I just purchased a Brownie Hawkeye from 1956. Looks brand new. I can’t wait to use it for the first time. I already want another one to modify with a tripod socket and strap holders. I really enjoy your videos. All the best. Jim from Georgia
Mine is a 52 with the flash, metal knob and no tabs on the reel holders. I did a cool video a couple of weeks ago and the 120 dropped right in. Used the 620 spool though. Great video. Thanks.
Comfortably Blind My 55 has tabs and my 53 doesn’t. Just checked out your Six-20 video - Very cool! Subscribed today so I can check out more of your videos in the future
That looks like a total blast to play with! Kodak really did a great job, like you said, of putting affordable cameras in the hands of the masses. The dreamy glowing images that come out of this are just great!
First camera I ever used, it was my mother's now that she's gone I'm thinking of getting one, it wont be hers but it will be nice to remember those times.
mine’s may ‘76 it was my mom’s friend’s husband’s grandfather’s camera haha she said it probably had a better home with me I put it with some of my other vintage cameras then for my birthday this year, my grandma gave me a brownie junior 620!
I like limitations in these old boxes, it makes you work for the images. A little tip if you're shooting color or slide film, it's not a bad idea to tape up the red window on the back on the camera. (I think have a Brownie Cresta knocking about somewhere.)
They must have made a billion of these Hawkeye Brownies. I find these all the time at garage and estate sales. I usually pay $1 to $3 max. I shot a roll of modern B&W 120 film in one of mine but the second roll jammed up.
I developed the first roll from my box brownie no 2 today, and absolutely loved the results! I have and use a Holga as well as a pinhole camera, and I must say the brownie feels like a mix of the two, the only downside being its tiny viewfinder, the 6x9 frame is awesome, the lens is genuinely quite good and the ability to somewhat control the aperture, I'm very excited to further explore with this camera
Awesome! I didn't expect them to look that good. Also, I had not heard of the Soot and Whitewash podcast ... musth check it out. I've never actually shot one ... hmm.
This was so informative! For quite some time I have had my late grandmother's brownie hawkeye, but never saw it as more than decor. Your video opened up a whole new world to me!
I have shot a couple of rolls of 120 film in my 6:20. Of course you need a 620 spool to spool onto. I didn't use any sandpaper or clip the role at all. It did not tighten up or bind. Give it a try first
I have two Brownie Hawkeye cameras. Using the date codes you provided, one is YRRA, or May, 1952. The other is CMRA, or 13th month of 1952. The calendar you mentioned, makes that December. The May model has the metal wind knob and can turn both clockwise and counterclockwise. The December model has the plastic knob with arrow and can only turn counterclockwise. Never knew about Brownie Day - I'll need to participate in 2021! Thanks for your great channel!
Ive watched your video many times now, to learn about these old Kodak box cameras. Love the photographs you took with your Hawkeye and so interesting to see the images with the flipped lens too. I just got my Hawkeye in the mail today, took it completely apart to clean mirror and all the dusty glass elements. The CAMEROSITY code on my copy is YORA = 06/52. Love the styling on this camera, and as you said "screams 1950s" Enjoy your channel discussing all the old film cameras, with photos examples shot using the camera. Excellent!
My local thrift store had one of these, so I picked it up for a few bucks. Had to clean the lens, mirror, and viewfinder, but it came out beautiful. Unfortunately, after 4 shots, I dropped it and cracked the body. Saddened, I went back to that thrift shop to see what they had that could replace it. Would you believe they had another one in its original box? This one was in mint condition and came with the flash and flash bulbs- easy purchase! Old 620 cameras are so much fun.
bestoftheroll Sounds like a good idea - especially since it’s going to warm up (a little) soon - maybe give that close up attachment another try. Thanks for watching
I have one of those old Argus seventy-fives you were talking about.you don't need to reschedule, you just need to clip the edges of a 120 spool to get it to fit and then use the 620 for take up.
Yes, sometimes clipping the edges is enough to get a 120 spool to fit. I’ve never tried that technique, but it certainly does sound easier than respooling. Thanks for watching!
Yes, sometimes clipping the edges is enough to get a 120 spool to fit. I’ve never tried that technique, but it does sound easier than respooling. Thanks for watching!
