Brownie Holiday

8 days ago

Welcome to the Brownie Holiday camera.

The Kodak Brownie Holiday camera was introduced in the early 1950's and in production for at least a decade. Later versions, introduced in 1962, have a flash attachment.

This is not that camera. It is the older model, without the flash.

The camera was made of bakelite or plastic, both common materials at the time. Use of the camera is incredibly simple:

Point.
Shoot.
Forward.
Repeat.

There are no additional features on this camera, and the use of it is dead simple. Want to adjust the aperture? You'll need a different camera. Shutter speed? Ditto. Don't expect anything fancy here. Be glad there's even a shutter release.

Do I have any idea what the shutter speed it? No, I don't. Same goes for the lens. No clue.

The most interesting aspect of this camera is that is uses 127 format film, which is essentially midway between 120 and 135 (or 35mm). It's not a common film format, and finding that size film isn't easy. I was able to order some from China to try out. Thankfully the film isn't great and is straight up ISO 100, which is what would have been most commonly available at the time.

I took three rolls with me to Calgary in February, and used them in both Calgary and Banff. Sadly the second roll didn't turn out quite right: I think I had some light leak when changing the film, so I'm glad anything turned out at all.

I will admit, despite the simplicity of the camera, I really like how the final photos seem vintage. Seriously, it's not surprising, but I still like it.