Kodak Target Brownie Six-20 (1941–1946)

A basic metal box camera introduced in 1941, designed for simple snapshot photography using 620 roll film.

Overview

The Kodak Target Brownie Six-20 is a basic box camera made by Kodak for amateur photographers seeking an affordable, easy-to-use film camera. Introduced in April 1941, it was part of Kodak’s long-running Brownie series aimed at popularizing photography among families and casual users. Constructed as a metal box with art deco styling, the camera was marketed as an American-made device built for durability and straightforward operation. It uses 620 roll film to produce negatives measuring 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches (6 x 9 cm), offering larger images than many consumer cameras of the era. The lens is a fixed 100mm meniscus design, non-interchangeable, positioned behind the shutter for improved protection and optical performance.

Specifications

Type	Basic box camera
Film Format	620 film
Picture Size	2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches (6 x 9 cm)
Lens	Fixed meniscus lens, 100mm focal length
Years Produced	1941–1946 (conflicting sources: 1941 only, or 1941–1952)
Original Price	$2.75
Dimensions	3-3/4" high x 3-3/4" wide x 2-1/2" deep
Construction	Metal box

Design

The camera features a metal box construction with art deco design elements, giving it a distinctive appearance for its time. The fixed lens is mounted behind the shutter, a design choice that enhances lens protection and simplifies the optical path. The body's styling reflects 1940s industrial design trends, combining functional layout with aesthetic appeal.

Context

Introduced during the early 1940s, the Target Brownie Six-20 arrived just before U.S. entry into World War II, a period when consumer goods production faced increasing constraints. Despite this, Kodak continued to release new models, positioning the Six-20 as an accessible option for home photographers. It shared design lineage with other Brownie models but stood out with its larger 6×9 cm negative format and metal body, differentiating it from earlier plastic-bodied variants.