🎞️ Film Type: 620 roll film
🖼️ Image Format: 6×9 cm negatives (approx. 2.25 x 3.25 inches)
🔍 Lens Type: Fixed-focus lens
📏 Focal Length: ~100mm
🌞 Aperture: Fixed aperture, ideal for daylight photography
⏱️ Shutter Type: Rotary shutter
⚡ Shutter Speeds:
- Instant (I): ~1/50th of a second
- Time (T): Bulb mode for long exposures
🛠️ Material: Metal body with leatherette covering
The Kodak Six-20 Brownie Senior stands as a shining example of Eastman Kodak Company’s mission to make photography accessible to the masses. Launched in the mid-1930s, this box camera encapsulated the era’s technological advancements while maintaining the user-friendly design ethos of the iconic Brownie series
The body is metal and covered in leatherette. The leatherette is used for the film door hinge. It has two reflecting brilliant finders. There are two versions of this camera. One has a portrait lens covering 3-4 feet whilst the other has a portrait lens covering 4-6 feet. It has a genuine leather handle. There is a tripod mount. It is also almost identical to the Kodak Six-20 Portrait Brownie camera.
A Camera for All
In the 1930s, photography was evolving from a niche hobby for professionals to a pastime embraced by everyday people. The Six-20 Brownie Senior was a response to this cultural shift, offering an affordable, durable, and easy-to-use camera for amateur photographers. Its reliance on 620 roll film, a smaller and more compact option compared to traditional plates, marked a step forward in simplifying the photographic process.
This camera takes 620 films which are still available from selected photographic outlets. Although the actual film is the same as 120 films, the spools are different. The 620 spools are slightly shorter and have a smaller diameter. Do not use 120 films in this camera because it will jam and may snap. It is possible to cut down a spool of 120 film to fit or to re-spool some 120 film onto 620 spools in a darkroom or changing bag.
Design and Functionality
The camera’s design reflected the Art Deco style prevalent during its time. Its sleek metal body, adorned with leatherette covering, exuded sophistication while remaining practical. The robust construction ensured that the camera could endure years of use, making it a reliable companion for families and travelers.
Functionality was equally straightforward. Equipped with a fixed-focus lens, the Six-20 Brownie Senior allowed users to capture sharp images with minimal technical knowledge. The rotary shutter offered two essential modes: Instant and Bulb. These settings enabled versatility, accommodating both quick snapshots and long exposures. The addition of a brilliant viewfinder made framing shots intuitive, further reinforcing its appeal to novice photographers.
cultural and Historical Impact
The Six-20 Brownie Senior played a significant role in democratizing photography. During an era of economic challenges and social transformation, it gave ordinary people the power to document their lives and preserve memories. Family gatherings, scenic holidays, and everyday moments could now be immortalized with ease.
Moreover, the camera’s affordability and ease of use encouraged creativity, inspiring a generation to explore photography as an art form. It became an essential tool for storytelling, fostering connections across time and space.
Today, the Kodak Six-20 Brownie Senior holds a special place in the hearts of vintage camera enthusiasts and historians. Its enduring design and historical significance make it a sought-after collector’s item. Cameras in working condition, especially those accompanied by original accessories like leather cases or instruction manuals, command a premium in the collector’s market.
Beyond its monetary value, the Six-20 Brownie Senior is a symbol of photography’s transformative power. It serves as a reminder of an era when the act of capturing a moment was an event, requiring intention and care.
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