previous | next | index
SAMPLES
SUMMARY
This is essentially the 116 roll film version of the Brownie No. 2. Produced from 1907 to 1924 the No. 2A utilized the larger 70mm equivalent film size to produce larger 2.5x4.25 inch negatives. The camera itself is quite large when compared to the standard 120 and 620 roll film models. The basic construction is the same, a cardboard body covered in thin, black leatherette, a single meniscus lens behind a two speed rotary shutter, and three aperture settings. The aperture sizes are approximately f11, f16 and f22. These are adjusted by pulling up a thin metal strip located on top of the camera. Most of these box cameras have a shutter speed around 1/50. The two viewfinders are a little larger than the 120/620 models but still fairly difficult to see though. The Model B, produced specifically from 1911 – 1924, features a round metal rod advance key, and a metal guard (added in 1920) around the shutter release which is located on the side of the camera. There are two clasps, one on the side and one on top that hold the two pieces of the camera together. Once unclasped the entire body of the camera can be removed to reveal a metal film carrier, which is attached to the front of the camera. The model number is stamped on the side of the metal carrier. The common red window is located on the back of the cardboard body for viewing frame numbers and “use no. 116 film” is stamped on the back of the camera. The Brownie No. 2A Model B originally sold for three dollars. The later Model C featured an aluminum body.
CLEANING AND REPAIR
Leather cleaner and/or glass cleaner do a great job shining up this old soldier. Windex or any glass cleaner will clean up the lens and viewfinder windows. If fungus or haze is present on either I suggest a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. There are five small screws on the faceplate which can be removed to access the shutter mechanism and interior viewfinder windows. If necessary, flooding the shutter with lighter fluid will fix most sticky shutters. Since 116 film is no longer manufactured a 120 roll can be modified to fit in the No. 2A with interesting results.
EBAY SUGGESTIONS
Any non-120 cameras can make great display pieces but they are not very practical. Since 116, 123, 103, etc., film sizes are no longer manufactured, modifications are necessary to utilize 120 or the less common 620 roll films. I’d rather be out taking pictures than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, as they say. However I will admit that sometimes interesting results can arise from this type of experimentation. Price wise these obsolete cameras should only fetch $3-5 dollars since millions were manufactured over the first thirty to forty years of the twentieth century and they are not as ‘rare’ as sellers want you to believe. If a camera is in above average to mint condition it may warrant $10-15 dollars depending on the buyer. Shipping should not be too expensive as these cameras are fairly light. I highly recommend the book “Collectors Guide to Kodak Cameras” by Jim and Joan McKeown as an excellent, quick reference for Kodak cameras of the last one hundred years. Each American made camera, whether box, folder, 35mm, etc., is listed with various information such as film type, production dates, common features, etc. Garage sales are also very good sources for these types of cameras, this specific No. 2A Model B was picked up for only fifty cents.
previous | next | index
Kodak Links
Eastman Kodak
Kodak Brownies
Kodak Box Cameras
Kodak Camera History
List of Kodak Brownie Cameras
Michael Helms Kodak Museum
Classic Film Sizes
|
