Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Brownie Hawkeye

I blame my knee injury for this, but truthfully, I've had my eye on a film camera for at least a year, ever since my workplace auctioned off a vintage Canon AE1 SLR camera they found in a back room closet. I placed a bid on that camera, but didn't win.

After that, I've gone to eBay, scrolling through the endless collection of vintage SLRs and box cameras, bid on several, seemed to lose every auction. I thought I wanted a 35mm film camera, but started reading up on medium format cameras and decided it would be something different for me to play around with. After all, isn't that what this thing called photography is all about - trying new things.

I did some research and found a great site that outlines the ins and outs of the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye and decided that would the camera to buy. Because what good is a camera if you don't know how to use it?

OK, they are super cute to photograph:
Vintage Find

It came with the original box and user manual.
Helpful Hints

The camera is in mint condition - I don't think it has ever been used. It is an earlier model, as evidenced by the metal winding knob. It doesn't support an external flash, so it was made between 1949 and 1951. It's probably the oldest thing we own now!

Now to buy some 120mm film. Not that I think it will produce Hasselblad like images, but it will be fun to experiment with.

Linked to This or That Thursday:

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10 comments:

  1. deb dutyJanuary 26, 2012 at 6:15 AM

    I bought one of the brownies off of ebay about a year ago. Mine has a plastic knob so it must be a little later. I've never thought about actually using it, but it is a fun prop. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Sounds fun!

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  2. VhenJanuary 26, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    little curious here, haven't heard about that only now that i read this :) cute camera!

    here from This or That Thursday!

    http://thelayugan.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-or-that-thursday-1.html

    hope to see you too, thanks!

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  3. tinajoJanuary 26, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    Oh, it´s totally cute - I´d love to have one! :-)

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  4. SerendipityissweetJanuary 26, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    What a fabulous find! I'd love to have one. Good for you!!

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  5. UnknownJanuary 26, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    How fun! And it is cute! :)

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  6. Gina KleinworthJanuary 26, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    WOW- what a treasure!!!!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Oh my, look at that camera! I'm having camera envy right now! Just photographed a friends vintage Argus range finder and Kodak Duaflex and now I'm searching for something vintage. Enjoy this treasure!

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  8. NancyJanuary 27, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    I have a few vintage cameras -- I like them for how they feel in my hand and of course, their appearance. I haven't even thought about using them -- maybe someday.

    Congrats on your camera and I'm looking forward to your photos. :)

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  9. Laura Delegal - Leroy PhotographyJanuary 27, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    Fun. I have some old cameras out in the shed. No film, though. Do they sell 120? Must be online. Can't wait to see what you get.

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  10. Denise at Autumn SkyJanuary 28, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    That is a cute camera. My grandma had one and took it everywhere. I guess I know who gave me the love of photography. My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic and I was so thrilled to have it.

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