Cute little camera for display only

ismaelg · 12-26-2019, 01:10 PM - **1 Like**

Hello,

Walking around a little thrift store I found a cute little camera that will most likely not be used. It will most likely be for display only. I got it so I can say I support local businesses! That's my story and I'll stick to it!

It is a Brownie Starflex. These were made between 1957 and 1963. It was intended to be a cheap point and shoot leveraging the TLR layout. It is all plastic (Bakelite I think) and uses 127 film that has been discontinued for decades now. There may still some out there but this was never a serious camera.
I'll clean it out and display it. It may look cute next to a real TLR like my Mat 124G
Seems to be complete, only dirty.

Thanks,

**boriscleto** · 12-26-2019, 02:13 PM - **1 Like**

ReraPan still makes 127 B&W (400) and color slide (100) film. $14/roll...

**sergysergy** · 12-26-2019, 03:20 PM

you are supporting lots of businesses and your collection doesn't stop growing

**ChrisPlatt** · 12-26-2019, 05:30 PM - **1 Like**

When I was little my mom - the family photographer - used a similar Kodak Brownie Starflash camera.
Her 127 slides (yes slides!) were surprisingly sharp and well-exposed even with this rudimentary camera.
Alas the color slide film of the day didn't age well and showed significant color shifts after 20+ years.

FWIW I like the 127 film format very much and wish more decent adjustable lens 127 cameras were available.
4 x 4 cm "superslides" fit in 2" x 2" mounts and can be projected in any Carousel or similar 35mm projector.

Chris

Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 12-26-2019 at 05:35 PM.

Imp · 12-26-2019, 06:48 PM

And we complain about portability of our cameras

**boriscleto** · 12-26-2019, 06:56 PM

The only 127 I have is the Brownie Starmite II. My grandfather had a Brownie Star series camera that I used to play with as a kid, without film. I learned how to open it up and trip the double exposure prevention switch.

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Name: _IGP6132.jpg
Views: 170
Size: 352.9 KB

**James also** · 12-26-2019, 07:04 PM

It is nice to see these items being "Reloved"

**TomB_tx** · 12-26-2019, 07:28 PM

I’ve been using a few 127 cameras lately, including a Vest Pocket Kodak folding camera from about 1920, and a Sawyers Mark IV TLR that is quite capable - much like a Rolleiflex. I have trimmers to cut 120 film to 127 size (with a 16mm strip left for my Minolta 16) that work quite well. Cheaper than Rarapan and more film types.

**BigDave** · 12-26-2019, 07:53 PM

CLASSIC simple cameras from Kodak's heyday. The company is a shell of its former self, and it is its own fault!

ismaelg · 12-30-2019, 07:37 PM - **3 Likes**

Hello,

OK, since I've never claimed to be normal and easily diverted, here goes this:

The buckles of the strap were very rusted.
Can you tell which one is untouched and which one spent overnight in a vinegar bath, then vigorously brushed under running water, then carefully cleaned with a wire wheel in the Dremel and finally a healthy dose of metal polish?
Keep in mind this about 60+ years old.

Took apart the top and removed the viewing lens "mirror" which is actually a piece of polished metal. It was rusted and dirty. Cleaned it and then went to town with metal polish and elbow grease. It is now much brighter and despite not been 100% perfect, it is way better that before. Before reassembly, cleaned the inside of the front and top lenses. Cleaned and polished the parts and reassembled.

This camera has a folding sports finder.

I suppose you align the smaller square centered to the bigger one

Older plastic cameras need love too!

Thanks,

**RGlasel** · 12-31-2019, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by ismaelg

Cleaned and polished the parts and reassembled.

Wow, your work made a world of difference. Looks like mint condition now.

ismaelg · 01-06-2020, 08:20 PM - **2 Likes**

Hello,

Thanks .a.t.! That's a cool catalog page!

Strap went back together with the polished buckles. No more rusty shame here

And this is how it looks if it were in action. Well, maybe not that close. Thanks to K2 and K1000 top models. Remember in TLRs, the image is inverted.

We can now return to our regularly scheduled programming, already in progress.

Thanks,

**gaweidert** · 01-08-2020, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by BigDave

CLASSIC simple cameras from Kodak's heyday. The company is a shell of its former self, and it is its own fault!

