Author Topic: Hawkeye (Read 6867 times)

Blaxton · « **on:** June 11, 2009, 05:50:54 AM »

I tried two rolls of tri-x in a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye I picked up recently. I botched the respooling--my modified 120 spool didn't work out--and several frames of film were ripped on the edges. Once I receive the 620 spools I ordered, I think it will work better. I tried one roll outside--the light was perfect for the shutter and f-stop combination of the 'Instant' setting--and another roll inside, using the B setting. The exposures all were just right but of course the focus was a little less than raptor sharp.

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original_ann · « **Reply #1 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:58:29 PM »

nice job! It's always such a challenge to tame the exposures on old cameras using these faster films. And I dare say, I so don't mind (and in many cases prefer) images not looking razor sharp anyway - - it's what makes analog so lovely! I'm not anti-digital in the least, but I think it's that whole 'high def' craze. I'm just not into it. It seems to me to take all the emotion and ambiance out of things.

Blaxton · « **Reply #2 on:** June 11, 2009, 02:56:20 PM »

Quote from: original_ann on June 11, 2009, 01:58:29 PM

I so don't mind (and in many cases prefer) images not looking razor sharp anyway - - it's what makes analog so lovely!

Thanks for the encouragement.
I also don't mind the soft focus Hawkeye. Razor sharp is not how my middle-aged eyes see things anyway.

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #3 on:** June 11, 2009, 03:23:22 PM »

This is another shot using the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye..no matter what other cameras I have I always like shooting with these..I trim off the 120 spools so the circumference of the ends that fit into the winder are about the size of 620 spool and I have never had a problem getting them to work..it looks as though the above shots are shot through a KBH with a much cleaner lens..I haven't cleaned the lenses of every one of mine but I don't really mind the bits left on them too much..The interior shot above is one to make me very envious however..
I recently had Randy at Holgamods modify one of my Brownies so it shoots 35 mm with with a square 2 14x 2 1/4 mm frame...mostly because getting 35 mm film developed is much quicker for me than getting 120 processed..I love experimenting ...anyone who is brave enough to re-roll film is a hero to me!

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Diane Peterson · « **Reply #4 on:** June 11, 2009, 03:26:35 PM »

BTW..I have several 620 spools if anyone needs to try this...

Blaxton · « **Reply #5 on:** June 11, 2009, 04:23:01 PM »

Quote from: Diane Peterson on June 11, 2009, 03:23:22 PM

...it looks as though the above shots are shot through a KBH with a much cleaner lens..

I did follow Matt Denton's excellent advice on how to clean a Hawkeye:

http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/kodak_hawkeye.html

As it turned out, about 99% of the grime I cleaned away was on the piece of glass in front of the lens. I should have made some exposures before cleaning the camera. Who knows what kind of character I washed away in my zeal to make my Hawkeye pristine.

Nice overalls, Diane.

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2009, 04:43:45 PM »

Hey..thanks for that link...that little piece of glass is the part I have had such problems getting out..can't get those screws loosen enough..but will try again after seeing the great work from Blaxton!

cmdrray · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2009, 03:18:10 AM »

I have two of these cameras and have run several rolls of Ektar 100 through one of them (see first image in the June 5-7 Weekend Thread). I don't bother re-spooling the film, just have the new roll up top and a 620 reel for takeup...no problem with running it through at all. I would recommend putting black tape (e.g. gaffer's) over the red window.

Blaxton · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2009, 05:18:58 AM »

Quote from: cmdrray on June 12, 2009, 03:18:10 AM

I have two of these cameras and have run several rolls of Ektar 100 through one of them (see first image in the June 5-7 Weekend Thread).

It was that particular through-the-window image that brought the Hawkeye to my attention. I found one that night on e-bay (there are many) and ten dollars and two days later, I started using one. I have read that some 620 film cameras have no trouble accommodating 120 film--apparently yours is one--and others balk. I just loaded a roll of respooled 120 tri-x that turns smoothly, the first of four rolls. The other three rolls seized at the point where the film is taped to the paper backing. Hopefully, I now have the knack of retaping the film to the backing.

Here are three pictures made on today's walk with my beagles along the Blackstone Canal Bicycle Path in Lincoln, Rhode Island. (I must rig a neck strap to the Hawkeye. Carrying it in hand along with two leashes attached to two vigorous dogs is tricky.) The weather was fine for the Hawkeye--completely overcast with nice, even, soft light. The shutter speeds were 1/15', 1' and 1/30'.

