Restoration: Kodak No.2 Model F circa 1927-1930 The ultimate vintage box camera?

**ismaelg** · 11-01-2021, 06:52 AM - **3 Likes**

Hello,

Conversation with myself:
-Another Brownie Box?
-Yeah...
-Why?
-No2 Model F: 120 film, metal body, tripod sockets, brighter viewfinders. The ultimate vintage Brownie!
-COOOLLLLL!!!

Here we go again:

Box cameras are a very important part of the history of photography. They were key to make photography available to the masses and in one shape or another, were made until the 1960's!!!
The Brownie No2 introduced the 120 film format in 1901 and this format still survives today! That's 120 years and counting!
So while waiting for the screws to finish my cardboard No2 Model D from ~1916, This one showed up on my workbench.

Brownie No.2 Model F: The Brownie No2 was launched in 1901 and went thru several iterations and models. The last major update was called Model F and was launched in 1924. It was built until 1935. Biggest difference was that while all previous models were cardboard and wood, this now had a metal body. This also allowed an important feature to be added: tripod sockets! Keep in mind at that time film was still very slow and time captures were still needed in many cases.
Function is basically the same as previous models.

So I got this one: Missing the strap and dirty. First impression is that it looks to be in good shape otherwise.
I have research date this unit to between 1927 and early 1931. Last patent imprinted is from March 1927 and the winding key was replaced with a big round knob in early 1931. If patent information was updated regularly, then I guess it makes sense to put it more to the earlier rather than the later part of that time window. I'm looking online to see if I find similar units with different patent info that may help narrow it even more.

But wait, something is wrong: The front plate is upside down. The viewfinders lenses should obviously align with the viewfinders. DUH!

Other than very dusty, the film carrier is in great shape

But back to the front plate, is it just an innocent mistake or is it hiding something?

Sure enough, the mirrors are not there so the view finders are not complete.

Before we continue, the leatherette is very brittle and it seems to be "inferior" to the earlier models. So is the black paint on the metal surfaces. Also, the plating is not as good as earlier models. I guess by this time cost was becoming a bigger consideration as part of the business. Keep in mind these were at the low end of the spectrum.

Stay tuned. This will be a rather quick job and probably be ready for testing alongside the older sibling from 1916.

Thanks,
Ismael

Last edited by ismaelg; 11-04-2021 at 11:45 AM.

**ramseybuckeye** · 11-01-2021, 01:28 PM

Well, here's another project we are all looking forward to. I really enjoys your restoration and repair stories, it's always amazing to see them when you are done. It's possible the leatherette and paint could have been damaged by cleaning products or just the atmosphere it has been stored in.

**ismaelg** · 11-01-2021, 03:32 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks Tom!

Hello again!

This was worked in the background in the past few weeks. Here is a summary.

Remember I was fooling around with handle straps on the other camera? I did this one and it works good here.

No mirrors? No problem. We have cracked the code!

By the way, the shutter remains similar in operation but it is an updated design. It "feels" smoother than the earlier versions.

The plating is definitely different. Here you can see there while it cleaned nicely, it is pitted. No biggie and it gives it some patina. You can see the closeup of the cracked leatherette.

I'll leave it alone and will not even try to do any metal work or repaint or anything...

The winding key did polish out nicely

Coming up next, completion, reassembly and ready for testing!

Thanks,
Ismael

**ismaelg** · 11-03-2021, 08:54 PM

Hello,

Remember my friend the shoemaker? I stopped today on my way home and got 2 scrap pieces of leather. One black one chocolate brown.

This is real leather. Just like George Eastman would have requested.
I need to work on my leather working skills but I like this color.

As soon as I get a chance, I'll do a black one just to see how it looks.

Thanks,
Ismael

**ismaelg** · 11-04-2021, 07:02 AM - **1 Like**

PRESENTING MY NEW KODAK BROWNIE No.2 MODEL F

Hello, This was more of a quick refresh job rather than a major restoration as it was in good working order.
This one is now ready to go out into the wild and mingle with the young!

