Kodak No.2 Autographic Brownie
Welcome back to another episode of “Back From The Dead” where we try to revive old cameras and film stocks. This weeks episode focus’s on the Kodak Brownie No. 2 Autographic. It seems to be that our model was made between 1914-1921, making it over 100 years old. Check out the full episode below, along with a little bit of history as well as the final images. Do you have a camera or film stock we should test out, let us know in the comments of the video and we will see what we can do.
Key Features and History:
The Kodak Brownie No. 2 was one of the most popular and influential cameras produced by Kodak in the early 1900s. Introduced in 1901, the Brownie camera was a revolutionary product, making photography accessible to the general public at an affordable price.
The Kodak Brownie No. 2 is part of the series of Brownie cameras that Kodak began producing to simplify the process of photography. Unlike earlier cameras, which were often complicated and expensive, the Brownie cameras were inexpensive, easy to use, and designed to produce simple, snapshot-style photographs. The No. 2 version was an immediate success, appealing to a mass market that had previously been excluded from photography due to cost and technical barriers.
Film Format:
The Kodak Brownie No. 2 used 120 roll film, which was introduced by Kodak in 1901 alongside the Brownie series. This made it one of the first cameras to use 120 film, which would later become a standard format for medium-format cameras.
Design:
The Brownie No. 2 typically came with a leather case that was both practical and stylish. The camera itself was designed with a simple, box-like shape, making it easy to hold and use. It featured a single, simple viewfinder and a fixed-focus lens, making it very user-friendly. It was lightweight and portable, which contributed to its popularity.
Aesthetic:
The camera's leather case was often decorated with embossed patterns, making it look more elegant than many other cameras of the time. This leather casing was durable, providing protection for the camera while adding a classic aesthetic.
Accessibility:
The Brownie No. 2's low cost made photography available to a much broader segment of society. Its price point was affordable, and Kodak made it possible to get the film developed by sending it back to the company, eliminating the need for users to develop their own photographs.
Popularity:
It was marketed as a camera for everyone, not just professionals or enthusiasts. Its appeal was broad, including families, tourists, and everyday people. Kodak sold millions of these cameras, and the Brownie No. 2 was one of the most successful models in Kodak's Brownie lineup.
Legacy:
The Brownie No. 2 played a critical role in the democratization of photography. Its success helped establish Kodak as a dominant force in the photography industry. It laid the groundwork for later, more advanced cameras and contributed to the idea that photography was a hobby that anyone could enjoy, not just those with technical expertise.
The Brownie No. 2 continued to be produced for many years, with several different versions and design updates. Its use of 120 film and its straightforward functionality helped cement its place in the history of photography. Even today, vintage versions of the Brownie No. 2 remain popular among collectors and photography enthusiasts, as they represent an important milestone in the history of consumer photography.
If you’re a fan of vintage cameras, the Kodak Brownie No. 2 is a name that’ll likely pop up on your radar. First introduced in 1901, this little collapsible camera was a game-changer, bringing photography to the masses in a way that no other camera had done before. Before the Brownie, photography was mostly the domain of professionals or hobbyists with deep pockets. But the Brownie No. 2, with its simple design and affordable price, made it possible for just about anyone to snap photos.
The Kodak Brownie No. 2 used 120 film (a roll film that Kodak introduced around the same time), which became the standard for medium format cameras. What made this camera so special was how easy it was to use – no complicated settings, no need for an advanced knowledge of photography. Just point, shoot, and wait for the results. Plus, with its leather case, it was as stylish as it was functional.
It’s hard to overstate how important this camera was in making photography accessible. Kodak was onto something big here. The Brownie No. 2 wasn’t just a camera; it was a gateway to a whole new way of capturing memories. It was marketed as a “camera for everyone,” and that’s exactly what it became. For just a few dollars, you could take it home and start snapping away. The fact that it was so affordable, plus Kodak’s film development service, meant people didn’t need to know much about photography or film development to get great photos.
Even though the Brownie No. 2 was super simple, it wasn’t lacking in charm. Its sturdy leather case, often embossed with decorative patterns, gave it a look that was both durable and stylish – perfect for the turn of the century. And the best part? You didn’t have to be a pro to use it. The fixed-focus lens and basic controls made it so anyone could pick it up and start shooting right away.
By the time it was discontinued, Kodak had sold millions of Brownie cameras, and the No. 2 was easily one of the most successful models in the series. It made photography a part of daily life for so many people, and even today, vintage versions of the Brownie are still cherished by collectors and photography enthusiasts alike.
In short, the Kodak Brownie No. 2 wasn’t just another camera – it was the start of a photography revolution, and it helped shape how we capture moments even now.
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