Not completely. Wall Street had a lot to do with it too. Sadly no president of the caliber of the founder stood up and stopped the madness.

**BigDave** · 01-08-2020, 03:13 PM

When I stated it was their own fault, it was in reference to the management. Years ago you had many employees reporting to managers, reporting to directors, reporting to VPs, etc. At the end it was AN employee, reporting to MULTIPLE managers, reporting to multiple directors, and so on. This type of structure is destined to fail. If there are any retired or current Kodak people out there, they can chime in on this, but talking to those I know, this was the state of things. You may be such a person, being fro Rachacha! And yes Wall Street did not help and the management seemed to be foolish!

**barondla** · 01-08-2020, 08:44 PM

Originally posted by ismaelg

Hello,

Walking around a little thrift store I found a cute little camera that will most likely not be used. It will most likely be for display only. I got it so I can say I support local businesses! That's my story and I'll stick to it!

It is a Brownie Starflex. These were made between 1957 and 1963. It was intended to be a cheap point and shoot leveraging the TLR layout. It is all plastic (Bakelite I think) and uses 127 film that has been discontinued for decades now. There may still some out there but this was never a serious camera.
I'll clean it out and display it. It may look cute next to a real TLR like my Mat 124G
Seems to be complete, only dirty.

Thanks,

Such a cute looking camera. You did a nice job cleaning and restoring it.

---------- Post added 01-08-20 at 09:50 PM ----------

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

When I was little my mom - the family photographer - used a similar Kodak Brownie Starflash camera.
Her 127 slides (yes slides!) were surprisingly sharp and well-exposed even with this rudimentary camera.
Alas the color slide film of the day didn't age well and showed significant color shifts after 20+ years.

FWIW I like the 127 film format very much and wish more decent adjustable lens 127 cameras were available.
4 x 4 cm "superslides" fit in 2" x 2" mounts and can be projected in any Carousel or similar 35mm projector.

Chris

I have a Yashica 127 tlr with totally adjustable settings. It's a minaturized 124. Haven't shot it in years. Need to fix that.

Thanks for sharing,
barondla

12-26-2019, 01:10 PM - 1 Like	#1
ismaelg Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,492	Cute little camera for display only Hello, Walking around a little thrift store I found a cute little camera that will most likely not be used. It will most likely be for display only. I got it so I can say I support local businesses! That's my story and I'll stick to it! It is a Brownie Starflex. These were made between 1957 and 1963. It was intended to be a cheap point and shoot leveraging the TLR layout. It is all plastic (Bakelite I think) and uses 127 film that has been discontinued for decades now. There may still some out there but this was never a serious camera. I'll clean it out and display it. It may look cute next to a real TLR like my Mat 124G Seems to be complete, only dirty. Thanks,

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12-26-2019, 02:13 PM - 1 Like	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 14,988	ReraPan still makes 127 B&W (400) and color slide (100) film. $14/roll...

12-26-2019, 03:20 PM	#3
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3,653	you are supporting lots of businesses and your collection doesn't stop growing

12-26-2019, 05:30 PM - 1 Like	#4
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 6,112	When I was little my mom - the family photographer - used a similar Kodak Brownie Starflash camera. Her 127 slides (yes slides!) were surprisingly sharp and well-exposed even with this rudimentary camera. Alas the color slide film of the day didn't age well and showed significant color shifts after 20+ years. FWIW I like the 127 film format very much and wish more decent adjustable lens 127 cameras were available. 4 x 4 cm "superslides" fit in 2" x 2" mounts and can be projected in any Carousel or similar 35mm projector. Chris Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 12-26-2019 at 05:35 PM.

12-26-2019, 06:48 PM	#5
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,533	And we complain about portability of our cameras

12-26-2019, 06:56 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 14,988	The only 127 I have is the Brownie Starmite II. My grandfather had a Brownie Star series camera that I used to play with as a kid, without film. I learned how to open it up and trip the double exposure prevention switch.

