Kodak Baby Brownie Special

[McFortner]

I got this camera a little while ago off of that online auction site (the one everybody is addicted to). When it arrived I noticed it had no lens. So I started hunting high and low through all my junk from demolished broken cameras for a lens that would work. I finally found one that was from the viewfinder of a point-and-shoot camera. It was long and thin and all I had to do was mount it inside of the shutter and the focal length should be about right. If it wasn't, I'd just gut the thing for parts and mount my webcam inside.

I've been running some Lucky 35mm through it, and decided to try developing what had been shot so far to see if it was worth finishing up the roll in it. While the focus is a little soft it does work. Hey, the Brownies had soft focus anyway. And the vignetting ends up giving me a picture about the same size as a photo taken in a 35mm camera.

When I finish the film inside, I'll take some pictures of what I did. For right now, here are some photos for C&C.

And finally, one of the first shots on the roll. A double image that I didn't know I took, but liked anyway:

I'm glad I was able to rescue this camera. I hate getting rid of something that can still work....

Michael

 

[Matthew Rusbarsky]

Pretty cool. I know sharpness is not the point, but pic #3 seems to suggest that your lens is focusing somewhere. I bet you ended up with a sweet spot closer than the public building and farther than the cat! How tough is it to use 35? Looking forward to the details.

 

[Fireguy2002]

I think I might like it more than my Holga.

 

[McFortner]

I have to reroll the 35mm onto a 127 spool and load/unload in a changing bag right now since I only have one backing paper for 127 film, and it's in use right now. I used some exposed film to test how far to turn the knob to advance the film, and with the vignetting that's a little generous. The red window on the back is covered by several layers of black electrical tape. It would be easier if I had some 127 film backing paper. So if anybody has any 127 paper and spools they don't need, I sure could use them!

I really need to sit down and test where the focus is. Maybe I'll get the tape measure out and make a few test shots soon. But then again, there's no hurry. I'm having fun with this little camera now. Not only have I restored it to functionality, but it takes wonderful images to boot! You'd almost think it was something you bought from that website that has the exclusive rights to sell new model Russian cameras for 4x what they are worth, respooled redscale film, and expensive expired film to the artsy types (trying to avoid copyright issues here, they are sue-happy!).

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And this camera is so small! Only 3 inches by 3 in. by 3.5 in. (76mm x 76mm x 90mm), it is easy to take with me, especially since I like to wear pants with cargo pockets. When I got it, it was in less than perfect shape. No lens, very dirty, and no carry strap. I replaced the strap with the outer covering from some shoelaces (a trick I picked up from audiophiles who make their own cables). Now it can go with me anywhere.

Sorry if I'm babbling, but I love this little camera. Next up for it? Installing some felt to get a better tension on the film. I'd love to install a tripod mount, but I can't figure out how to do that properly. At least there are enough of these out there in good shape that I don't worry about my tinkering with this one.

Michael

 

[Fireguy2002]

Nevermind my last post. I'll go to my artsy website now.

Tripod mount:
If there's room in the body, drill a hole and glue an appropriately sized nut inside the body. Light sealed of course. If not, just glue the nut to the outside.

 

[McFortner]

Nevermind my last post. I'll go to my artsy website now.

Ah, crud, I stepped in it now... *j/k*

I have nothing against the artsy crowd, just those who are gouging the wannabes. Heck, I'd be an artsy type, but I'm more of a wannabe right now. But at least I know how to do it cheaper than that website-that-shall-not-be-named wants to charge you for it! Maybe I should edit my last post a bit? Can you forgive a talentless artsy wannabe?

The problem with a tripod mount is not the how but the where. With the back sliding over the the "guts" of the camera, there is nowhere you can do this without making reassembly a pain. The only problem with working on something so small, not much room to make modifications. I may just mount a t-nut on a piece of wood and rubber band the camera to it when I want to use a tripod.

So, to sum it all up:

1. I apologize to all of the artsy folks out there.
2. I didn't name the website-that-shall-not-be-named.
3. I wish I had the tallent to be artsy.
4. Tiny cameras leave little room for modifications.
5. My sense of humor is often dry and hard to recoginize. That's my fault and not yours.

I think that about covers it. And now you know.

And knowing is half the battle....

Michael

 

[Fireguy2002]

Haha. I fiddle in both worlds. 35mm and toy cameras.

Maybe one of these on the bottom with one of these coming out the bottom of the camera. I don't know the innards of the thing but you get the idea.

 

[mhcfires]

You can get 127 film from Freestyle. Efke R100. Not bad, I use it in my Brownie Starmite.

 

[McFortner]

I'd love to use it, but I'm on disability and the budget is way tight right now. I do have some bulk 35mm, so that is what I'm using. I just need backing paper and spools, and those are hard to find within my budget.

Michael