@@theoldcameraguy It's one of those cameras that I'd put on my mantle piece , not that Joanne would let me. We've had terrible weather here for the last week, lots of storms!!
Darren Crabb I’ve got a few 620 box camera “shelf queens” that I don’t shoot because I’m too lazy to re- roll 120 onto a 620 spool. Hope your weather clears up soon
Simplicity is a strength.. ☺️ Great episode and I happen to own a Agfa box camera and I’ve only used it once and when I think about I really need to give it a go.. //freddie
The first camera I ever used was a Duaflex IV -- a box much like the Brownie Hawkeye, but with a larger bright finder. The first one I owned was a Brownie Hawkeye. That was about 1968-1969. The first roll of film cost more than the camera, even at 50+ years ago prices (I paid a nickel at a yard sale for the Brownie Hawkeye). Some of my favorite images over the past fifty years have come out of a Brownie Hawkeye, and I currently own two (along with a Baby Brownie, an equally simple 127 that takes 8 wide images).
I’ve got a Duaflex IV that I haven’t shot yet (mostly because of the whole 620 thing - I did respool 120 onto a 620 spool years ago for an old Argus 75). Can’t beat a Brownie for a nickel! Thanks for watching
@@theoldcameraguy I've got a Duaflex, Duaflex II (focusing lens!) and Duaflex IV at present. It looks as if they can be modified the same way an Argus 75 can to take a 120 supply, by removing the spring loaded swing-out film caddy on the supply side. Collectors won't, some shooters might. Somewhere here, I've got an Argus I've done that to -- but I've still got cameras packed from a move five years ago, just now trying to get them all out of boxes and such.
Thanks for the super informative video! I've learned so much. I bought my kodak brownie hawkeye from a thrift store and it looks like it's in good condition! Are you able to demonstrate a step by step on how to load 120 film into here and any tips you may have?
I dug out my father's old Hawkeye. The code says it was made in Jan. '56. It hasn't been shot since the late 70s. I ordered some Portra 400 and some BW 120 400 before I actually did any research on the fixed aperture of F15 and shutter of 1/40. I'll probably get some overcooked shots unless I shoot on a cloudy day. I think Cinestill 50D 120 is the color film I should have ordered. Oh well, we'll see what happens.
What speed film do you recommended since it has a fixed shutter speed and aperture? Let’s say, for sunny and partly sunny days. Thanks! Love the look of this camera!!
Great video! Looking forward to shooting with my Brownie. So far this spring I've shot a Diana, Nimslo 3D, Pentax 645, & my Ansco Viking Readyset (it actually takes 120). Would you recommend faster film, say 800-3200?
Kodak used a 13 “month” calendar called the International Fixed Calendar where each month was 4 weeks. Your camera was produced in the last 4 week period of the year, so December.
I just bought this camera from a garage sale for $3 ! Mine does not have a code letter for the year it was made but mine looks exactly like yours. It doesn’t look like it was wore off I was wondering if there was any other way to determine the year . Thanks ❤️
It's odd that code is not in the same spot. I haven't dissembled it all the way since it works fine. But all the other instructions and specs printed are clear and have zero signs of damage.
hey old camera guy, idk if you wil still respond, but i found this same camera but its just regular and doesnt say FLASH on it anywhere. i cant find my version anywhere on the internet and its frustrating, do you know of this version?
this elderly woman gave me this camera as a gift and oml I need to get it working. this video was so informative!! thank you
Awesome - Have fun with it!
I just purchased a Brownie Hawkeye from 1956. Looks brand new. I can’t wait to use it for the first time. I already want another one to modify with a tripod socket and strap holders. I really enjoy your videos. All the best. Jim from Georgia
James Smith They really are fun to shoot. Love your idea about the tripod socket and strap lugs. Thanks for watching Jim!
I'd love to put a tripod socket on mine! I too am located in GA! Do you happen to be near ATL?
Wow! Your amazing photography never ceases to amaze me, OCG!
JMan Vlogs Hey, Thanks JMan!
Mine is a 52 with the flash, metal knob and no tabs on the reel holders. I did a cool video a couple of weeks ago and the 120 dropped right in. Used the 620 spool though.
