My first camera in 1958-59, donated by my grandfather. My latest and for sure my last - bought myself a Sony A7 III + Sony 25-105G 3 months ago. See you in the next life and keep on shooting
Excellent thank you, I've been given the same model in your video, there was a film in when I opened it to follow your cleaning instructions, I quickly closed the back rewound the film and sent it off fingers crossed , thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge
Pretty cool video. Very informative. I've heard the reason for the two viewfinders was that one was intended for portraits and the other intended for landscapes. One other thing viewers probably also need to know is that when loading the film, the word "START" will appear as the roll is being advanced. You're supposed to place that towards the top of the back of the box (if you look closely, you can see the word coming around the top roller, just before the camera is reassembled). When you see that, that is when you stop advancing the roll and place that part back inside the camera. Once the camera is sealed up, THEN you replace the winder and advance the film until the number "1" appears in the little red window. I liked the music too. Does anyone know the name of that song and was that actually Django Reinhardt playing?
They are, but I have one, a No2 Brownie that uses 120 film and I love using it. and for such a simple camera I have gotten some really nice shots with it.
Hi, I got everything spooled up and working, but a couple photos in the reel wouldn't move anymore. When I opened it up in a dark room to check, the plastic spool had been worn out by the metal twister. Is there any way to get around this? Or will I have to re-spool my film onto metal ones to avoid this in the future? thanks
Brilliant! Thanks for this excellent explanation. I wanted to mention this camera on a video I am making about pinhole cameras for my channel. I know it is not a PHC quite but it's not far off and easy to see how things developed from the PHC. Thanks again for this. I now understand my Brownie 2 much better!
Thanks so much for this tutorial. Just bought 2 Model F, one blue very close to yours on the video and one red still name F but with extra activable lens on the front. Labelled on this part as Portrait Brownie No 2. I also have Six20 'Brownie C', find a similar video as the film winder is stuck due to a piece of film still inside. For the film do you recommend a spacial brand or any 120 are ok? for the six-20 sticker says Kodak 620 film. Many thanks
The Portrait Brownie has this extra lens that helps you focus closer and take portraits. You can use any 120 film you like. You can start with the classic Ilford HP5 which is both cheap and of very good quality for black and white. 620 film is the same as 120 but comes in a different spool. But 620 film is not made any more. If a 120 doesn't fit inside, then look online for ways of using 120 film to 620 cameras!
Hey I have a question, when you take your first pic, how to reload to the second pic, I mean like do you need a simple turn, or do you need to see a little 2, or how does it works? I hope you got what I’m trying to say
Why would anyone give this a thumbs down? Were they expecting a free Kodak No.2 just for watching? Sheesh! This is a *great* video - I've been thinking of buying a vintage box camera for my collection. I'll get one of these - it's the camera given to a 12-year-old Ansel Adams; and we all know how *that* turned out! :)
That's interesting. Yes, you can try developing it. Some images might come out, even though they might be hazy. It depends on the age of the film and the conditions it was stored in. There are some experts in developing old film out there, like the guys at www.youtube.com/@RescuedFilmProject ( www.rescuedfilmproject.com/ )who can develop it for you or can give you instructions on what to do. Or you can ask at a photography store that develops film if you can't do it yourself.
Does anyone have or know where I can get replacement view finder lenses? Not the window or mirror glass but the little lenses attached to the face plate.
Try looking on ebay. But these cameras are quite cheap, so it might be more worthy to buy a new one instead of just a lens. Or buy a new camera and just use the lens on your own camera.
I have a model D. I want to clean the inner workings for a restoration project, but the top screws of the faceplate are rusted shut. Do you have any ideas on how to remove them without any major damage?
Try using a rust remover spray on the screws, but with caution because in big quantities it might harm the leather coating of the faceplate. Do not apply force. Also try cleaning from the inside after removing the film holders. If nothing happens you better take the camera to a repair shop.
I have a no.2 the same as you are showing and am in the process of trying to clean and prep for use, however I can’t seem to get the key to wind the film inside the camera. Do you know what the problem could be? Thanks!
