Vintage Kodak Six-20 “Brownie” Model C Box Camera in Leather Case #2

Description

Vintage Kodak Six-20 “Brownie” Model C Box Camera in Leather Case

The Box Brownie Target Six-20 is a classic camera made by Kodak and part of the Box Brownie series, which was introduced in the 1930s. Here’s a breakdown of its features:

Key Features of the Box Brownie Target Six-20:

1. Film Format:
   The Target Six-20 used 620 roll film, a film format introduced by Kodak, which is narrower than 120 film but still provides medium-format photography. This film is no longer in production, but it can still be found with some effort or adapted from 120 film by re-spooling.

2. Viewfinder:
   It has a simple fixed viewfinder that is generally square-shaped. The viewfinder makes composing shots easy, though the camera is quite basic compared to modern cameras.

3. Lens:
   The camera typically came with a meniscus lens, which is a simple, single-element lens that doesn’t provide the sharpness or clarity of modern lenses but can still capture soft, nostalgic images typical of cameras from this era.

4. Shutter:
   The Target Six-20 often had a single-speed shutter with the option for time exposure, meaning it could be set to remain open for longer exposure times, useful for low-light or nighttime shots.

5. Construction:
   As with most Box Brownies, it was built with a cardboard body covered in imitation leather, giving it a classic, durable feel. The box design made it very portable and easy to carry.

6. Simplicity:
   The Target Six-20 was designed with simplicity in mind. It had very few controls — usually just a shutter release and a switch to set the camera for snapshots or time exposures. This made it an ideal camera for beginners and casual photographers in its time.

7. Photographic Results:
   Given its basic lens and shutter system, photos from the Box Brownie Target Six-20 were often soft and had a vintage, “dreamy” quality, which is part of its charm for collectors and users of film cameras today.

Legacy:

The Kodak Box Brownie cameras, including the Target Six-20, played a major role in popularizing amateur photography. They were simple, affordable, and designed for everyday use, making them accessible for the general public.

While the Target Six-20 is considered somewhat of a collector’s item today, it’s also appreciated by some for its simplicity and the fun of shooting with vintage film cameras.

Film Today:

If you’re interested in using the Target Six-20 today, you would either need to find original 620 film (which is harder to come by) or re-spool 120 film onto 620 spools to make it compatible. Many photographers still enjoy this process for the nostalgia and the unique look it produces.