Great video. Thanks.
Comfortably Blind My 55 has tabs and my 53 doesn’t. Just checked out your Six-20 video - Very cool! Subscribed today so I can check out more of your videos in the future
That looks like a total blast to play with! Kodak really did a great job, like you said, of putting affordable cameras in the hands of the masses. The dreamy glowing images that come out of this are just great!
Run N Gun It really is a fun, simple camera - Thanks for checking it out!!
@@theoldcameraguy This video reminded me I need to load some film in my early 20th century Coronet.
Run N Gun Old School - Nice!
First camera I ever used, it was my mother's now that she's gone I'm thinking of getting one, it wont be hers but it will be nice to remember those times.
illmade2 Great - It’s nice to have those old memories and with another Brownie you’ll get the chance to make new memories too.
Neat footage we have a few Brownies too 📸 Enjoy your weekend 👍🍺
Thanks - Hope you have a great one!
Cleaned the viewfinder. Flipped the lens. Found a 620 spool. Ready.
Harri S Great - Happy shooting - Enjoy!
mine’s may ‘76
it was my mom’s friend’s husband’s grandfather’s camera haha she said it probably had a better home with me
I put it with some of my other vintage cameras
then for my birthday this year, my grandma gave me a brownie junior 620!
These old Brownies really are fun!
I tried the flash with number 5 bulbs and got my grandkids to enjoy the famous floating blue spot us old folks remember from our youth.
Yeah, those bulbs are pretty intense haha.
Nice work Dave!
Andy Andy Frogy Thanks Andy!
I like limitations in these old boxes, it makes you work for the images. A little tip if you're shooting color or slide film, it's not a bad idea to tape up the red window on the back on the camera.
(I think have a Brownie Cresta knocking about somewhere.)
Gavin Lyons Haven’t tried color yet - Thanks for the tip Gavin
They must have made a billion of these Hawkeye Brownies. I find these all the time at garage and estate sales. I usually pay $1 to $3 max. I shot a roll of modern B&W 120 film in one of mine but the second roll jammed up.
Yes, here in the U.S. they’re everywhere.
I developed the first roll from my box brownie no 2 today, and absolutely loved the results! I have and use a Holga as well as a pinhole camera, and I must say the brownie feels like a mix of the two, the only downside being its tiny viewfinder, the 6x9 frame is awesome, the lens is genuinely quite good and the ability to somewhat control the aperture, I'm very excited to further explore with this camera
That’s cool - I have a Holga wide pinhole camera I still haven’t taken out of the box yet…
Awesome! I didn't expect them to look that good. Also, I had not heard of the Soot and Whitewash podcast ... musth check it out. I've never actually shot one ... hmm.
Jamie Maldonado Not bad for a 65 year old box - might be worth the $5 investment for you...
@@theoldcameraguy Definitely! Like a cheap roll of film.
This was so informative! For quite some time I have had my late grandmother's brownie hawkeye, but never saw it as more than decor. Your video opened up a whole new world to me!
Thanks - they really are fun to shoot!
I have shot a couple of rolls of 120 film in my 6:20. Of course you need a 620 spool to spool onto. I didn't use any sandpaper or clip the role at all. It did not tighten up or bind. Give it a try first
I like the photos.
Thank You
Great review, great shots! I really like the pics of your son and your self-portrait.
Thanks Craig - and a big thanks for your donation, too!
I have two Brownie Hawkeye cameras. Using the date codes you provided, one is YRRA, or May, 1952. The other is CMRA, or 13th month of 1952. The calendar you mentioned, makes that December.
The May model has the metal wind knob and can turn both clockwise and counterclockwise. The December model has the plastic knob with arrow and can only turn counterclockwise.
Never knew about Brownie Day - I'll need to participate in 2021!
Thanks for your great channel!
Thanks James! These simple box cameras, in all their variations, really are fun to shoot.
Ive watched your video many times now, to learn about these old Kodak box cameras. Love the photographs you took with your Hawkeye and so interesting to see the images with the flipped lens too. I just got my Hawkeye in the mail today, took it completely apart to clean mirror and all the dusty glass elements. The CAMEROSITY code on my copy is YORA = 06/52. Love the styling on this camera, and as you said "screams 1950s" Enjoy your channel discussing all the old film cameras, with photos examples shot using the camera. Excellent!
