Kodak Brownie 127

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The Brownie 127 was, in the UK, an extremely popular plastic snapshot viewfinder model made in England by Kodak Ltd.

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 Brownie Starlet.

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

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 f/14 51mm, plastic
Shutter: Rotary, 1/50s Rotary Rotary, 1/40s
Frame size: 6x4cm 6x4cm 4x4cm

The Brownie Cresta II was a similar camera, but larger and with a three focus settings, some angles introduced and made for 620 film.

Sources

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

Links