Thanks, cmdrray, for the inspiration to pick up an Hawkeye.

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formica · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2009, 05:05:03 PM »

i was a bit puzzled what a kodak hawkeye was until i realized it was the brownie hawkeye flash. i'd never heard it called a kodak brownie before. it's one of my favourite cameras. it also can be fun to flip the lens on it as well. depending on the model it can give a pleasant blur around the edges.

william

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Diane Peterson · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2009, 05:45:22 PM »

Wanted to mention that some of the Brownies have the letter "L" for long exposure on the left side where you might usually see the "B" ..for some reason this style seems to accept film other than 620 more easily...also..and this is a cool thing...I found a little gizmo at the hardware store..I think it was the "Ace" hardware stores..that I used my heavy duty glue gun and put it on the bottom..It fits perfectly for a tri pod...if anyone is interested let me know and I can take a shot of it and send it on..I think it cost like 78 cents! for doing long exposures with a brownie this is definitely a must!...

cmdrray · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2009, 07:26:25 AM »

Blaxton, those Hawkeye shots of yours are wonderful

Diane, you are right about the differences in models...I took a closer look at both cameras this evening...the one I ran 120 through does indeed have an "L" on the long exposure release and also a gray plastic advance knob. The other Hawkeye I have has a "B" on the long exposure release and a metal advance knob (and two small metal rivets next to the flash contacts).

Aside from the Brownie Hawkeye, I've been having a lot of fun with the various Agfa/Ansco Shur Shot cameras I've picked up at several local stores for a dollar or two. These are already set up for 120 film (Ansco's "B2") size. One model I have, a mid-1930s Shur-Shot "Special," has a built-in close-up lens, two aperture diaphrams (f/11 and f/16), a built-in yellow filter, a time exposure setting, and the ability to take either 6x9 or 6x4.5 shots (courtesy of two hinged masks set into the film plane before loading). Cheaper, better built, and more fun than a Holga any day.

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #12 on:** June 13, 2009, 03:16:02 PM »

Another modification was to use 35mm film in the Hawkeye..I made an adaptor by cutting off the ends of a 620 metal spool and getting them just the right size to fit into the ends of a 35 mm film cassette and positioning this empty spool in the take up part of the hawkeye then starting the "new" film end and feeding it into the modified spool..this way you don't need to find a dark place to try and feed the 35 mm film back into its roll..the 35 mm film is a bit tight but it will work and you don't need to adapt the new roll cause it fits so tightly in the top..some brownies fit better than others..I think I am up to 12 now so figure one of them will work..of course with this method you are shooting over the sprocket holes..using a fine hacksaw cuts the 620 spool pretty easily...

Blaxton · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2009, 01:46:02 AM »

Quote from: Diane Peterson on June 13, 2009, 03:16:02 PM

Another modification was to use 35mm film in the Hawkeye...

This I must try. I like the idea of making an image that includes the sprocket holes.

BTW: My Hawkeye has neither L nor B imprinted on the long exposure switch. It does have a plastic winding knob. I guess there were lots of variants.

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2009, 02:11:23 AM »

I just checked and some of my brownies have neither and L or a B so "yes" I am sure there were lots of variations..I think it is just a matter of trying and seeing the results..as far as the sprockets..the postcard I did for the first postcard exchange was done shooting over the sprockets but with a Diana camera..trying to think where I have examples of shooting with the brownie over the sprockets (hmmm...)....have to think about it and let you know..have fun trying this!

tijeras · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2009, 04:10:16 AM »

all this Hawkeye Brownie talk pushed me over the edge

and I just scored one on e-bad for 3 bucks with cheap shipping!

I hope to have it by weeks end and thanks to the comments about spools here, I'm already prepping for the new arrival.

thanks for this thread ya'll!

Becky

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2009, 03:34:41 PM »

cool..glad to see more people using these..I also got a 28mm step up ring that will just fit on my brownie and then I can use some cool filters..let you know how this works out when it arrives..

Diane Peterson · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2009, 03:37:48 PM »

also..found an example of using the brownie over the sprockets....this was sitting in a garage so couldn't get the full impact..

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tijeras · « **Reply #18 on:** June 18, 2009, 10:20:18 PM »

Just in time for the weekend....and solstice- my little Hawkeye arrived in the post today!
It's clean and doesn't look like it was used much at all. Lens is nice and scum free too

.
I'm beside myself with happy.