Thanks Geoffrey - It really is a fun, simple camera to use. Happy shooting with your Brownie Hawkeye!
Interesting as always, and cool results too!
Fabrizio Zago - Photography and Media Thanks! I enjoy shooting this simple camera
@@theoldcameraguy I can imagine, I also would :-)
Cool Camera!
Michael Russo Very inexpensive and easy to find too (at least in the U.S.). Definitely worth 5 bucks
My local thrift store had one of these, so I picked it up for a few bucks. Had to clean the lens, mirror, and viewfinder, but it came out beautiful. Unfortunately, after 4 shots, I dropped it and cracked the body. Saddened, I went back to that thrift shop to see what they had that could replace it. Would you believe they had another one in its original box? This one was in mint condition and came with the flash and flash bulbs- easy purchase! Old 620 cameras are so much fun.
Very cool they had another one for you - Fun little camera!
You have me wanting to dust mine off now
bestoftheroll Sounds like a good idea - especially since it’s going to warm up (a little) soon - maybe give that close up attachment another try. Thanks for watching
I have 5 Brownies but I did not know about " Brownie Camera Days " I think I will use my No:2 Brownie.
mamiyapress Great choice - No. 2 is a classic
I have one of those old Argus seventy-fives you were talking about.you don't need to reschedule, you just need to clip the edges of a 120 spool to get it to fit and then use the 620 for take up.
Yes, sometimes clipping the edges is enough to get a 120 spool to fit. I’ve never tried that technique, but it certainly does sound easier than respooling. Thanks for watching!
Yes, sometimes clipping the edges is enough to get a 120 spool to fit. I’ve never tried that technique, but it does sound easier than respooling. Thanks for watching!
Looked up this video because I have a flash model with a metal knob
Nice - They are fun little cameras!
Such a style icon, I don't think they're to easy to find this side of the pond. Really loved the shots you got.
Darren Crabb We’re tripping over them here in the States - they’re everywhere! Glad you enjoyed the images Darren
@@theoldcameraguy It's one of those cameras that I'd put on my mantle piece , not that Joanne would let me. We've had terrible weather here for the last week, lots of storms!!
Darren Crabb I’ve got a few 620 box camera “shelf queens” that I don’t shoot because I’m too lazy to re- roll 120 onto a 620 spool. Hope your weather clears up soon
Simplicity is a strength.. ☺️
Great episode and I happen to own a Agfa box camera and I’ve only used it once and when I think about I really need to give it a go..
//freddie
Mr Simple Thanks Freddie - Time to bust out that Agfa and have some fun...
The first camera I ever used was a Duaflex IV -- a box much like the Brownie Hawkeye, but with a larger bright finder. The first one I owned was a Brownie Hawkeye. That was about 1968-1969. The first roll of film cost more than the camera, even at 50+ years ago prices (I paid a nickel at a yard sale for the Brownie Hawkeye). Some of my favorite images over the past fifty years have come out of a Brownie Hawkeye, and I currently own two (along with a Baby Brownie, an equally simple 127 that takes 8 wide images).
I’ve got a Duaflex IV that I haven’t shot yet (mostly because of the whole 620 thing - I did respool 120 onto a 620 spool years ago for an old Argus 75). Can’t beat a Brownie for a nickel! Thanks for watching
@@theoldcameraguy I've got a Duaflex, Duaflex II (focusing lens!) and Duaflex IV at present. It looks as if they can be modified the same way an Argus 75 can to take a 120 supply, by removing the spring loaded swing-out film caddy on the supply side. Collectors won't, some shooters might. Somewhere here, I've got an Argus I've done that to -- but I've still got cameras packed from a move five years ago, just now trying to get them all out of boxes and such.
I have one with the code CCRR which I guess means it was made in November 1955!
Nice! They really are fun cameras.
Thanks for the super informative video! I've learned so much. I bought my kodak brownie hawkeye from a thrift store and it looks like it's in good condition! Are you able to demonstrate a step by step on how to load 120 film into here and any tips you may have?
