Kodak Box Brownie camera models—from the very first 1900 Brownie to later Bakelite and metal versions—followed by descriptions of key models throughout the series:
Notable Kodak Box Brownie Models
The Original “Brownie” (1900)
- The first-ever Brownie, a simple cardboard-covered box with a meniscus lens, producing 2¼″ square images on 117 film. It had no viewfinder initially, though later adapted with a clip-on accessory rangefinder-cameras.comcamerapedia.fandom.com.
- Priced at just $1, it democratized photography; over 250,000 units were sold in its first year kodakverzameling.nlrangefinder-cameras.comBella Online.
No. 2 Brownie (1901–1935)
- Upgraded to use 120 roll film, giving 2¼″ × 3¼″ rectangular negatives. Originally leatherette-covered cardboard, later upgraded to metal in 1924 brownie-camera.combafybeiemxf5abjwjbikoz4mc3a3dla6ual3jsgpdr4cjr3oz3evfyavhwq.ipfs.4everland.io.
- Featured twin sliding top mechanisms for bulb (time) exposure and aperture selection, plus dual reflecting finders for horizontal and vertical framing brownie-camera.comAmateur Photographerbafybeiemxf5abjwjbikoz4mc3a3dla6ual3jsgpdr4cjr3oz3evfyavhwq.ipfs.4everland.io.
- Millions made; models ranged A through F, including aluminum and colored variants brownie-camera.combafybeiemxf5abjwjbikoz4mc3a3dla6ual3jsgpdr4cjr3oz3evfyavhwq.ipfs.4everland.ioCamera Go Cameravintagecameralab.com.
No. 3 Brownie (1908–1934)
- Used larger 124 film for 3¼″ × 4¼″ negatives—ideal for contact printing “postcard-style” photos Camera Wikicamerapedia.fandom.com.
- Featured leatherette covering, dual viewfinders, slide-outs for bulb/f-stops, and tripod socket; underwent design updates across generations (Model B, trigger guard, finer coverings) Camera Wikicamerapedia.fandom.comvintagecameralab.combrownie-camera.com.
Six-16 Brownie Junior (1934–1942)
- A larger metal box for 616 film, producing 2½″ × 4¼″ “postcard” negatives brownie-camera.com365 Electric.
- Art Deco front panel, two reflecting finders, and sliders for aperture and time exposures brownie-camera.com365 Electric.
Six-20 Brownie (1933–1941) & Variants
- Produced in both US and UK versions; took eight 6×9 cm images on 620 film. US model had focus zones (5–10 ft, 10 ft–∞) plus aperture slider Camera Wiki+1.
- The Target Brownie Six-20 (from 1941) featured a refined vertical Art Deco-style front plate; the line continued through 1952. A rare Mickey Mouse prototype also existed 365 ElectricCamera Wiki.
- The Model E (UK, 1947–1957) was a durable, sheet-metal-built “workhorse,” with a meniscus f/11 lens and slide-in portrait lens brownie-camera.com.
Kodak Brownie Model I (1957–1959, UK)
- A tin-bodied box camera for 620 roll film, featuring a fixed-speed rotary shutter, slow Kodet f/14 lens, and twin brilliant finders for horizontal/vertical shots Camera Wiki.
Broader Brownie Legacy
- Over its ~62-year run (1900–1962), the Brownie series included around 200 box-camera models—evolving in materials, styling, and features while maintaining approachable simplicity and affordability rangefinder-cameras.combrownie-camera.comcamerapedia.fandom.comMy Modern Met.
- Variations include the Beau Brownie (1930–1933), celebrated for its Art Deco enamel front and doublet lens enabling more compact body construction bafybeiemxf5abjwjbikoz4mc3a3dla6ual3jsgpdr4cjr3oz3evfyavhwq.ipfs.4everland.io365 Electric.
Summary Table
| Model | Film / Format | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Original Brownie (1900) | 117 / 2¼″ × 2¼″ | Cardboard box, meniscus lens, no finder initially |
| No. 2 Brownie (1901–1935) | 120 / 2¼″ × 3¼″ | Twin finders, bulb/aperture sliders, multiple variants |
| No. 3 Brownie (1908–1934) | 124 / 3¼″ × 4¼″ | Large negatives, tripod socket, design updates over time |
| Six-16 Brownie Junior (1934) | 616 / 2½″ × 4¼″ | Art Deco panel, twin finders, metal box |
| Six-20 Brownie Series | 620 / 6×9 cm | Focus zones, aperture slider (US); UK versions with durable build |
| Model I (UK, 1957–1959) | 620 | Tin body, rotary shutter, twin brilliant finders |
These Kodak Box Brownies stand as milestones in making photography affordable and easy—from the pioneering 1900 model to mid-century metal renditions with styling flair.