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Vintage Camera Collection
Vintage Camera Collection
This page is new but the cameras featured are anything but new. I would like to thank a family friend, Ruth Mooney, for donating these early cameras to my collection.
L-R: Brownie Hawkeye Camera Flash Model & Ansco Shur Shot
The Brownie Hawkeye pictured was produced somewhere between 1950 - 1961 (YARI = 1958) and uses 620 roll film (no longer available but 120 film can be adapted for use in this camera). The Ansco Shur Shot camera pictured was produced around 1948 - mid 1950's. and uses 120 format film.
After watching a couple of online videos on these cameras I learned how to open them to gain access to the film loader contained within. I also learned how to open the shutter area of both cameras. I oiled the shutter mechanism on the Ansco and now the shutter seems to flick freely. The Hawkeye's release was rusted pretty bad. I have made it possible to open but this will require further cleanup of the surface rust.
I spent an hour or so cleaning these cameras. Below is a picture of my efforts (maybe hard to compare to the original image above. I also included the cleaning items I used. Lysol wipes for a basic cleaning, Isopropyl alcohol for a deeper clean of surfaces, lens wipes (no shown) to clean glass surfaces, Zoom Spout oiler to lubricate the shutter (Ansco) and case opening lever (Hawkeye). I used Never Dull to polish the chrome on each camera. I used both Q-Tips and cotton swabs in the cleaning process. I have a polish to use on the plastic and vinyl surfaces but I have yet to make an application on either camera.
Supplies for cleaning old cameras.
Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Film $17.25
I bought a roll 120 format film that I originally planned to shoot in the Ansco Shur Shot but a weak spring on the shutter is making the camera unfunctional. Instead, I now plan to place it in the Hawkeye even though it uses 620 film.
The Hawkeye had an issue with the film advance knob. I stripped down the internals of the camera. This broke a part of the body near a mounting screw. I used a little Gorilla glue in an attempt to fix it. Thankfully, I did get the film advance knob moving again. I yet get a chance to shoot film with this camera.
First Roll of Film in Possibly 50 - 60 Years
First Roll of Film in Possibly 50 - 60 Years
After some slight modification I loaded a roll of Ilford SP2 Super 400 120 film in my 620 Bownie Hawkeye film camera.
Picture #1: My wife leaving yoga! Asked her to stand still. She didn't. Models!!!!!!!!!
First Roll (Ilford XP2 Super 400) Developed
First Roll (Ilford XP2 Super 400) Developed
12 Photos most of which are slightly out of focus.
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