The Kodak Brownie No. 2 is more than a vintage collectible—it’s a piece of photographic history. Released in 1901, this camera not only introduced the world to 120 film but also made photography more accessible.
Coming to you from Kyle McDougall, this intriguing video showcases the Brownie No. 2 as more than a relic. McDougall highlights its features, like the single-element meniscus lens, three aperture settings, and fixed shutter speed of 1/50th of a second. While these might seem limiting today, they were revolutionary in the early 1900s. McDougall shares his approach to shooting with the camera, emphasizing its ability to produce images with a distinctively dated aesthetic and showing how imperfections like softness and light leaks can contribute to the artistic value of a project.
The video explores the process of loading and shooting film. McDougall uses Ilford FP4, explaining the steps of threading film and advancing frames. He notes quirks like the tiny viewfinder, which makes framing a challenge. Despite its limitations, the Brownie delivers images with a unique charm, particularly for projects aiming to capture a timeless or archival feel.
One of McDougall’s stops includes St. Mary’s Church in South Wales, where he photographs using the Brownie in conditions that challenge its fixed settings. He discusses how shooting at f/11 in low light can test the user’s stability, especially with a camera offering no stabilization. McDougall also contrasts his results from the Brownie with those from a pinhole camera, noting differences in sharpness and predictability. Check out the video above for the full rundown from McDougall.