So glad you guys talked it up.!!!!
Is 100 speed the best film to use?

Francois · « **Reply #19 on:** June 18, 2009, 10:23:44 PM »

Probably. Don't forget it was considered fast film when the Hawkeye was manufactured. 400 was "super speed" !

Things sure change

Blaxton · « **Reply #20 on:** June 18, 2009, 11:40:23 PM »

Quote from: tijeras on June 18, 2009, 10:20:18 PM

Is 100 speed the best film to use?

I agree that asa100 speed is probably best for a 1/30' -- f16 (or maybe a little smaller) lens on a sunny day. It's pretty easy to make exposures the equivalent of any speed 1/30' or slower but it won't fire faster. If it's completely overcast, then Tri-X will work fine.

Just for no good reason, here is a tech sheet included with a vintage 1950 something roll of Tri-X. Apparently, Kodak rated the film at a more realistic asa200 back then.

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cmdrray · « **Reply #21 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:30:51 AM »

I was at Hollywood Camera here in Portland yesterday and found another Hawkeye in the bargain bin area, along with some Series 5 filter adapter rings and a UV filter for my Polaroid 100...$5? Sure...sign me up. This Hawkeye is similar to the other one I have that can run 120 (gray advance knob, shutter release and time control switch), but also has handy framing brackets on the viewfinder window. The 25.5mm Kodak Series V (5) adapter ring fits perfectly over the lens. Believe it or not, Kodak actually made a case for these cameras. It has a thin strap riveted on and is made of imitation (plastic) leather. I'll post a photo of this fine never-ready thang soon. I am waiting for a new laptop computer to arrive, so no photos for a little while (I'm using an old laptop that only has dial-up right now (even so...it's still faster than what we have at my job).

cmdrray · « **Reply #22 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:01:39 AM »

Check this guy out:
http://dodgeburn.blogspot.com/2008/12/photographer-interview-eric-j-henderson.html
...and then his website...fine, fine photography, all done with a Hawkeye.

Hannah · « **Reply #23 on:** June 20, 2009, 07:14:46 PM »

I flipped the lens for the first time the other week

rolo · « **Reply #24 on:** July 14, 2009, 05:08:45 PM »

Of the (too) many toy cameras I own, my Brownie Hawkeyes are my absolute favorites. They are simply fun to use.

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gregor · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2009, 05:46:36 PM »

The shots above are quite nice indeed!!!

Love the Hawkeye myself although I don't use it often. It's the camera we used when I was a kid. Picked up mine from from sleaze bay (5 bucks USD) and immediately flipped the lens.

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gregor · « **Reply #26 on:** July 14, 2009, 06:04:57 PM »

For those who are curious, in the flickr hawkeye group there's a thread with info on how to determine the year and month your hawkeye was made. I'll dig up that info and post it later when I'm not on mobile, unless someone posts it before me.

gregor · « **Reply #27 on:** July 14, 2009, 08:25:58 PM »

you'll find a four letter code inside the camera and it follows as:
C=1,A=2,M=3,E=4,R=5,O=6,S=7,I=8,T=9,Y=0

C..A..M...E..R..O..S..I...T..Y
1...2...3...4...5...6..7..8..9..0

Mine is 09/53 (YTRM).

For more fun filled facts: http://www.brownie-camera.com/index.shtml

Francois · « **Reply #28 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:50:35 PM »

Where did you find that number?
I look everywhere in mine and can only find an underlined 6

gregor · « **Reply #29 on:** July 15, 2009, 12:39:57 AM »

should be inside the camera. On the metal piece the film spools attach to. Not sure what you call that piece. I'll take a snap of mine when it's empty.

see this pic: http://www.brownie-camera.com/manufacturedate.shtml

formica · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2009, 05:32:23 AM »

Quote from: Francois on July 14, 2009, 10:50:35 PM

Where did you find that number?
I look everywhere in mine and can only find an underlined 6

i don't think all the cameras have the number. i'm pretty sure that some of my BHFs don't have the numbers where others do.

william

Francois · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2009, 03:08:44 PM »

Might be something that changes depending on where the camera was manufactured. Mine sports the Canadian Kodak Co. label (made in Canada). So, no printed data on the spool holding leaf spring... or on the light cone...