Could be a couple of things. The most common is that you might have inserted the roll holder up side down. Make sure you read the word "top" (see 2:53 on video). Next, to get the key in, you should turn it counter clockwise wile pushing in at the same time. Or maybe there is a problem with the film spool? If you use a No.2 like in the video, you need 120 film. If you have a No.2A you need a 116 film which is different and almost obsolete.
Hi! You can try using a piece of thick, dark red plastic (you can try cutting a piece from plastic document folders for example). Just make sure it is taped all around so that no light enters directly inside. Then, the only thing you can do is test with a film and see if it has light leaks. Another way is to completely cover the hole with dark tape and try to remember how many turns you give to the winding knob, to advance to the first frame and then from each frame to the next. But since this is not very precise, you might see that some frames overlap at their edges. In both cases, do not point the red window side directly to light.
Hello, I just bought a brownie No 2A and I noticed it takes 116 film, i did buy the adapter so at least I know I’ll be taking pictures. Would there be any kind of light leaks since the film is different from the one the camera takes?
Hi, if the camera is ok and has no cracks and the red window is not broken, you won't have light leaks because of the adapter. In any case avoid pointing the red window directly to light (it might not be useful after all, since you use different film format).
With the adapters installed on 120 film, take the first photo when the window shows 3. Then each subsequent shot at 5½, 8, 10½, 13, 15½. Get as close to the halfway distance as possible to avoid overlap.
Very good instructions and very helpful since I have one myself. Once the film is used up is it safe to keep the film in light like you did or would it have to be in darkness to take it out of the camera?
You don't have to remove the film in total darkness once it is safely rolled back, but avoid direct sunlight and if you don't take it for development immediately, better keep it in a dark place to avoid light leaks.
My Brownie is different. I think it's always a N°2 but without any kind of control for time exposure and focal. It has just an only time exposure, a single spot in the middle, upon the focal spot, and nothing more. I don't have any clue of what model may be... Was made in Toronto, Canada.
I think i have the same as you do. I friend of me gave it today to me because he could not open it. Two metal closing clips, a lense hole, one opening above the lense, looking window, the handle yo wind up the film and the shutter lever and the red round window on the rear. And the leather pouch with sling is with it. On the back is says Made in Great Britain, Kodak limited, Use Kodak film No 120. I have no clue how to open it although the two clips are released. I think something is stuck inside so that i can not take the holder out. If somebody has a clue, p!ease tell me.Regards from Belgium.
These are some of the easiest antique cameras to use. Oddly the cases on these hold up better than later Bakelite case cameras which chip easily inside.
Depends on which type of camera you have. The No. 2 uses 120 film which you can find easily in black and white or colour. The No.2A uses 116 film which is not available any more. But you can find 116 to 120 film adapters if you search on line shops and you'll be able to use 120 film.
Very informative video, good job. I don't need one, but I think I would get one, just for fun, and to troll modern gear heads, as it's quite affordable. :D Looks fun and cool to use. :)
With this camera you don't really have many choices. The speed is about 1/50sec so what you can do is adjust the aperture (to one of the 3 positions) according to the ISO of the film you use. Since these cameras are old, and back then the films had lower ISO, if you use ISO 400 for example, better use the middle or smallest aperture to get properly exposed photos. But if you use very low ISO film, then select the largest aperture.
When these cameras were made there were only low ISO films available. So 50 would be fine if you adjust the aperture adequately. But I've tried this one with an Ilford 400 ISO, HP5 PLUS and the photos came out fine. A few (taken in direct bright sunlight) were slightly over-exposed but can be compensated in printing or in processing.
It is not a very expensive camera, but the price depends mostly on the condition. Have a look on ebay on cameras with similar condition as yours and see the price range they are usually sold.
4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Hi, thanks for the video. I have a question...if the frame size of Brownie No. 2A is 2½ x 4¼ pollici ( 6,35 cm x 10,795 cm), how do you must turn the negative? Do you turn the negative with the number 1(first photo), 3(second photo)? (1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15=8 pictures)?
