Kodak Six-20 Hawkeye
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1938 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Cardboard/wood/metal |
| Film Type | : | 620 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 95mm |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/40 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 110 x 110 mm |
| Weight | : | 327g |
| * measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced during the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric plate in black & chrome on front panel;
- Geometric embossed detailing in leatherette on front and back;
- Chrome finder surrounds;
- Chrome winder;
- Symmetrical face.
Description
The Kodak Six-20 Hawkeye is a box-type camera with a cardboard body covered in leatherette. The shutter is mounted on a wooden block. The film transport system is made from metal. The facade has a symmetrical geometric pattern. It has two reflecting translucent finders. It features a leather strap with the words 'MADE IN GT. BRITAIN BY KODAK LTD. It has a single red window on the rear. There are no tripod mounts.
It has a simple T & I shutter. The shutter is of the flip-flop type. Move to one way to take a picture and then back again to take the next one. The aperture is fixed at f/11.
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. Make sure you cover the red window with black tape when not winding the film on - modern film is sensitive to red light. 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.
Don't forget to ask for your 620 spool back when getting the film developed.
As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, 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.
Using ISO 100 film - shutter speed 1/40s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/11 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/11 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/11 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |