Kodak Six-20 Mod.C folding roll film camera, c1934

Self erecting, folding 620 roll film camera. A further improvement to self erecting cameras was the introduction of a fairly robust spring to open the camera, this should not be allowed to spring open unrestrained however - as the volume of air required to fill the bellows is likely to suck the film into the bellows which will very definitely ruin the picture! This near pristine camera was donated by its original owner, Mr F. Stock. It had seen little use at the time of its retirement, and subsequently spent the next 40 years in a drawer, before joining the collection in 1986. Although 620 film is no longer available, the film itself is identical to 120 which is still is. Since the only difference is the size of the spools, all that is required is to wind 120 film onto 620 spools, a relatively straightforward exercise. This camera had a seized delayed release and slow speeds when received, but was perfectly serviceable after cleaning. A picture of this shutter partially dismantled can be seen in the workshop area of the museum.

Film makers who also made cameras often used the inside of the camera as an advertising opportunity and you will often find such labels. Sealed away in the dark, the inks are protected from fading and their brightness is often in stark contrast to the dour exteriors. Here is the one from the back of this Kodak camera. Body No.43631 Shutter, Compur No.3090710, speeds T, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 & 250th Lens No.000, well that's what it says. Kodak Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 Condition, 3F