Hi! The No.2A takes 116 film which doesn't exist any more. If you have adapters for 120 film, then you should be careful not to miss the numbers, because the red window in No.2A was designed for 116 film numbers. So in the 120 they might not be clearly visible. Generally, in 120 to 116 conversions, the numbers do not represent the actual photos, so the rule is that the first photo should be taken in no.3. You can take a total of 6 photos with 120 film in a 116 camera. The number count is as follows: Photo 1 in number 3, 2 in 5½, 3 in 8, 4 in 10½, 5 in 13 and 6 in 15½ . The "½" are the bullets between numbers. One final thing to mind is that you must always cover the red window after winding because you will get light leaks (120 film is smaller than the 116). You can use a thick black tape if you want. Finally you should go ahead and try with a film. If you see that frames are overlapping or you missed a frame, then you'll have to tweak the film advance accordingly.
@ 5:16 YOU SAY HOLD CAMERA AGAINST YOUR BODY, VIEWFINDER IS APPROX 24"FROM YOUR EYE , HOW DO YOU COMPOSE A PICTURE IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE IMAGE IN THE """""""VIEWFINDER """?????????????
The viewfinder on these cameras is not meant to be placed directly on the eye (like in rangefinder or slr cameras). It must be viewed from distance. The distance depends on your eyesight (near-sightedness, presbyopia etc) and the lighting conditions. Compositing a picture with great precision, using a camera like this one, is impossible.
In thje 50s and before, I used a 'Baby Brownie' Box Camera until I met my future wife who gave a Voightlander camera which two years later, we traded in for Nikon SLR.
You took six minutes to show what some people have taken twice as long and with far more distractions to explain. Beautifully done, thank you!
My first camera in 1958-59, donated by my grandfather. My latest and for sure my last - bought myself a Sony A7 III + Sony 25-105G 3 months ago. See you in the next life and keep on shooting
Thank you so much for these guides. I was a bit mystified on how to open the back of mine, so seeing this helps a lot~
Nice how you showed how to use the manual aperture and exposure mechanisms clear to see! And what sweet music they made here!
simple and informative, picked up a 2A today for $10 and wanted to be sure how to load it
Excellent thank you, I've been given the same model in your video, there was a film in when I opened it to follow your cleaning instructions, I quickly closed the back rewound the film and sent it off fingers crossed , thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge
Pretty cool video. Very informative. I've heard the reason for the two viewfinders was that one was intended for portraits and the other intended for landscapes.
One other thing viewers probably also need to know is that when loading the film, the word "START" will appear as the roll is being advanced. You're supposed to place that towards the top of the back of the box (if you look closely, you can see the word coming around the top roller, just before the camera is reassembled). When you see that, that is when you stop advancing the roll and place that part back inside the camera. Once the camera is sealed up, THEN you replace the winder and advance the film until the number "1" appears in the little red window.
I liked the music too. Does anyone know the name of that song and was that actually Django Reinhardt playing?
Thanks for your indications! The music is "Morning Stroll" by Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions
@@FilmCameras Thank you for the information on the music! =)
That song is one of the free songs that comes on iMovie
Such a beautifully simple camera 🤗
They are, but I have one, a No2 Brownie that uses 120 film and I love using it. and for such a simple camera I have gotten some really nice shots with it.
I've just moved house and found my Box Brownie... super helpful video as I wasn't too sure on the shutter speed or apertures. Thanks for making this!
Happy to have helped!
Is that "The Hot Club of France" playing??? I have one of the old 78s from the 30s.
The music is "Morning Stroll" by Josh Kirsch/Media Right Productions. Indeed probably influenced by "The Hot Club of France"
@@FilmCameras I see that now. But the style is almost the same. Good choice!
Thank you very much for this great video! I just bought the blue Beau Brownie No 2. Can't wait to take my first pictures with it!
You're welcome! Enjoy taking photos!
