If you still have one of those iconic Kodak Brownie Hawkeye cameras lying around, we have some exciting news for you. An adapter that will finally let you shoot 35mm films for with this vintage box camera is currently in the works.
Cincinnati-based photographer Mark Hiltz has decided to give this legendary box camera by Kodak a new shot at life with a Kickstarter campaign for a Hawkeye35 Adapter Kit. In 1995, the 620 film that the Hawkeye and other Kodak Brownie cameras were designed to use was discontinued. While this box camera can also take 120 films, you’ll have to sand off the spools since they are slightly bigger than 620 films. Also, the processing cost can be expensive (let’s admit it, you’d rather shoot those precious medium format films with a more advanced camera). With this adapter kit, you will be able to load your Kodak Brownie Hawkeye with your favorite, widely-available 35mm films.
The Hawkeye35 Adapter Kit is comprised of:
- A spool adapter set that snugly accommodates a 35mm film cassette;
- A receiver spool that takes the exposed film without letting it drift or wobble, so you get properly spaced exposures; and
- A film mask that crops the 56 x 56mm standard exposure for 620 film to the 36 x 24mm standard exposure for 35mm film. There’s also a “deluxe” version that maintains the square aspect ratio but exposes the sprocket holes.
However, since vintage box cameras like the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye weren’t designed to have a rewinding mechanism, rewinding your 35mm roll when you’re done shooting is a little tricky. Since all the exposed film will all be on the receiver spool, you’ll have to take off the back of your camera in a changing bag or darkroom and rewind the film.
Mark plans to use the Shapeways 3D printing service if he successfully gets funding for the production of the Hawkeye35 Adapter Kit. With selective laser sintering (SLS), each component will be made as one piece without the need for any additional supporting elements.
If this sounds like a project you’d like to support, visit the Kickstarter campaign to learn more and back the Hawkeye35 Adapter Kit.
