Difference between revisions of "Kodak Duo Six-20"

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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/3026355536_3af7774e7c_m.jpg
 
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|image_text= '''Kodak Duo Six-20 Series II'''<br> with 7.5cm f/3.5 Kodak Anastigmat lens<br>''by John Hufnagel''
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|image_text= '''Kodak Duo Six-20 Series II'''<br> with 7.5cm f/3.5 Kodak Anastigmat lens
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|image_by= Jack Hufnagel  
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|image_rights= with permission
 
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The f/4.5 lenses utilized front element focusing, while the f/3.5 lenses were unit-focusing.  
 
The f/4.5 lenses utilized front element focusing, while the f/3.5 lenses were unit-focusing.  

Revision as of 17:37, 15 August 2011

The Duo Six-20 is a 4.5×6 horizontal folder made by Kodak AG from 1934 to 1940. As the name implies, it utilized 620 roll film.

The original model has a folding optical finder (though some f/4.5 models had a simple frame finder without optics) and a key for film advance on the left of the top plate. On the right side of the top plate is a depth of field calculator dial. Informally referred to as the "art deco" model, the top plate is painted black and metal parts are nickel plated. Produced from 1934 to 1937, it originally sold for $57.50[1] (app. $900 USD in 2007).

The Duo Six-20 Series II, has modified folding struts, a chromed top plate and metal parts, an advance knob replacing the original key, and an accessory shoe (USA models only). The shutter release was moved from the lens mount (where the cable release socket remained) to the top plate.

The Series II cameras have been found labled as both Duo 620 (an early 1937 example with f/4.5 Kodak lens) and as Kodak Duo Six-20 Series II (a 1938 example with f/3.5 Kodak lens).

Produced from 1937 to 1939, the Series II model also originally sold for $57.50 USD[1].

The non-rangefinder Duo-620 was available in two shutters, the Compur and the Compur Rapid. A number of different lenses were offered:

European models

  • Zeiss Tessar f/3.5 7cm
  • Schneider Xenar f/3.5 7.5cm
  • Schneider Xenar f/4.5 7.5cm.

U.S.models

  • Kodak Anastigmat f/3.5 7.5cm
  • Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 7.5cm

The f/4.5 lenses utilized front element focusing, while the f/3.5 lenses were unit-focusing.

There is some confusion over the origins of the Kodak Anastigmat lenses on cameras on cameras imported to the United States. There are numerous claims that the lenses are simply re-branded Xenars, while Kodak (in 1938) clearly described the f/3.5 lens as a triplet[2]. To further complicate the issue, the f/4.5 model pictured here has a triplet lens, while the f/3.5 model pictured has a 4 element lens like the Xenar.

There is a rare rangefinder model evolved from the Series II, with a combined range- and view-finder under the top housing. This model's introduction occured in the same month that Germany invaded of Poland (September of 1939.) Few of these cameras were made, as all camera production was halted by Kodak AG for war materials production in mid 1940. It originally sold for $84.50[1]( app. $1300 USD in 2007).

The rare RF model appears to have been sold in the United States only, with a Compur Rapid shutter and a Kodak Anastigmat f/3.5 7.5cm.

There are Japanese copies of the Duo, including the Semi Prux copying the original model, and the Roavic, Apollo and Mikado, copying the body of the Series II with the addition of a top housing.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 History of Kodak Cameras at www.kodak.com
  2. Kodak Lenses and Shutters

Bibliography

  • 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). P. 491.
  • Brian Coe, Kodak Cameras - The First Hundred Years, Hove Foto Books, 1988

Links

In English: