Hello,
May I present my just refreshed century old camera:
Kodak No.2A Brownie Model B
While the No.2A camera was built from 1907 until 1936, I have research dated this camera to a window between late 1918 and early 1920. So it is between 101 and 103 years old at the moment of this post (Sept 2021).
Some of the reasons are:
1. Film tension spring and case latches were revised and improved in 1917. This camera has the late and updated version of both features.
2.A small metal nameplate was added to the back in early 1918. This camera has it.
3.A shutter trigger guard was added in March 1920. This camera does not have that.
4.Circumstantial evidence: The booklet is dated June 1918. Assuming it is the original booklet that came with it, this camera could be from the second half of 1918.
It cleaned up really nice. It is in remarkable good condition. Keep in mind, this is mostly cardboard and wood.
While I will not trust it for its original intended use, the leather handle is still in better presentable condition than many others I've seen. It is not uncommon to have these missing in units this old.
The bright work cleaned and polished really nice. I understand these are nickel plated. At least the base of the winding key.
Now, here is where it gets interesting:
Cleanup is only the start of this adventure!
I would like to use this camera and take at least a roll with it. However, this camera was made for 116 film, which was discontinued almost 40 years ago.
This 116 format was a 70mm wide film, which is 10mm wider than the current 120 format.
There are typically 2 options: Either respool current film into 116 spools or work with adapters to convert current 120 film into 116 size. Both methods have their challenges.
So I ordered some 3D printed 120 to 116 adapters.
However, remember that in 1917 they update the film tension spring? Well, that interferes with this setup.
I modified the adapters a little bit and I think I can get away with it on the source spool.
However:
It won't work in the take up spool.
Just the slightest (and disrespectful) idea of altering the camera is a big
NO-NO.
So here is my plan:
-Use an original 116 metal spool as take up.
-Ensure the 3D printed adapters provide the least amount of rolling resistance.
-Shoot the roll, which by the way needs to be recalibrated as the images are bigger in 116 vs 120. So the first image starts at #3, second at 5 1/2 etc.
-Once the roll is complete, I would need to respool the exposed roll back from the 116 spool into a regular 120 spool in total darkness of course, like a changing bag or darkroom.
-Send for development.
This is all part of the adventure of getting to use a century old camera.
Stay tuned!
Sorry for the long post but I try to make my content informative and useful whenever possible.
Thanks,
Ismael
Last edited by ismaelg; 10-03-2021 at 03:44 AM.