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SAMPLES
SUMMARY
If you get the camera collection bug, but don’t want to spend a fortune, I suggest starting with the wide range of Kodak Bakelite Brownies. Cameras like the Brownie Hawkeye are abundant on internet auction sites such as EBay, and can be acquired for less than lunch at a fast food restaurant. This “box” sports sleek, black, Bakelite construction, a single speed, rotary shutter for instant exposure with a Bulb option for long exposures. The single aperture setting is around f/11 with a standard meniscus lens.
The Hawkeye is slightly different in its viewfinder than most of the other Brownie models, as it features a waist level viewfinder much like a Twin Lens Reflex. The big and bright glass view window is fairly easy to see through if you cock your head just right, and be prepared to see the image in reverse, which is common with this type of finder. There is no double exposure prevention so be careful as the shutter can be tripped repeatedly. This actually allows for some fun experimentation. Even though it was originally designed to accept the now obsolete 620 film format, modifications can be made to allow use of 120 film rolls. Twelve 6x6cm square negatives can be attained using 120 film.
The camera can be opened into two halves by turning the metal release at the base of the handle. The early model featured a metal film advance knob (1949 - 1951) see the example above, while later versions were plastic. An updated version with flash capabilities, appropriately named the Flash Hawkeye was produced from 1950 – 1961. The images from the Hawkeye are similar to other Brownies with meniscus lens, soft but acceptable, and under the right conditions rather impressive.
CLEANING AND REPAIR
The strong thick Bakelite body is easily cleaned with either Windex or a 50/50 ammonia/hydrogen peroxide solution. Most of these older cameras require that the lens be cleaned on both sides. This is easy enough to do. The thin metal faceplate comes off with the removal of four small screws. The molded faceplate holds the top viewfinder and front viewfinder in place, as well as the plastic ring that protects the lens. When removing the faceplate be very careful as the viewfinder glass, a large square on top, and small circle in front, may fall out. There was a lot of fungus and residue on the viewfinder lenses of my Hawkeye, so removing them was necessary. I have found that the 50/50 ammonia/hydrogen peroxide solution works wonders on lens, removing any film and fungus instantly. There is also a rectangular mirror inset under the viewfinder which is used to reflect the image from the front glass to the top glass. A triangular piece of plastic holds the mirror in place, be sure to remember how it sits in there or you will be spending a few minutes trying to figure out how to put it back correctly. The small square piece of thin plastic (might be glass) in the front of the camera is actually just a clear cover. The lens itself is behind the shutter. It’s easily removed and cleaned, but also easily broken so don’t drop it. Once the lens cover is out, flood the shutter with Ronsonol lighter fluid and work the shutter a few times until it dries. This will remove any gunk or dust that may have accumulated. The actual glass, meniscus lens inside the camera can be removed and cleaned by backing out two screws on the inside plate that hold the film frame in place. Once the frame is removed the lens comes out freely, but remember how the lens positioned, as you want to avoid placing it in backwards after it is cleaned, unless you want to see what this simple convex lens will produce if placed backwards. I may try this sometime. Clean any cracks and crevasses with cotton swabs, polish the metal faceplate, and put everything back together. Within 30 minutes my Hawkeye looked brand new.
EBAY SUGGESTIONS
I can’t say it enough, timing is everything. Ignore any statement from sellers such as “rare”, “scarce”, etc.; these cameras are neither. Millions of Bakelite Brownies were sold over the years, as well as their later plastic brethren. The Hawkeye is no exception. If you don’t win an auction, there will be another one ending within the hour. If you’re just looking for the camera and not a “mint in the box” specimen, expect to pick one up for $5 to $10 depending on condition. I was very lucky and was the single bidder for this auction and actually acquired the Hawkeye (non flash) shown above for only $1 plus shipping. One dollar and I’m getting 6x6cm medium format negatives. As always if only buying the camera, don’t pay more than $5 to $8 dollars for Priority USPS shipping.
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Kodak Links
Eastman Kodak
Brownie Hawkeye
Matt's Cameras - Hawkeye
Brownie Hawkeye Experience
List of Kodak Brownie Cameras
Hawkeye Flash Mod
Brownie Hawkeye Manual