Yes, I've made several straps and I like them all. They are interchangeable.

The roll holder was simply dusted off. It is in GREAT shape

..and the money shot: Family picture

left to right:
No.2 Model D (~1916, full restoration still pending vintage screws to complete before releasing to the wild)
No.2A Model B (~1918, already shot a roll with it)
No.2 Model F (~1927, ready for the world)

Thanks,
Ismael

**jbinpg** · 11-04-2021, 04:15 PM

Well done, Ismael ! Waiting for Adam to add the Vintage Camera subforum/forum to start posting Brownie photos. - Jack

crazy4oldcars · 11-09-2021, 08:07 PM

Awesome job. As always, I enjoy seeing what you can accomplish on these neglected vintage cameras.

**ismaelg** · 11-26-2021, 01:16 PM

Hello,

The youngest of the Brownie sisters (age: ~94), was taken out for a workout today.

Keep in mind, users of this type of cameras back then did not look for golden hour light or looked out for best time of day for diffused light. These cameras were meant to be snapshooters for children or beginning amateurs. You were traveling and along the way you saw a waterfall. You stopped, snapped a pic and continue your journey. That simple. So I drove to my favorite waterfall about mid morning - close to noon, to better simulate a typical use back on the late 1920's (the truth is that was the only time I had to sneak out of the office

).
But it was almost dry! Very little water and it was pretty dark with heavy shadows.
Since this camera features tripod sockets, I think I saved the day by doing some long-ish exposures of 2 to 3 seconds plus a few "instantaneous" snaps. Can't wait to see the results.

While there, again it drew a lot of attention. A lady came by and said "Ohh! a box camera! I have one of those! I know nothing about it except that it is very old!" She asked some questions, talked for a minute or two and we ended up exchanging emails because she wants to send me pictures of her camera so I can help identify it. A couple other folks also inquired about it. You could see people discreetly glazing over to see what it was

Will send the roll for development along with those from the other 2 Browines.
Can't wait to see what comes out of these!

Thanks,
Ismael

crazy4oldcars · 11-26-2021, 02:16 PM - **1 Like**

Excitedly awaiting developments!
Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

**ismaelg** · 12-13-2021, 01:45 PM

Hello,

PICTURES!

I got the negatives back from this test. To say I'm happy is the understatement of the week!
Contrary to the other 2, this roll seems to have been developed properly.

This is probably my favorite image of all 4 rolls: Guajataka lake from the dam.

Of course my favorite waterfall has to be there even if almost dry that day.

The view when you turn around in the waterfall and look south.

And if you combine these 2 scenes into a double exposure because you forgot to advance to the next frame, it looks like this

DOH! (Welcome to uncoupled shutterland) At least I noticed immediately and was able to repeat the shots shown above.

Since the waterfall was almost dry I was able to get very close for a view down river. I like this image a lot. Since this camera has a tripod socket a long exposure of a few seconds was possible.

VERY happy with the results.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Ismael

crazy4oldcars · 12-13-2021, 02:51 PM - **1 Like**

FAN-tastic! I'm glad to see the little camera works, given the love you put into the rebuild. The double-exposure sure added a lot of texture to the landscape!
Thank you for allowing us to ride along for the full journey.

womble · 02-02-2022, 01:35 AM - **1 Like**

Brilliant stuff. Super job, excellent images.

kypfer · 02-02-2022, 11:08 AM - **1 Like**

Haha!
Box camera fun

It's been a few years now

My old collection is long since dispersed, so I don't have any hands-on reference, but, as I remember, the strap fastening holes were long slits, so the handle could lie flat when it wasn't in use

viz: kodak classics - mischa koning
As you're probably aware, the Brownie 2 Model F was also available in a range of colours

