Kodak Junior Six-16
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | US 1935 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 616 |
| Film Width | : | 70mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2½ x 4¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Kodak Doublet |
| Focal Length | : | 120mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 10ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | 6 leaf iris |
| Aperture | : | f/11, f/16, f/22, f/32 |
| Shutter Type | : | No. 1 Kodon |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,B, I(1/25,1/50,1/100 sec) |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 185 x 35 mm |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 185 x 155 mm |
| Weight | : | 710g |
Art Deco Credentials
Significant: Pronounced and self evident
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Octagonal black and chrome faceplate design.
- Chrome struts.
- Body leatherette embossed with linear pattern.
- Chrome winder, body latch and film door latch.
- Styled by Walter Dorwin Teague
Description
A number of variations were built in Britain, Germany and America which all have the same name. This American version was in production between 1935 and 1937. It has an octagonal Art Deco shutter faceplate and ornate 'N' style struts. It has a metal case and is covered in leather, embossed with a linear pattern. It has a small swivelling brilliant finder which is connected to the shutter housing. The camera is opened by lifting the table stand lever and pulling on the self-erecting bed. The camera is closed by pressing on two tabs on the struts. There is a tripod mount on the lens bed. The Junior Six-16 takes eight 2½ x 4¼ inch exposures on a roll of 616 film.
The shutter provides T, B and I functionality. The instant(I) mode has shutter speeds of 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 second exposures. It has a fixed focus doublet f/11 lens that can be stopped down to f/32. The red window has a swinging cover. This model was styled by Walter Dorwin Teague.
How to Use
The manual for this camera can be found here:- Kodak Junior Six-16 Manual
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'.
When you have completed the conversion to 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.
Shutter speeds are 1/25s, 1/50s and 1/100s although the accuracy is not guaranteed. The aperture range is f/11 to f/32
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 tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day(May-August) in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | - | f/32 | f/22 |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/32 | f/22 | f/16 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/22 | f/16 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | f/11 | - |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | - | - |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | - | - | - |