Difference between revisions of "Kodak Brownie 127"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
m (→‎Specification: link -> cresta II)
(+ int link)
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Flickr_image
+
__NOTOC__
−
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/catxx/533518483/in/pool-camerapedia/
+
{{Flickr image
−
|image= http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/533518483_c73364649d_m.jpg
+
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/10456228@N00/7502031338/in/pool-camerawiki
−
|image_align= left
+
| image=http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7502031338_23cba281a5_n.jpg
−
|image_text= Brownie 127<br>Second model
+
| image_align=right
−
}}The '''Brownie 127''' was, in the UK, an extremely popular plastic snapshot viewfinder model made in England by [[Kodak Ltd.]]
+
| image_text=Kodak Brownie 127
−
From introduction in 1952, over a million had been made by August 1954, and the series continued to sell many more millions. A few (~263,000) of the first model were exported to the US in 1953-4, where they were badged '''Brownie Starlet''' - and should not be confused with the more common [[Kodak Brownie Starlet|Brownie Starlet]].
+
| image_by=Morinaka.
−
{{Flickr_image
+
| image_rights=wp
−
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2353642416/in/pool-camerapedia/
 
−
|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2353642416_3641c1d5de_o.jpg
 
−
|image_align= right
 
−
|image_text= Brownie 127<br>First Model<br>shown open
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
The first version of the camera had a rounded shape, where the film carrier mechanism and viewfinder were attached to the top of the camera, which lifted out the base. The base carried the lens and shutter. There were many small changes of faceplate and detailing. The third version of the camera was completely reshaped to have flat sides, angled corners, and square images. The shutter speed and lens aperture were fixed; the only controls were wind-on and shutter release. 
 
  
−
=== Specification ===
+
The '''Kodak Brownie 127''' is a plastic box camera for eight 4x6 cm pictures on [[127 film]], made in England by [[Kodak Ltd.]] It was an extremely popular snapshot camera in Britain. From its introduction in 1952, over a million had been made by August 1954, and the series continued to sell many more millions. A few (~263,000) of the first model were exported to the US in 1953-4, where they were badged '''Brownie Starlet''', not to be confused with the more common [[Kodak Brownie Starlet|Brownie Starlet]].
−
* Manufacturer: [[Kodak Ltd.]], UK
+
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
The camera has a [[Kodak_lenses#Simple_Lenses|plastic meniscus lens]], identified as a 'Dakon' in the second model, with no aperture or focus controls, and a single-speed shutter (the speed is about 1/50 second; there is not even 'B'). The only controls are the film advance (a wide flat knob at the left hand side) and the shutter release button. The camera has a reverse-Galilean viewfinder.
−
|-
+
 
 +
The first version of the camera is made of a dark brown [[Bakelite]]-type plastic and has a rounded shape, especially when seen from above. This shape follows naturally from the curved path of the film, allowing for the curved field of the simple lens. The film carrier mechanism and viewfinder are attached to the top of the camera, which lifts out from the body for loading (when released by a catch in the base). The lens and shutter are mounted in the body section. The sides are moulded in a broad horizontal striped pattern, and there are shallow steps each side of the viewfinder. The body of the second version is very similar, but moulded in a vertical ribbed texture on the sides, and it has a flatter top. There were other small changes of faceplate and detailing; some cameras have cream controls, later models having grey. A white version, with a silver top, was made and only sold in Jersey in the Channel Islands - in c.1959; it was not successful, as the colour dirtied very easily. McKeown states that fakes of this rare variant have been made by painting the regular camera.<ref name=McK>{{McKeown12}} p478.</ref>
 +
 
 +
The third 'Brownie 127' is a completely different camera. It is made from grey plastic, with flat sides and angular corners. It makes twelve 4x4cm images on a roll of film. The shutter on this model has double-exposure prevention and is [[flash sync|synchronised]] for flash, and a shoe for a special Kodak flash-holder (introduced for the [[Instamatic|Instamatic range]]) was added to the top.  The shutter release is a large white square button on the front, beside the viewfinder.
 +
 
 +
== Specifications ==
 +
<!-- {| class="toccolours" align="left" border="1" style="clear: both; margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; font-size: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" -->
 +
 
 +
{|cellpadding="10px" cellspacing="2"
 +
|- bgcolor=#E0E0E0
 
!  
 
!  
 