Hi, I got everything spooled up and working, but a couple photos in the reel wouldn't move anymore. When I opened it up in a dark room to check, the plastic spool had been worn out by the metal twister. Is there any way to get around this? Or will I have to re-spool my film onto metal ones to avoid this in the future? thanks
Brilliant! Thanks for this excellent explanation. I wanted to mention this camera on a video I am making about pinhole cameras for my channel. I know it is not a PHC quite but it's not far off and easy to see how things developed from the PHC. Thanks again for this. I now understand my Brownie 2 much better!
Thanks, this brought back a few old memories. 😎
The brownie is a good camera for the 1930s, but what was the most common camera in the 1940s?
Thanks so much for this tutorial. Just bought 2 Model F, one blue very close to yours on the video and one red still name F but with extra activable lens on the front. Labelled on this part as Portrait Brownie No 2. I also have Six20 'Brownie C', find a similar video as the film winder is stuck due to a piece of film still inside. For the film do you recommend a spacial brand or any 120 are ok? for the six-20 sticker says Kodak 620 film. Many thanks
The Portrait Brownie has this extra lens that helps you focus closer and take portraits. You can use any 120 film you like. You can start with the classic Ilford HP5 which is both cheap and of very good quality for black and white. 620 film is the same as 120 but comes in a different spool. But 620 film is not made any more. If a 120 doesn't fit inside, then look online for ways of using 120 film to 620 cameras!
Found an old one in my third car garage and had no idea how to use it thx!
Hey I have a question, when you take your first pic, how to reload to the second pic, I mean like do you need a simple turn, or do you need to see a little 2, or how does it works? I hope you got what I’m trying to say
Hi. You need to turn carefully until you see the numbers. "2" for the 2nd photo, "3" for the third... etc.
Very helpful video, thanks! I'll be sure to run through it again when my rolls of 120 arrive.
My Cameras window to see what photo you are on is too close to the side of the roll 🙁
Why would anyone give this a thumbs down? Were they expecting a free Kodak No.2 just for watching? Sheesh!
This is a *great* video - I've been thinking of buying a vintage box camera for my collection. I'll get one of these - it's the camera given to a 12-year-old Ansel Adams; and we all know how *that* turned out! :)
just bought a brownie off ebay and it had a used 116 roll in it, do you think a roll this old could still be developed?
That's interesting. Yes, you can try developing it. Some images might come out, even though they might be hazy. It depends on the age of the film and the conditions it was stored in. There are some experts in developing old film out there, like the guys at www.youtube.com/@RescuedFilmProject ( www.rescuedfilmproject.com/ )who can develop it for you or can give you instructions on what to do. Or you can ask at a photography store that develops film if you can't do it yourself.
Does anyone have or know where I can get replacement view finder lenses? Not the window or mirror glass but the little lenses attached to the face plate.
Try looking on ebay. But these cameras are quite cheap, so it might be more worthy to buy a new one instead of just a lens. Or buy a new camera and just use the lens on your own camera.
a general question, how do you like, after you've completed the film roll, like, make it an imagine
idk how to explain it
You will have to take the film to a photography shop to develop it and print the images.
@@FilmCameras thanks
I have a model D. I want to clean the inner workings for a restoration project, but the top screws of the faceplate are rusted shut. Do you have any ideas on how to remove them without any major damage?
Try using a rust remover spray on the screws, but with caution because in big quantities it might harm the leather coating of the faceplate. Do not apply force. Also try cleaning from the inside after removing the film holders. If nothing happens you better take the camera to a repair shop.
@@FilmCameras duly noted. Thanks for the tip!
I have a no.2 the same as you are showing and am in the process of trying to clean and prep for use, however I can’t seem to get the key to wind the film inside the camera. Do you know what the problem could be? Thanks!
Could be a couple of things. The most common is that you might have inserted the roll holder up side down. Make sure you read the word "top" (see 2:53 on video). Next, to get the key in, you should turn it counter clockwise wile pushing in at the same time. Or maybe there is a problem with the film spool? If you use a No.2 like in the video, you need 120 film. If you have a No.2A you need a 116 film which is different and almost obsolete.