11-01-2021, 06:52 AM - 3 Likes	#1
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,608	FINISHED Restoration: Kodak No.2 Model F circa 1927-1930 The ultimate vintage box? Hello, Conversation with myself: -Another Brownie Box? -Yeah... -Why? -No2 Model F: 120 film, metal body, tripod sockets, brighter viewfinders. The ultimate vintage Brownie! -COOOLLLLL!!! Here we go again: Box cameras are a very important part of the history of photography. They were key to make photography available to the masses and in one shape or another, were made until the 1960's!!! The Brownie No2 introduced the 120 film format in 1901 and this format still survives today! That's 120 years and counting! So while waiting for the screws to finish my cardboard No2 Model D from ~1916, This one showed up on my workbench. Brownie No.2 Model F: The Brownie No2 was launched in 1901 and went thru several iterations and models. The last major update was called Model F and was launched in 1924. It was built until 1935. Biggest difference was that while all previous models were cardboard and wood, this now had a metal body. This also allowed an important feature to be added: tripod sockets! Keep in mind at that time film was still very slow and time captures were still needed in many cases. Function is basically the same as previous models. So I got this one: Missing the strap and dirty. First impression is that it looks to be in good shape otherwise. I have research date this unit to between 1927 and early 1931. Last patent imprinted is from March 1927 and the winding key was replaced with a big round knob in early 1931. If patent information was updated regularly, then I guess it makes sense to put it more to the earlier rather than the later part of that time window. I'm looking online to see if I find similar units with different patent info that may help narrow it even more. But wait, something is wrong: The front plate is upside down. The viewfinders lenses should obviously align with the viewfinders. DUH! Other than very dusty, the film carrier is in great shape But back to the front plate, is it just an innocent mistake or is it hiding something? Sure enough, the mirrors are not there so the view finders are not complete. Before we continue, the leatherette is very brittle and it seems to be "inferior" to the earlier models. So is the black paint on the metal surfaces. Also, the plating is not as good as earlier models. I guess by this time cost was becoming a bigger consideration as part of the business. Keep in mind these were at the low end of the spectrum. Stay tuned. This will be a rather quick job and probably be ready for testing alongside the older sibling from 1916. Thanks, Ismael Last edited by ismaelg; 11-04-2021 at 11:45 AM.

11-26-2021, 01:16 PM	#8
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,608 Original Poster	Hello, The youngest of the Brownie sisters (age: ~94), was taken out for a workout today. Keep in mind, users of this type of cameras back then did not look for golden hour light or looked out for best time of day for diffused light. These cameras were meant to be snapshooters for children or beginning amateurs. You were traveling and along the way you saw a waterfall. You stopped, snapped a pic and continue your journey. That simple. So I drove to my favorite waterfall about mid morning - close to noon, to better simulate a typical use back on the late 1920's (the truth is that was the only time I had to sneak out of the office ). But it was almost dry! Very little water and it was pretty dark with heavy shadows. Since this camera features tripod sockets, I think I saved the day by doing some long-ish exposures of 2 to 3 seconds plus a few "instantaneous" snaps. Can't wait to see the results. While there, again it drew a lot of attention. A lady came by and said "Ohh! a box camera! I have one of those! I know nothing about it except that it is very old!" She asked some questions, talked for a minute or two and we ended up exchanging emails because she wants to send me pictures of her camera so I can help identify it. A couple other folks also inquired about it. You could see people discreetly glazing over to see what it was Will send the roll for development along with those from the other 2 Browines. Can't wait to see what comes out of these! Thanks, Ismael Last edited by ismaelg; 11-26-2021 at 02:57 PM.

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11-01-2021, 01:28 PM	#2
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,049	Well, here's another project we are all looking forward to. I really enjoys your restoration and repair stories, it's always amazing to see them when you are done. It's possible the leatherette and paint could have been damaged by cleaning products or just the atmosphere it has been stored in.

