I just recently started using one I inherited from my grandparents. My parents wedding photos were taken with it in 1959! The photos I've been taking with it turn out amazing. I love it.
Thanks for the video. I found my Brownie Hawkeye in a box in the garage. Haven't used it in about 12-15 years so I needed to watch your video to remind myself. I remember one trick I use to do, since the lab i used tossed my brownie spool (despite me asking them to save it for me) was that after removing the completed roll from the camera, I would go into a dark room (usually the closet) and i would make sure i blocked out any light from under the door and what not, and I would unspool the film from the brownie spool, and respool it back onto the film spool. It takes some practice since you're doing this in complete darkness.
Incase anyone is curious: I had a hard time finding a 620 reel at a reasonable price so I modified a 120 with a slot screw. I heated the screw with a lighter and pressed it into the end that meets the camera's winder so that the female end of the screw engages with the male end of the winder. Also had to trim the rims of the reel slightly. Not perfect but works!
Thank You for being so smart and most important Telling us. For me with a learning disability and Elderly would never try since I would most likely destroy This camera. Had one as a child a present from my DEAR SISTER. Once again Thank You.
Hey, I know it’s been a while since this video got uploaded but I have a question: the red window on the back of mine came off, so now it’s just a hole with no red filter. Is that going to be a problem for me if I use it like that?
I got the film loaded and was surprised that it turned to position 1 so easily. I've read where some have a very hard time advancing the film. Well, maybe that will happen later on? Right now, thanks for a great video. I thought I'd have to pay $14 roll for re-spooled 120.
great tutorial, just picked up one of these at a consignment shop and i'm excited to use! I was thrilled to find the 640 roll in there already, Thanks for the great video!
Question!! I know the perforated button is what you press to take the picture, but what is the other button that slides up do? What does the "B" symbol stand for?
Conner Booth The B (I believe) stands for BULB. If you pull it up you can control how long the film is exposed to light. So if you want to take a longer exposure you would push the lever up and then click your shutter button, hold the shutter down and just wait for as long as you want. This will help in really low light situations. It is a great little camera. I love using mine.
@@f28MMLIVE Some of these cameras have L instead of B for Bulb like any other camera that takes time exposures. Not sure what the L means but it works the same as B.
I believe in my reading that this happens if you modify a 120 spool for the pickup and use it, but using 120 film with a 620 spool to receive it is supposed to be okay
Sorry - not a photographer. What end of the camera can I use the 120 roll in? would it be the part near the viewing window, or the part that the used film is wrapped around as you photograph? Thanks!!
Thank You For showing this old man, My first camera when I was very young from a Dear SISTER, God BLESS HER. Just bought one to take pic.s as I did when a child. Your video was very helpful as I often missed the 1st One. From excitement. Thank You. Do U know how to purchase the film? Ur Video brought me back over many decades. God Bless YOU Peter
This is very useful! I love my digital camera, but I've been wanting to try some analog. I found one of these beauties for 5 bucks and I'm going to go out and get some film asap. :)
Not all of these cameras are the same, some will accept a 120 roll sort of, and some really will not. Get a changing bag, roll the film onto a 620 spool, then roll it back onto another 620 spool. Then you take it out of the bag, and can use in the camera. Try it in the light a few times with a junk roll of film first.
Great video. Steve, I recently bought a Brownie Hawkeye at a garage sale. It is missing the red counter window on the back. Are you aware of a source where I can buy replacement? Thanks.
Help guys! So i followed the video and loaded some 120 gold into my hawkeye, and i followed some other advice that said to snip the edges of the 120 roll to make it thinner. Its all loaded, however i started winding it and its really tight. Did i do something wrong? I dont want to break the camera :(
The film definitely has paper on the back. Hopefully, you've loaded it so the back of the film is facing the back of the camera. If you did, just keep on rolling. It takes several turns. Good luck.
Hey Steve, great video! Very instructional. My comment is, I bought some portra 120 400 and it does not have any of the markings you have on your film. The markings are on the side. So I can't see the 1 or anything like that! Now I know to buy the ektar from now on. It will work, but I'm constantly guessing where the end of the pic is. Thanks for the video though.
Hey, this video is perfect! All this information really helped me. But, I have a Kodak six-20 brownie model C, I was wondering if it would work too in it. Thank you. :)
Hi I'm using the Ilford HP5 400 B&W film and I don't know if the paper is marked with numbers on it. I've turned it a lot and I'm afraid I'm going to miss frames. What should I Do?
Hi very nice inf video do i have to send the take up spool and get back but can i i steasd roll it back to 120 spool in the dark room and send it yo develop tbanls
+Jenna Williams If it's black and white film (35mm or 120), you can easily develop it at home. There are many RUclips videos showing the home brewed "Caffenol" method, and others showing how to use store bought chemicals. I have tried both ways, and both will work, but I prefer to buy the actual photography developing chemicals, because in my experience the results are more consistent than the home brewed ways. Remember, the Google/RUclips search bar is your friend. ;-)
Once you reel all of the paper at the other end of the roll onto the takeup spool, you can open the camera and then there should be a sticker to fasten the paper back down, just like at the beginning of the roll. If you've ever used an Instamatic the principle is the same--wind the film/paper all the way onto the takeup. The difference versus an Instamatic is that you have to either moisten or peel a sticker to fasten the paper down. You shouldn't do this in bright light (true for any film camera), but outdoor shade or standard indoor lighting should be fine.