Hey, do you know what I can do if my red window on the back is broken? Will the camera not work? Can I get a plastic bit and glue it over it?
Hi! You can try using a piece of thick, dark red plastic (you can try cutting a piece from plastic document folders for example). Just make sure it is taped all around so that no light enters directly inside. Then, the only thing you can do is test with a film and see if it has light leaks. Another way is to completely cover the hole with dark tape and try to remember how many turns you give to the winding knob, to advance to the first frame and then from each frame to the next. But since this is not very precise, you might see that some frames overlap at their edges. In both cases, do not point the red window side directly to light.
@@FilmCameras that's what I assumed, thanks for the tips. Will probably make a little cover for it
Hello, I just bought a brownie No 2A and I noticed it takes 116 film, i did buy the adapter so at least I know I’ll be taking pictures. Would there be any kind of light leaks since the film is different from the one the camera takes?
Hi, if the camera is ok and has no cracks and the red window is not broken, you won't have light leaks because of the adapter. In any case avoid pointing the red window directly to light (it might not be useful after all, since you use different film format).
With the adapters installed on 120 film, take the first photo when the window shows 3. Then each subsequent shot at 5½, 8, 10½, 13, 15½. Get as close to the halfway distance as possible to avoid overlap.
Very good instructions and very helpful since I have one myself. Once the film is used up is it safe to keep the film in light like you did or would it have to be in darkness to take it out of the camera?
You don't have to remove the film in total darkness once it is safely rolled back, but avoid direct sunlight and if you don't take it for development immediately, better keep it in a dark place to avoid light leaks.
@@FilmCameras thanks very much for the info. Now all I need is to find someone to develop my film!
@@ianfeest413 or you could do it yourself! It’s easy, and you’ll save lots of money
My Brownie is different. I think it's always a N°2 but without any kind of control for time exposure and focal. It has just an only time exposure, a single spot in the middle, upon the focal spot, and nothing more. I don't have any clue of what model may be... Was made in Toronto, Canada.
I think i have the same as you do. I friend of me gave it today to me because he could not open it. Two metal closing clips, a lense hole, one opening above the lense, looking window, the handle yo wind up the film and the shutter lever and the red round window on the rear. And the leather pouch with sling is with it. On the back is says Made in Great Britain, Kodak limited, Use Kodak film No 120.
I have no clue how to open it although the two clips are released. I think something is stuck inside so that i can not take the holder out. If somebody has a clue, p!ease tell me.Regards from Belgium.
I just found out that mine is a Kodak Hawk-Eye N°2 Model C. Maybe you have the same model. I managed to open it.
The Kodiak brownie box camera was the first camera that the photographer Vivan Maier took photos with
These are some of the easiest antique cameras to use. Oddly the cases on these hold up better than later Bakelite case cameras which chip easily inside.
what film can you use with this camera?
Depends on which type of camera you have. The No. 2 uses 120 film which you can find easily in black and white or colour. The No.2A uses 116 film which is not available any more. But you can find 116 to 120 film adapters if you search on line shops and you'll be able to use 120 film.
For some reason I got 4 blank photos when I got them developed.... anyone know why? The other 4 photos were brilliant
Very informative video, good job. I don't need one, but I think I would get one, just for fun, and to troll modern gear heads, as it's quite affordable. :D Looks fun and cool to use. :)
What duration of exposure gives good picture quality?
With this camera you don't really have many choices. The speed is about 1/50sec so what you can do is adjust the aperture (to one of the 3 positions) according to the ISO of the film you use. Since these cameras are old, and back then the films had lower ISO, if you use ISO 400 for example, better use the middle or smallest aperture to get properly exposed photos. But if you use very low ISO film, then select the largest aperture.
Can someone give me some adivce on which ISO film i should buy? I'm gessing no higher than 200 ofc but I wonder if 50 could be too low.
