Kodak No.2C Brownie (1917–1934)

The No.2C Brownie was a box rollfilm camera Kodak produced from July 1917 through 1934, selling originally for $4.00. It stands out in the Brownie line because it used 130 film to produce a 2⅞ × 4⅞-inch negative. That is a very large frame, big enough to contact print exceptionally large pictures without an enlarger. The "C" designation signaled the bigger picture size.

The design was basic leatherette-covered card case construction. To load film, you released two pivoted catches to remove the case, then pulled out the winding key to expose the metal film carrier. It had two reflecting viewfinders, tripod sockets, and a trigger guard. On the top front were slide-outs for a bulb (time) setting and f/holes.

Two variations are documented, distinguished mainly by cosmetics and trigger placement. From July 1917 to 1927, the camera had a coarse pebble-grain leatherette covering with embossed double crossed lines, a metal riveted rectangular manufacturer's badge above an embossed camera identifier emblem on the rear, and the trigger mounted toward the bottom of the side panel. From 1927 to 1934, the covering was less grainy, the rear emblem was larger and round, and the trigger sat higher on the side panel.

Production figures were never recorded, though the estimate is probably over 500,000. That is plausible for a seventeen-year run. No period reviews, market prices, or common-problem documentation have surfaced.

Film: 130 rollfilm

Picture size: 2⅞ × 4⅞ in

Lens: Meniscus achromat

Shutter: Rotary

Introduced: July 1917

Discontinued: 1934

Original price: $4.00