Several weeks ago I received a surprise package in the mail from Genevieve, who is one of the new friends I’ve made during the group 365 prompt project. Theodore (that’s what I’ve named the camera) is a Kodak No. 2A Folding Autographic Brownie. I have a few film cameras, and I’ve been thinking about playing with film, but the moment I held this one I immediately wanted to use it. I could see Tom upside down through my tiny little viewer and I immediately wanted to take photos. Unfortunately, Theodore here takes 116, a film size no longer made. But I’ve heard you can take 120 film and re-spool it onto 116, so it’s definitely something I’m considering. (All photos except the last one were taken by Tom!)
11 Comments
Erin
5 Jun 2011 at 11:48 amLet me know if you successfully re-spool the 120! I got the same exact camera last week 🙂 Glad I found your blog today!
Jacqueline
3 Jun 2011 at 1:17 amHow gorgeous is that camera! I hope you do try to re-spool that film into it.
And tell Tom he should take pics more often! Great job.
Nik | ExPla.net
2 Jun 2011 at 11:13 pmthat thing is beyond cool!! i can’t wait to see your photos! perhaps scanning will be a challenge ??
James
1 Jun 2011 at 10:16 pmNow I really feel old, my grandmother had the very camera and I used it when I was young, a hundred years ago or so. The camera brings back some very fond pictures of my grandmother and times gone by. I remember having to hand wind the film onto the rollers. ( in the dark of course) I hope that you can find film that will work, It took really great photo’s.
Genevieve
1 Jun 2011 at 4:01 pmI love this post! It was so fun seeing you open the package and your expressions! Thank you Tom for photographing that!! I agree with Alyssa, you need to come here! I have a guest bedroom as well!
Kyaaa
1 Jun 2011 at 1:54 pmTake it to World Steam next year! Omg it’s so cute, and steam!
Lysha
1 Jun 2011 at 12:05 pmWe used to have a ton of these (and other random antique cameras) at the museum I worked at. Some were in pretty awful shape, but others were still ready and raring to go! If only I had the patience for film – but I need those pictures NOW.
Alyssa
1 Jun 2011 at 11:17 amThe pictures of you opening the package are adorable! Great captures, Tom! I love that you can turn small events like this into such sweet posts.
I love seeing you two becoming friends! You need to come down here so you can visit me, Genevieve, and Catherine. I’m offering up my guest bedroom to you in advance 🙂
Folding cameras are so beautiful. I love all antique cameras, but the construction of these are just so interesting to look at. Every time G and I go antiquing I focus on the cameras but was waiting to see what my mom would give me (I knew she had a stash she was going to divide up among my siblings).
I would love to see the photos you get out of it if you use it! My new folding takes 120, but I’m not sure if it’s in working order. It’s in great condition, so I would say it’s very likely. I bought a Brownie Hawkeye years ago fully intending to use it (I even have film tucked away in my closet) but was too intimidated to try. I’ll need to re-spool the film as well, which absolutely scares me! Maybe playing around with the SLR my dad gave me will give me a bit more confidence.
Jade
1 Jun 2011 at 10:52 amWhat a sweet, sweet friend! I really hope you can take some pictures with your new treasure…
Bronwyn
1 Jun 2011 at 10:36 am116! Yes! I’ll have to dig up my notes for my Kodak Special 1A…I’m not 100% sure it’ll take 120 but I’ve heard the same thing. Wouldn’t we just be so cool using those things? 😛 Forget DSLRs.
Sheri
1 Jun 2011 at 10:20 amVery cute entry, love the pic of you cradling your camera like a baby haha