When these cameras were made there were only low ISO films available. So 50 would be fine if you adjust the aperture adequately. But I've tried this one with an Ilford 400 ISO, HP5 PLUS and the photos came out fine. A few (taken in direct bright sunlight) were slightly over-exposed but can be compensated in printing or in processing.
@@FilmCameras thanks a lot for your answer! just started analog photography a few weeks ago and its nice to get quick advice!
What type of spool do you need ????
The Kodak No.2 takes 120 film spool, while the No.2A takes 116.
hey what roll film do you use for no. 2? like what’s the name? thanks!
No2 uses 120 film. You can find 120 film format from many different brands and in various ISO.
Film Cameras oh ok thanks! i was wondering though haha
How many photos will you get with a roll of 120 film?
You'll get 8 photos in 6x9 (2 1/4 x 3 1/4") format
How did you find one in such good condition?
These Kodak box cameras were produced in very large quantities so it is quite easy to find one in good condition and cheap online.
Thank you!
I found one in my new house , i want to sell it , how much should i ask for it ?
It is not a very expensive camera, but the price depends mostly on the condition. Have a look on ebay on cameras with similar condition as yours and see the price range they are usually sold.
Hi, thanks for the video. I have a question...if the frame size of Brownie No. 2A is 2½ x 4¼ pollici ( 6,35 cm x 10,795 cm), how do you must turn the negative?
Do you turn the negative with the number 1(first photo), 3(second photo)? (1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15=8 pictures)?
Hi! The No.2A takes 116 film which doesn't exist any more. If you have adapters for 120 film, then you should be careful not to miss the numbers, because the red window in No.2A was designed for 116 film numbers. So in the 120 they might not be clearly visible. Generally, in 120 to 116 conversions, the numbers do not represent the actual photos, so the rule is that the first photo should be taken in no.3. You can take a total of 6 photos with 120 film in a 116 camera. The number count is as follows: Photo 1 in number 3, 2 in 5½, 3 in 8, 4 in 10½, 5 in 13 and 6 in 15½ . The "½" are the bullets between numbers. One final thing to mind is that you must always cover the red window after winding because you will get light leaks (120 film is smaller than the 116). You can use a thick black tape if you want. Finally you should go ahead and try with a film. If you see that frames are overlapping or you missed a frame, then you'll have to tweak the film advance accordingly.
@@FilmCamerasthanks a lot!
@ 5:16 YOU SAY HOLD CAMERA AGAINST YOUR BODY, VIEWFINDER IS APPROX 24"FROM YOUR EYE , HOW DO YOU
COMPOSE A PICTURE IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE IMAGE IN THE """""""VIEWFINDER """?????????????
The viewfinder on these cameras is not meant to be placed directly on the eye (like in rangefinder or slr cameras). It must be viewed from distance. The distance depends on your eyesight (near-sightedness, presbyopia etc) and the lighting conditions. Compositing a picture with great precision, using a camera like this one, is impossible.
cool and all but you forgot to use the rollers in/on the film holder
That camera looks pristine even though it is a 100-year old
Are you sure it's f16, f22 and f32? I read that it was f11, f16 and f22.
Like!! Beautiful Tesore!!
hi i am from algeria i need a new film rool
Just found one in my attic 😮
AS I SEE IT,,,,THERE ARE NO MOUNTING HOLES ON THE CAMERA ?????? "" HOW TO ""
In thje 50s and before, I used a 'Baby Brownie' Box Camera until I met my future wife who gave a Voightlander camera which two years later, we traded in for Nikon SLR.
Can you send me a new film .I have the apperielle. I'm from Algeria .salem
Sorry I don't sell film or cameras. You can easily find film online, if you can't find any photography store in your place. 120 film is very common.
@@FilmCameras thinks brother. Salem
GREAT CAMERA STUFF,,,,,,,,,,,NOISY BULLSHIT IN THE AUDIO !
HEY EVERYONE, JAMES WANTS YOU TO KNOW HE DIDNT LIKE THE MUSIC! HES A WHINY IDIOT WHO DOESNT LIKE STUFF OK?!