WARNING TO VIEWERS: After reading several articles about 620/120 conversion methods, saw the video and assumed this was a reasonable solution. Using THE VERY SAME BROWNIE HAWKEYE, I discovered too late that it was impossible to advance the film. (The other articles noting re-spooling of the film is necessary do warn about this very thing.) Live and learn. Best to avoid this process unless you are willing to ruin a roll of film on an experiment to see if it works on your model.
It's not impossible to do at all. If you watch the video, I show that you need a 620 take up roll to make this work. The 120 film roll will work on the supply end of the camera, but not on the take up end. I've shot dozens of rolls through my Brownies this way.
I just recently started using one I inherited from my grandparents. My parents wedding photos were taken with it in 1959! The photos I've been taking with it turn out amazing. I love it.
Thanks for the video. I found my Brownie Hawkeye in a box in the garage. Haven't used it in about 12-15 years so I needed to watch your video to remind myself. I remember one trick I use to do, since the lab i used tossed my brownie spool (despite me asking them to save it for me) was that after removing the completed roll from the camera, I would go into a dark room (usually the closet) and i would make sure i blocked out any light from under the door and what not, and I would unspool the film from the brownie spool, and respool it back onto the film spool. It takes some practice since you're doing this in complete darkness.
Incase anyone is curious: I had a hard time finding a 620 reel at a reasonable price so I modified a 120 with a slot screw. I heated the screw with a lighter and pressed it into the end that meets the camera's winder so that the female end of the screw engages with the male end of the winder. Also had to trim the rims of the reel slightly. Not perfect but works!
Thank You for being so smart and most important Telling us. For me with a learning disability and Elderly would never try since I would most likely destroy This camera. Had one as a child a present from my DEAR SISTER. Once again Thank You.
Film photography project makes 620 reels now!!
Hey, I know it’s been a while since this video got uploaded but I have a question: the red window on the back of mine came off, so now it’s just a hole with no red filter. Is that going to be a problem for me if I use it like that?
Thank you so much for this. Reading the articles didn't make any sense to me but watching this, I now understand. I'm so excited to try this.
I got the film loaded and was surprised that it turned to position 1 so easily. I've read where some have a very hard time advancing the film. Well, maybe that will happen later on? Right now, thanks for a great video. I thought I'd have to pay $14 roll for re-spooled 120.
great tutorial, just picked up one of these at a consignment shop and i'm excited to use! I was thrilled to find the 640 roll in there already, Thanks for the great video!
Thanks! Just saved me from over winding and missing a frame, the irony! Great video
Thank you! My dad will be so happy to know I can use his brownie!
A really wonderful little insight into how the camera works. I can see why you like them now.
Idk if you read commentary but this video is so helpful!!! Thank you for making it!
A very helpful video as I've just bought a Hawkeye. Now to load some film and get shooting. Thank you.
Question!! I know the perforated button is what you press to take the picture, but what is the other button that slides up do? What does the "B" symbol stand for?
Conner Booth The B (I believe) stands for BULB. If you pull it up you can control how long the film is exposed to light. So if you want to take a longer exposure you would push the lever up and then click your shutter button, hold the shutter down and just wait for as long as you want. This will help in really low light situations. It is a great little camera. I love using mine.
@@f28MMLIVE Some of these cameras have L instead of B for Bulb like any other camera that takes time exposures. Not sure what the L means but it works the same as B.
@@jabba0017 I don't know if you got your answer since you posted this, but I'm pretty sure the "L" stands for "long", as in "long exposure".
@@bim8950 Can confirm, my Hawkeye actually says "long" on that part, instead of just L or B
Do you have any issues with it jamming? I hear it could potentially even break the camera if it binds up.
I believe in my reading that this happens if you modify a 120 spool for the pickup and use it, but using 120 film with a 620 spool to receive it is supposed to be okay
Thanks for this! Just found one of these in my garage. Going to buy some 120 and have some fun.
Sorry - not a photographer. What end of the camera can I use the 120 roll in? would it be the part near the viewing window, or the part that the used film is wrapped around as you photograph? Thanks!!
The top roll, near the viewing window will take the 120 roll.
thank you!!
Thank You For showing this old man, My first camera when I was very young from a Dear SISTER, God BLESS HER. Just bought one to take pic.s as I did when a child. Your video was very helpful as I often missed the 1st One. From excitement. Thank You. Do U know how to purchase the film? Ur Video brought me back over many decades. God Bless YOU
Peter
This is very useful! I love my digital camera, but I've been wanting to try some analog. I found one of these beauties for 5 bucks and I'm going to go out and get some film asap. :)
did you test the camera first if not open the camera push the shutter button and if you see a flash of light it works
Not all of these cameras are the same, some will accept a 120 roll sort of, and some really will not. Get a changing bag, roll the film onto a 620 spool, then roll it back onto another 620 spool. Then you take it out of the bag, and can use in the camera. Try it in the light a few times with a junk roll of film first.
