Kodak 'Hawkeye' Ace
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Kodak |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1936 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal/Wood/Cardboard |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| ImageSize | : | 1⅝ x 2½ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 60mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 10ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Flip Flop |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I(1/50sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 72 x 86 x 70 mm |
| Weight | : | 175g |
Art Deco Credentials
Limited: Minor and insubstantial
- Designed before the main Art Deco period
Description
The Kodak 'Hawkeye' Ace has a very simple construction, with an outer casing of cardboard and a metal front. It is covered in black leatherette. The metal film carrier is made from metal. The shutter mechanism and lens are held on wood attached to the metal front.
The camera uses 127 roll-film for capturing 4 x 6.5cm exposures. It has a fixed focus meniscus lens and an instantaneous flip-flop shutter. Photographs are taken by sliding the tiny silver button one way or the other. A wire frame viewfinder can be extended from the camera. A portrait attachement is available that presses on the front of the lens mount.
It is similar to the Kodak Hawkeye and Kodak Baby Hawkeye. There is a 'De Luxe' model which has strap lugs on each side.
This camera was produced by Kodak Ltd to support premium schemes and was not shown in sale catalogues. Another example of a premium box cameras is the Kodak Baby Hawkeye.
How to Use
This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 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.
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 table assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.
This camera has an aperture of f/16 and a shutter speed is 1/50s.
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to try to hold the camera against a wall or other solid object. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your face.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -2 Stop Underexposed Unacceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -3 Stop Underexposed Unacceptable |