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Art Deco Cameras

Kodak Brownie Target Six-16

Specification


Kodak Brownie Target Six-16
Kodak Brownie Target Six-16
Manufacturer: Kodak
Produced: 1946 - 1952
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Cardboard/Metal
Film Type:616
Film Width:70mm
Image Size:2½ x 4¼ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Length:100mm
Focus Range:10ft to inf
Aperture Type :Multihole
Aperture :f/16, f/22
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T,I(1/50 sec)
Size (w x h x d):90 x 138 x 141 mm
Weight:635g

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Description

The Kodak Brownie Target Six-16 is a box-type camera from the 1940s. It is based on the Kodak Target Six-20 which was produced starting 1941. The facade has a strong symmetrical geometric pattern echoing the 'Kodak Girl' stripe. The body is metal and covered in leatherette. It has two reflecting brilliant finders. It features a chrome winder with concentric circles.

How to Use

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'.

As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, 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.

The camera has 2 aperture values available controlled by a metal tab. Aperture values are:- f/16 (Tab Down); f/22 (Tab Up). If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the lower light level.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
Tab Up
f/22
+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctTab Up
f/22
Good
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesTab Down
f/16
Good
OvercastBarely visibleTab Down
f/16
-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNoneTab Down
f/16
-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
NoneTab Down
f/16
-3 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable