Kodak Brownie No 2 (1901–1930s)
A simple box camera that helped bring photography to the masses, using 120 film and featuring a fixed-focus lens with multiple aperture settings.
Overview
The Kodak Brownie No 2 is a box camera introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1901 as part of the iconic Brownie series, which began in 1900 to make photography accessible to amateur users. This model was produced for several decades, with the Model F variant appearing around 1924 and continuing into the 1930s. It was available in colors including blue and green during the 1930 period, indicating a shift toward more consumer-friendly aesthetics. Designed for simplicity, it features a fixed-focus lens optimized for subjects from 8 feet to infinity and uses 120 film, a format still in use today, making it a practical choice for modern film photographers interested in vintage gear.
Specifications
| Film Format | 120 film |
| Lens | 105mm f/8 |
| Aperture | f/11, f/16, f/22 |
| Focus | Fixed (8ft–infinity) |
| Shutter Speed | Approximately 1/30–1/40 sec |
Design
The Kodak Brownie No 2 was produced in various colors around 1930, with the Model F variant known to come in blue and green. It is a box-form camera with a fixed, non-interchangeable lens and manual controls. The Model F designation is confirmed for versions made from 1924 onward.
Context
Launched in 1901, the Kodak Brownie No 2 arrived during a pivotal moment in photographic history, just after the original Brownie series debut in 1900. It played a key role in expanding amateur photography by offering an affordable, easy-to-use camera that could be operated without technical expertise. Its long production run and evolution into color variants like the Model F reflect its popularity and Kodak’s strategy of refining entry-level cameras for broader consumer appeal.
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