Kodak Brownie 620 Model D

 

One of Kodak's extensive and hugely successful Brownie range. This box camera dates from c.1953-57, which is when this model was given the horizontal stripe styling on its faceplate. It shoots  eight 6x9 images on 620 film and its body is covered in imitation leather. It seems the selling point of this camera was its 2-pin flash contacts. It proudly states "with flash contacts" beneath the lens.

The lens is a 100mm meniscus lens with a fixed aperture of f/11. In addition, there is a pull out lever that pulls a close-up lens into place. This allows focusing at 5 to 10 feet. Otherwise, the camera focuses from 10 feet onwards.

There is a single shutter speed of 1/50 and also a bulb setting. Fortunately there is a tripod socket to assist with bulb exposures.

There are two decent and very bright viewfinders. One on top for vertical pictures and one on the side for horizontal pictures. They are larger than most so composing with these is a breeze and far easier than many of the other box cameras in our collection.

The person who sold me this camera told me it had belonged to his relative and that it had been her pride and joy. It had since been sat in a cupboard unused for at least 10 years, and it was hoped it would find a good home.

On closer inspection, it would appear it has been quite a lot longer than 10 years since this camera was last used as it still had a roll of Kodacolor II inside it, and that film was discontinued in 1983. The roll was part way through but sadly the back was removed before it reached us so none of the pictures were recoverable.

So, after sitting unused for so long we were very happy to give this camera some purpose again.