Kodak Brownie Jumbo Family Restaurant exposure no. 9

Kodak Brownie Hawkeye FujiFilm Reala Arista C-41 - Who needs instagram, a vintage Kodak Brownie Hawkeye and a vintage sign is all really you need. That and several hours for processing, drying and scanning film, but this is the real McCoy. Dark Corners, motion blur and iffy focus all honestly earned. OK, so maybe I am a little crazy, but sometimes the process is as important as the result.

This sign and restaurant are right on Rt. 460 East just before you leave Lynchburg Va.. A monument to another time in the not so distant past. The perfect subject for a Kodak Brownie.

 See the full roll in this Flickr Set.

Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Exposure no. 5

Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Rollei Retro 80s Adox Adonal (Rodinal) 1:50 - Shooting with the Hawkeye is definitely photography at simplest.

Step 1. Point it in the direction of the scene you want to photograph.
Step 2. Frame the shot using the vague waist level viewfinder.
Step 3. Hold very still (shutter speed is only and 1/30 of a second) and press the shutter button.
Step 4. Advance the film and start over.
Note: Step 4 is extremely important. The Hawkeye will let you expose the same frame over and over again.

It is amazing what a  big negative will let you get away with. The Lens is soft, but contrasty. I used Adox Adonal (Rodinal) 1:50 to enhance the retro feel and I am pleased with the results.

Image captured at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Lynchburg VA.

The Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera

Image © Eastman Kodak Company

The Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera - Cameras do not come much more basis than this. Fixed Lens, Fixed Focus, 2 shutter Speeds and manual film advance are not some, but basically all, of this camera's features. Originally designed to accept 620 film, it will accept 120 as long as you have a 620 take up spool. I am guessing the effective shuttle speed is about a 30th of a second and if you are really feeling creative there is a B or Bulb setting to hold the shutter open. Ascetically it is a Art Deco, Bakelite wonder and should be a part of any camera collection. I have had one for a long time, but finally got around to using it this weekend
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