Brownie Hawkeye Flash
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | UK 1950-1961 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Pseudo Twin Lens reflex |
| Construction | : | Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 620 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼ x 2¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 80mm |
| Focal Range | : | 5ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | I*(1/35 sec), B |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 80 x 90 x 115 mm |
| Weight | : | 470g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced Post Art Deco period.
- Moulded Bakelite Body.
- Streamlined rounded corners.
- Deep horizontal moulding lines.
- Shows a symmetrical aspect.
- Concentric circles on winder.
Description
The Brownie Hawkeye Flash can be described as a pseudo twin lens reflex camera. It isn't a true TLR because the top lens is just part of the viewfinder and does not aid focussing.
Often referred to as Art Deco, this camera sits better in the Streamline Moderne category. Streamline Moderne is a late type of the Art Deco design style that emerged in the 1930s in America and continued into the 1940s. Its style emphasized curving forms, smooth & polished surfaces and long horizontal lines. The original Brownie Hawkeye was produced in 1949 and this 'flash' model in 1950.
It supportes Bulb mode and Instant with a speed of about 1/40 sec.
How to Use
See Instruction Manual here. This camera nominally 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. Most of these cameras will take 120 on the film feed side but need a 620 spool on the take up side. On some cameras there are metal tabs designed so that when the feed side is loaded with 120 film, the camera will not shut. These tabs can be bent out of the way so the camera will close.
This camera works best with ISO 100 film. On a sunny day, the film will be 2 stops overexposed but modern film can easily take care of that. Even ISO 160 film like Portra will work well. Film is so forgiving.
Don't forget to ask for your 620 spool back when getting the film developed.
Photographs taken with this camera
The film used was Ilford FP4 plus with an ISO of 125.