Great video. Steve, I recently bought a Brownie Hawkeye at a garage sale. It is missing the red counter window on the back. Are you aware of a source where I can buy replacement? Thanks.
Help guys! So i followed the video and loaded some 120 gold into my hawkeye, and i followed some other advice that said to snip the edges of the 120 roll to make it thinner. Its all loaded, however i started winding it and its really tight. Did i do something wrong? I dont want to break the camera :(
Awesome, thanks! Loaded and ready to go photograph, can't wait!
The film definitely has paper on the back. Hopefully, you've loaded it so the back of the film is facing the back of the camera.
If you did, just keep on rolling. It takes several turns.
Good luck.
Very helpful. Got a Brownie Hawkeye that I've been using as decoration on a shelf. Would love to get it working.
Hey Steve, great video! Very instructional. My comment is, I bought some portra 120 400 and it does not have any of the markings you have on your film. The markings are on the side. So I can't see the 1 or anything like that! Now I know to buy the ektar from now on. It will work, but I'm constantly guessing where the end of the pic is. Thanks for the video though.
Hey, this video is perfect! All this information really helped me. But, I have a Kodak six-20 brownie model C, I was wondering if it would work too in it.
Thank you. :)
Hi I'm using the Ilford HP5 400 B&W film and I don't know if the paper is marked with numbers on it. I've turned it a lot and I'm afraid I'm going to miss frames. What should I Do?
Hi very nice inf video do i have to send the take up spool and get back but can i i steasd roll it back to 120 spool in the dark room and send it yo develop tbanls
Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial!!!
I did the same thing, skipped over 1. It doesn't look like a 1. Thanks for your help.
I used 120 in one of my brownies which has the metal knob and ended up stripping the knob seemed really tight.I have two others with the plastic knob.
thanks for the help i did nto know you could use 120 film
this was so helpful thank you!
They are easy to take apart and clean
so you have to unload in the dark and where these days can you develop this film?
+Jenna Williams If it's black and white film (35mm or 120), you can easily develop it at home. There are many RUclips videos showing the home brewed "Caffenol" method, and others showing how to use store bought chemicals. I have tried both ways, and both will work, but I prefer to buy the actual photography developing chemicals, because in my experience the results are more consistent than the home brewed ways. Remember, the Google/RUclips search bar is your friend. ;-)
Thank you so much!
CoroaEntertainment Can you use caffenol on colour film? I'd imagine it would make it black and white with a slight tint.
Once you reel all of the paper at the other end of the roll onto the takeup spool, you can open the camera and then there should be a sticker to fasten the paper back down, just like at the beginning of the roll. If you've ever used an Instamatic the principle is the same--wind the film/paper all the way onto the takeup. The difference versus an Instamatic is that you have to either moisten or peel a sticker to fasten the paper down. You shouldn't do this in bright light (true for any film camera), but outdoor shade or standard indoor lighting should be fine.
I watched this because I got to that "line" and wasn't for sure if it was a 1 or not.. lol Thanks for the information (I'm new to shooting film)
do you have any pictures you took with your brownie?
I've had no problem loading brownie hawkeye cameras with 120 film with no modifications. Of course the take up spool is 620
thanks a lot for your help lol, the 120 spool works but man is it ever a pain in the ass to get in
Do you have to use two reel for this camera?, because mine only has the one. Where can i buy film for this camera?
One reel comes with your new roll of film. The original idea is that you would use that reel for takeup for your next roll of film.
I just got this same camera. Please tell me how you do the tilt-shift
Thank, my son is into old cameras and owns a Hawkeye.
Nice video didn't know i could use 120 in it
Where can I get film for this Camera?
B&H, Adorama, Freestyle photo...many others online.
Your images are awesome...
Thanks this helped a lot 👍🏻
Fantastic tutorial!
Hmm... Wouldn't take too much metal working to create a replacement roll holder for 120 film...
Agree or also plastic
Could I do the same this with an Argus super 75?
Added a link to the description.
Why can't there just be a number 1? I just did the same thing.
I followed along with you and wasted a shot... thanks for not editing that mistake out -_-
Thanks😃😄
My film won’t turn
WARNING TO VIEWERS: After reading several articles about 620/120 conversion methods, saw the video and assumed this was a reasonable solution. Using THE VERY SAME BROWNIE HAWKEYE, I discovered too late that it was impossible to advance the film. (The other articles noting re-spooling of the film is necessary do warn about this very thing.) Live and learn. Best to avoid this process unless you are willing to ruin a roll of film on an experiment to see if it works on your model.
It's not impossible to do at all. If you watch the video, I show that you need a 620 take up roll to make this work. The 120 film roll will work on the supply end of the camera, but not on the take up end. I've shot dozens of rolls through my Brownies this way.