.

As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, 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.

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.

Of course, with modern films, the User Manual isn't particularly useful in terms of exposure.

This camera has three aperture settings of f/11, f16 and f/22 which are changed using a sliding tab.

The tables shown assumes the shutter speed is about 1/40s. If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the lower light level.

The tables also assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day in the UK.

Using ISO 100 film - shutter speed 1/40s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
Tab Out
f/22
+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctTab Out
f/22
Good
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesTab Middle
f/16
Good
OvercastBarely visibleTab In
f/11
Good
Heavy OvercastNoneTab In
f/11
-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
NoneTab In
f/11
-2 Stop
Underexposed
Unacceptable

Photographs taken with this Camera

Images using Portra 160 120 respoolled onto 620 spool. Notice the light leak from a single pinhole - doh!


Blaise Castle, England, UK
Blaise Castle, England, UK

Blaise House, England, UK
Blaise House, England, UK

Blaise Hamlet, England, UK
Blaise Hamlet, England, UK

Barry Island, Wales, UK
Barry Island, Wales, UK