The Brownie series of Kodak cameras has a long, significant history on the world of digital gadgets. Kodak recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Brownie camera, which revolutionized the way we communicate through photograph– a camera that cost just one dollar when it was first introduced.
The Brownie Super 27 was one of the more compact gadgets in the series. It is a viewfinder camera that took 4x4cm images on 127 film. It was made in the USA by Kodak, from August 1961 to June 1965. It has a built-in flash holder for AG-1 flashbulbs, covered by a door beside the lens.
The f/8 Kodak lens has two aperture stops: “SUNNY” (f/13.5) and “CL’DY BR’T/FLASH” (f/8), selected by a knob on the front, between the viewfinder and lens. There are two focus zones, “CLOSE-UP” (3½-6ft) and “BEYOND 6ft”.
The shutter has two speeds, 1/80 when the flash door is closed, and 1/40 when open. Winding the film cocks the shutter, hence preventing double-exposures.
Other camera specs:
- Manufacturer: Kodak, USA
- Introduced: Aug 1961
- Withdrawn: June 1965
- Original cost: $19.00
- Lens: Kodar, f8
- Shutter: Fixed 1/80th or 1/40th
- Film: 127
I was especially excited to find this model for a dollar at a local thrift store. The simple flat design and matte metal encasing with that classic Kodak logo in red looks great on a bookshelf. The few twisting knobs, tiny eye piece and deep cultural significance make for a great minimalist conversation piece.
For a lot of collectors of vintage gadgets, there are a lot of sought after iterations in the Brownie series. And a very select few are known to fetch a few hundred dollars.
Sources: camerapedia.wikia.com. For more information about decorating with vintage cameras, check out my piece on incorporating vintage cameras into a modern living space. To check out other features on vintage cameras, click here.