! First model
 
! First model
 
! Second model
 
! Second model
 
! Third model
 
! Third model
−
|-
+
|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
 
| '''Description:'''
 
| '''Description:'''
−
| rounded, stepped sides
+
| Rounded, Stepped sides
−
| rounded, sloping sides,<br>vertical lines;<br>larger viewfinder
+
| Rounded, Sloping sides,<br/>Vertical lines;<br/>Larger viewfinder
−
| angled corners<br>flash synch
+
| Angled corners<br>Flash synch
−
|-
+
|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
 
| '''In production:'''
 
| '''In production:'''
 
| 1952-1959
 
| 1952-1959
 
| April 1959-1963
 
| April 1959-1963
 
| November 1965-November 1967
 
| November 1965-November 1967
−
|-
+
|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
 
| '''Lens:'''
 
| '''Lens:'''
−
| Meniscus f/14 64mm
+
| Meniscus, f/14, 64mm
−
| Dakon f/11, plastic
+
| Dakon, f/11, plastic
−
| f/14 51mm, plastic
+
| Plastic, f/14, 51mm
−
|-
+
|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
 
| '''Shutter:'''
 
| '''Shutter:'''
−
| Rotary, 1/50s
+
| Rotary, 1/50th
−
| Rotary
+
| Rotary, 1/40th
−
| Rotary, 1/40s
+
| Rotary, 1/40th
−
|-
+
|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
 
| '''Frame size:'''
 
| '''Frame size:'''
 
| 6x4cm
 
| 6x4cm
Line 48: Line 52:
 
| 4x4cm
 
| 4x4cm
 
|}
 
|}
−
* Film: [[127 film]]
+
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/awcam/3735051015/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3735051015_8a909b90fb_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
 +
|image_text= Brownie 127 - First model
 +
|image_by= AWCam
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2353642416/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2353642416_3641c1d5de_o.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
 +
|image_text= Brownie 127 - First Model (shown open)
 +
|image_by= AWCam
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
{{brl}}
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/4032890785/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4032890785_e5f62ec297_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
 +
|image_text= Brownie 127 - Second model
 +
|image_by= Dirk HR Spennemann
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/californiagirl27/2800875821/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/2800875821_e06df041d9_m.jpg
 +
|image_align=left
 +
|image_text= Starlet-badged US export variant
 +
|image_by= Terri Monahan
 +
|image_rights= Creative commons
 +
}}
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/3169799015/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3169799015_24df6ea46e_m.jpg
 +
|image_align=left
 +
|image_text= Starlet-badged US export variant<br><small>photo by ebayer [http://stores.ebay.com/The-Collector-Detector Dawn Laciak],<br>used by permission</small>
 +
|image_by= AWCam
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
{{brl}}
 +
{|
 +
|-valign=bottom align=center
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2553581267/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2553581267_c1a5960b1a_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
 +
|image_text=
 +
|image_by= AWCam
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2553581165/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2553581165_9c3fb9daea_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
 +
|image_text=
 +
|image_by= AWCam
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2553581311/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2553581311_9c4319afd7_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
 +
|image_text=
 +
|image_by= AWCam
 +
|image_rights= With permission
 +
}}
 +
|-align=center
 +
|
 +
|Brownie 127 - Third version
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The [[Kodak Brownie Cresta|Brownie Cresta]] is a similar camera, but made larger (for [[120 film]]) and with a close-focus setting, and some angles introduced.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
  
−
The [[Kodak Brownie Cresta II|Brownie Cresta II]] was a similar camera, but larger and with a three focus settings, some angles introduced and made for [[620 film]].
 
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 56: Line 141:
 
* Chuck Baker's [http://www.brownie-camera.com Brownie Camera site] - including instruction books
 
* Chuck Baker's [http://www.brownie-camera.com Brownie Camera site] - including instruction books
  
−
=== Links ===
+
 
−
* [http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/cameras/kodak/b127.html Brownie 127] on [http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/ OneTwoSeven.com]
+
== Links ==
 +
* [https://twisted.org.uk/~moondog/127/cameras/kodak/b127.html Brownie 127] on [https://twisted.org.uk/~moondog/127/ OneTwoSeven.com]
 
* [http://www.brownie-camera.com/6.shtml  1956 model] on [http://www.brownie-camera.com Brownie-Camera.com] by Chuck Baker
 
* [http://www.brownie-camera.com/6.shtml  1956 model] on [http://www.brownie-camera.com Brownie-Camera.com] by Chuck Baker
 
* [http://www.brownie-camera.com/8.shtml Third, 1965 model] on [http://www.brownie-camera.com Brownie-Camera.com] by Chuck Baker
 
* [http://www.brownie-camera.com/8.shtml Third, 1965 model] on [http://www.brownie-camera.com Brownie-Camera.com] by Chuck Baker
−
* [http://www.brownie-camera.com/manuals/b127/index.shtml Second model Instruction Manual] on Chuck Baker's site.
+
* [http://www.brownie-camera.com/manuals/b127.pdf Second model Instruction Manual (pdf)] on Chuck Baker's site.
 +
*[http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=297 Brownie 127] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=11931 Brownie 127 1965] on [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand (in French)
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160404231652/http://www.marriottworld.com/pieces/pieces03.htm Snapshot cameras, including the Brownie 127] (archived) by the Marriotts
  
 
[[Category: K]]
 
[[Category: K]]
−
[[Category: Kodak Ltd.]]
+
[[Category: Kodak Ltd.|Brownie 127]]
−
[[Category: B|Brownie 127]]
+
[[Category: B|Brownie 127 Kodak Ltd.]]
 