Here’s a guide to loading 120 into the Brownie Hawkeye ruclips.net/video/5eenMcahDQs/видео.html
@@theoldcameraguy thank you! Have a great day :)
I dug out my father's old Hawkeye. The code says it was made in Jan. '56. It hasn't been shot since the late 70s. I ordered some Portra 400 and some BW 120 400 before I actually did any research on the fixed aperture of F15 and shutter of 1/40. I'll probably get some overcooked shots unless I shoot on a cloudy day. I think Cinestill 50D 120 is the color film I should have ordered. Oh well, we'll see what happens.
Yeah, take it out on a cloudy day and you should get some cool, moody shots. Happy shooting!
I'm trying to find a supply of Sylvania no 5 flash bulbs
What speed film do you recommended since it has a fixed shutter speed and aperture? Let’s say, for sunny and partly sunny days. Thanks! Love the look of this camera!!
125 speed film like FP4 works great for sunny days (100 works well, too). Fomapan 200 would work with less sun.
@@theoldcameraguy Thank you! 👍
*_#Hi_**_ my friend /Nice /biglike_* 👧👍➕➕➕➕➕
Müzik dünyam Thank You!
am gonna buy one soon even though am not the target or age of these neat cameras these are intresting should i get a flash version?
Flash version is easier to find - they made a lot of them.
should i be worried about it not working?@@theoldcameraguy
Great video! Looking forward to shooting with my Brownie. So far this spring I've shot a Diana, Nimslo 3D, Pentax 645, & my Ansco Viking Readyset (it actually takes 120). Would you recommend faster film, say 800-3200?
Thanks - These Brownies have a slow shutter speed, so I never use anything higher than 400 speed.
@@theoldcameraguy Got it. 100 on sunny days, 400 on crappy days.
@@mikethomas1073 Perfect!
My Brownie-that looks just like yours-has the date code letters of CMRA...1352??? I thought the first two letters represent the month...
Kodak used a 13 “month” calendar called the International Fixed Calendar where each month was 4 weeks. Your camera was produced in the last 4 week period of the year, so December.
Very very cool! I’m curious, since you can’t adjust the aperture or shutter, how do you make sure the exposure comes out correctly?
Franklin You’re not really sure. The best you can do is try to pick an appropriate speed film for the lighting conditions (and hope for the best).
theoldcameraguy gotcha.. thanks for your reply! :) I hope to give this a try as well
Franklin Good luck with it and have fun!
I just bought this camera from a garage sale for $3 ! Mine does not have a code letter for the year it was made but mine looks exactly like yours. It doesn’t look like it was wore off I was wondering if there was any other way to determine the year . Thanks ❤️
That’s a mystery to me. You can click on this link, scroll to the bottom and ask Chuck Brownie Guy www.brownie-camera.com
Why or when if the camera does not have the camerosity code on it? It has a metal knob also.
Earlier models had the metal knob, but without the code it’s hard to pinpoint the manufacturing date.
It's odd that code is not in the same spot. I haven't dissembled it all the way since it works fine. But all the other instructions and specs printed are clear and have zero signs of damage.
hey old camera guy, idk if you wil still respond, but i found this same camera but its just regular and doesnt say FLASH on it anywhere. i cant find my version anywhere on the internet and its frustrating, do you know of this version?
Your version was made from May 1949 - November 1951 www.brownie-camera.com/27.shtml
I found a Brownie Fiesta, seems pretty similar to the Brownie Hawkeye, is there any difference with this one?
The Brownie Fiesta took 127 film (which is harder to get these days).
Where to get this camera
In the U.S., they are very common in antique stores. You can also check eBay.
عندي مثلها انا من الجزاءر
I'm trying to put a Kodak brownie hawkeye lens on a canon EOS M3 And I'm trying to figure out how to sucer it to the canon Do you have any suggestions
Also dose the outside lens have a affect on image quality?
I don’t have any suggestions, but good luck with your project.
No, unless it’s cracked or dirty.
@@theoldcameraguy thanks this will help I have a idea on what to
5:10 mine is CMRR what is the 13th month there isn’t one
It is the end of December. This was based on the Cotsworth calendar, which has 13 months, each with 28 days.
@@theoldcameraguy OK I looked it up it’s December 1955 thank you for clarifying
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