12-26-2019, 07:04 PM	#7
James also Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 254	It is nice to see these items being "Reloved"

12-26-2019, 07:28 PM	#8
TomB_tx Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,345	I’ve been using a few 127 cameras lately, including a Vest Pocket Kodak folding camera from about 1920, and a Sawyers Mark IV TLR that is quite capable - much like a Rolleiflex. I have trimmers to cut 120 film to 127 size (with a 16mm strip left for my Minolta 16) that work quite well. Cheaper than Rarapan and more film types.

12-26-2019, 07:53 PM	#9
BigDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,354	CLASSIC simple cameras from Kodak's heyday. The company is a shell of its former self, and it is its own fault!

12-30-2019, 07:37 PM - 3 Likes	#10
ismaelg Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,492 Original Poster	Hello, OK, since I've never claimed to be normal and easily diverted, here goes this: The buckles of the strap were very rusted. Can you tell which one is untouched and which one spent overnight in a vinegar bath, then vigorously brushed under running water, then carefully cleaned with a wire wheel in the Dremel and finally a healthy dose of metal polish? Keep in mind this about 60+ years old. Took apart the top and removed the viewing lens "mirror" which is actually a piece of polished metal. It was rusted and dirty. Cleaned it and then went to town with metal polish and elbow grease. It is now much brighter and despite not been 100% perfect, it is way better that before. Before reassembly, cleaned the inside of the front and top lenses. Cleaned and polished the parts and reassembled. This camera has a folding sports finder. I suppose you align the smaller square centered to the bigger one Older plastic cameras need love too! Thanks,

12-31-2019, 08:57 AM	#11
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,631	Originally posted by ismaelg Cleaned and polished the parts and reassembled. Wow, your work made a world of difference. Looks like mint condition now.

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01-06-2020, 08:20 PM - 2 Likes	#12
ismaelg Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,492 Original Poster	Hello, Thanks .a.t.! That's a cool catalog page! Strap went back together with the polished buckles. No more rusty shame here And this is how it looks if it were in action. Well, maybe not that close. Thanks to K2 and K1000 top models. Remember in TLRs, the image is inverted. We can now return to our regularly scheduled programming, already in progress. Thanks,

01-08-2020, 03:04 PM	#13
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,925	Originally posted by BigDave CLASSIC simple cameras from Kodak's heyday. The company is a shell of its former self, and it is its own fault! Not completely. Wall Street had a lot to do with it too. Sadly no president of the caliber of the founder stood up and stopped the madness.

01-08-2020, 03:13 PM	#14
BigDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,354	When I stated it was their own fault, it was in reference to the management. Years ago you had many employees reporting to managers, reporting to directors, reporting to VPs, etc. At the end it was AN employee, reporting to MULTIPLE managers, reporting to multiple directors, and so on. This type of structure is destined to fail. If there are any retired or current Kodak people out there, they can chime in on this, but talking to those I know, this was the state of things. You may be such a person, being fro Rachacha! And yes Wall Street did not help and the management seemed to be foolish!

01-08-2020, 08:44 PM	#15
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,208	Originally posted by ismaelg Hello, Walking around a little thrift store I found a cute little camera that will most likely not be used. It will most likely be for display only. I got it so I can say I support local businesses! That's my story and I'll stick to it! It is a Brownie Starflex. These were made between 1957 and 1963. It was intended to be a cheap point and shoot leveraging the TLR layout. It is all plastic (Bakelite I think) and uses 127 film that has been discontinued for decades now. There may still some out there but this was never a serious camera. I'll clean it out and display it. It may look cute next to a real TLR like my Mat 124G Seems to be complete, only dirty. Thanks, Such a cute looking camera. You did a nice job cleaning and restoring it. ---------- Post added 01-08-20 at 09:50 PM ---------- Originally posted by ChrisPlatt When I was little my mom - the family photographer - used a similar Kodak Brownie Starflash camera. Her 127 slides (yes slides!) were surprisingly sharp and well-exposed even with this rudimentary camera. Alas the color slide film of the day didn't age well and showed significant color shifts after 20+ years. FWIW I like the 127 film format very much and wish more decent adjustable lens 127 cameras were available. 4 x 4 cm "superslides" fit in 2" x 2" mounts and can be projected in any Carousel or similar 35mm projector. Chris I have a Yashica 127 tlr with totally adjustable settings. It's a minaturized 124. Haven't shot it in years. Need to fix that. Thanks for sharing, barondla