[[Category: 127 film]]
 
[[Category: 127 film]]
−
[[Category: UK]]
+
[[Category: 4x4 ]]
 +
[[Category: 4x6.5 box]]
 +
[[Category:1952]]

Latest revision as of 21:08, 10 November 2023

7502031338_23cba281a5_n.jpg
Kodak Brownie 127
image by Morinaka. (Image rights)

The Kodak Brownie 127 is a plastic box camera for eight 4x6 cm pictures on 127 film, made in England by Kodak Ltd. It was an extremely popular snapshot camera in Britain. From its introduction in 1952, over a million had been made by August 1954, and the series continued to sell many more millions. A few (~263,000) of the first model were exported to the US in 1953-4, where they were badged Brownie Starlet, not to be confused with the more common Brownie Starlet.

The camera has a plastic meniscus lens, identified as a 'Dakon' in the second model, with no aperture or focus controls, and a single-speed shutter (the speed is about 1/50 second; there is not even 'B'). The only controls are the film advance (a wide flat knob at the left hand side) and the shutter release button. The camera has a reverse-Galilean viewfinder.

The first version of the camera is made of a dark brown Bakelite-type plastic and has a rounded shape, especially when seen from above. This shape follows naturally from the curved path of the film, allowing for the curved field of the simple lens. The film carrier mechanism and viewfinder are attached to the top of the camera, which lifts out from the body for loading (when released by a catch in the base). The lens and shutter are mounted in the body section. The sides are moulded in a broad horizontal striped pattern, and there are shallow steps each side of the viewfinder. The body of the second version is very similar, but moulded in a vertical ribbed texture on the sides, and it has a flatter top. There were other small changes of faceplate and detailing; some cameras have cream controls, later models having grey. A white version, with a silver top, was made and only sold in Jersey in the Channel Islands - in c.1959; it was not successful, as the colour dirtied very easily. McKeown states that fakes of this rare variant have been made by painting the regular camera.[1]

The third 'Brownie 127' is a completely different camera. It is made from grey plastic, with flat sides and angular corners. It makes twelve 4x4cm images on a roll of film. The shutter on this model has double-exposure prevention and is synchronised for flash, and a shoe for a special Kodak flash-holder (introduced for the Instamatic range) was added to the top. The shutter release is a large white square button on the front, beside the viewfinder.

Specifications

First model Second model Third model
Description: Rounded, Stepped sides Rounded, Sloping sides,
Vertical lines;
Larger viewfinder 		Angled corners
Flash synch
In production: 1952-1959 April 1959-1963 November 1965-November 1967
Lens: Meniscus, f/14, 64mm Dakon, f/11, plastic Plastic, f/14, 51mm
Shutter: Rotary, 1/50th Rotary, 1/40th Rotary, 1/40th
Frame size: 6x4cm 6x4cm 4x4cm


3735051015_8a909b90fb_m.jpg
Brownie 127 - First model
image by AWCam (Image rights)
2353642416_3641c1d5de_o.jpg
Brownie 127 - First Model (shown open)
image by AWCam (Image rights)


4032890785_e5f62ec297_m.jpg
Brownie 127 - Second model
image by Dirk HR Spennemann (Image rights)
2800875821_e06df041d9_m.jpg
Starlet-badged US export variant
image by Terri Monahan (Image rights)
3169799015_24df6ea46e_m.jpg
Starlet-badged US export variant
photo by ebayer Dawn Laciak,
used by permission
image by AWCam (Image rights)


2553581267_c1a5960b1a_m.jpg
image by AWCam (Image rights)
2553581165_9c3fb9daea_m.jpg
image by AWCam (Image rights)
2553581311_9c4319afd7_m.jpg
image by AWCam (Image rights)
Brownie 127 - Third version

The Brownie Cresta is a similar camera, but made larger (for 120 film) and with a close-focus setting, and some angles introduced.


Notes

  1. ↑ McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). p478.


Sources

  • Coe, Brian, Kodak Cameras, the First Hundred Years, Hove Foto Books, 1987
  • Chuck Baker's Brownie Camera site - including instruction books


Links

Retrieved from "http://camera-wiki.org/index.php?title=Kodak_Brownie_127&oldid=226541"