Kodak Autographic Brownie #2 w/ Modern Film

[Removed Account]

I'm trying to get my hands on a Kodak Autographic Brownie #2 to play around with since they're available cheaply and take 120 film. Will the Autographic feature, scratching writing in to the backing paper with a stylus through a window, work with modern 120 film or did the Autographic film have a special backing paper? Anything else I should about using this camera with modern film, especially faster speeds with regards to the autographic door or red window?

 

[Ian Grant]

Make sue you get a proper one made in Canada not the US

I have one back in the UK manufactured by Kodak Canada, I think the stylus is supposed to stress the film through the backing paper so that you get dark writing on the negatives which prints as white. Whether that works as well with modern films I don't know but all my fathers 120 negatives from the late 30's & 40's have thinner bases and it's not as trong as modern materials.

Ian

 

[Removed Account]

Make sue you get a proper one made in Canada not the US Ian

I saw one on Ebay UK that was Canadian made, but didn't have the stylus included If I can find one it'll be my patriotic duty to choose one of Her Majesty's Kodaks

From what I've read you're right about the stylus; I guess we'll see when I get when if it still works! My only concern would be fogging through the red window or autographic door with high-speed films (Portra 160/400 or TXP). I figure it should be right at home with Efke 25 or 50 though.

 

[Q.G.]

I think the stylus is supposed to stress the film through the backing paper so that you get dark writing on the negatives which prints as white.

The backing paper of Autographic film consisted of a layer of red tissue, and a layer of carbon paper.
You'd scratch the carbon paper, making it transparent, hold the thing up against the light for a few seconds, and the scratched text would be exposed on film.
The frame around the opened door pressed against the film pack, shielding the bits beyond against light.

 

[Ektagraphic]

"I'd LOVE to shoot digital, but I don't have a firearms license!"
What a great signature! It sure gave me a good laugh!

 

[Removed Account]

Thanks Ektagraphic!

Would there be any problems using this camera with fast modern films? I'm planning on using the Efke/Adox range and Portra 160NC but would like to try Portra 400NC and 800. Would the little red window be a problem with this or is there a seal like on the Autographic door?

 

[Ian Grant]

Shouldn't be a problem. I've just returned from shooting with my 6x17 that has a much larger window with no red filter at all, and I'm working in very bright light, almost at the limit of my meters, Haven't had a problem in 3 years.

Ian