11-01-2021, 03:32 PM - 1 Like	#3
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,608 Original Poster	Thanks Tom! Hello again! This was worked in the background in the past few weeks. Here is a summary. Remember I was fooling around with handle straps on the other camera? I did this one and it works good here. No mirrors? No problem. We have cracked the code! By the way, the shutter remains similar in operation but it is an updated design. It "feels" smoother than the earlier versions. The plating is definitely different. Here you can see there while it cleaned nicely, it is pitted. No biggie and it gives it some patina. You can see the closeup of the cracked leatherette. I'll leave it alone and will not even try to do any metal work or repaint or anything... The winding key did polish out nicely Coming up next, completion, reassembly and ready for testing! Thanks, Ismael

11-03-2021, 08:54 PM	#4
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,608 Original Poster	Hello, Remember my friend the shoemaker? I stopped today on my way home and got 2 scrap pieces of leather. One black one chocolate brown. This is real leather. Just like George Eastman would have requested. I need to work on my leather working skills but I like this color. As soon as I get a chance, I'll do a black one just to see how it looks. Thanks, Ismael

11-04-2021, 07:02 AM - 1 Like	#5
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,608 Original Poster	PRESENTING MY NEW KODAK BROWNIE No.2 MODEL F Hello, This was more of a quick refresh job rather than a major restoration as it was in good working order. This one is now ready to go out into the wild and mingle with the young! Yes, I've made several straps and I like them all. They are interchangeable. The roll holder was simply dusted off. It is in GREAT shape ..and the money shot: Family picture left to right: No.2 Model D (~1916, full restoration still pending vintage screws to complete before releasing to the wild) No.2A Model B (~1918, already shot a roll with it) No.2 Model F (~1927, ready for the world) Thanks, Ismael

11-04-2021, 04:15 PM	#6
jbinpg Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,480	Well done, Ismael ! Waiting for Adam to add the Vintage Camera subforum/forum to start posting Brownie photos. - Jack

11-09-2021, 08:07 PM	#7
crazy4oldcars Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Beaumont, Texas Posts: 219	Awesome job. As always, I enjoy seeing what you can accomplish on these neglected vintage cameras.

11-26-2021, 02:16 PM - 1 Like	#9
crazy4oldcars Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Beaumont, Texas Posts: 219	Excitedly awaiting developments! Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

12-13-2021, 01:45 PM	#10
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,608 Original Poster	Hello, PICTURES! I got the negatives back from this test. To say I'm happy is the understatement of the week! Contrary to the other 2, this roll seems to have been developed properly. This is probably my favorite image of all 4 rolls: Guajataka lake from the dam. Of course my favorite waterfall has to be there even if almost dry that day. The view when you turn around in the waterfall and look south. And if you combine these 2 scenes into a double exposure because you forgot to advance to the next frame, it looks like this DOH! (Welcome to uncoupled shutterland) At least I noticed immediately and was able to repeat the shots shown above. Since the waterfall was almost dry I was able to get very close for a view down river. I like this image a lot. Since this camera has a tripod socket a long exposure of a few seconds was possible. VERY happy with the results. What do you think? Thanks, Ismael

12-13-2021, 02:51 PM - 1 Like	#11
crazy4oldcars Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Beaumont, Texas Posts: 219	FAN-tastic! I'm glad to see the little camera works, given the love you put into the rebuild. The double-exposure sure added a lot of texture to the landscape! Thank you for allowing us to ride along for the full journey.

02-02-2022, 01:35 AM - 1 Like	#12
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,267	Brilliant stuff. Super job, excellent images.

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02-02-2022, 11:08 AM - 1 Like	#13
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 2,656	Haha! Box camera fun It's been a few years now My old collection is long since dispersed, so I don't have any hands-on reference, but, as I remember, the strap fastening holes were long slits, so the handle could lie flat when it wasn't in use viz: kodak classics - mischa koning As you're probably aware, the Brownie 2 Model F was also available in a range of colours