American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog

While in Astoria, Oregon, Carolyn and I visited many an antique shop. I was delighted to find a whole case full of vintage cameras, many of them folding cartridge styles like this one. The prices were great, so then it was just a matter of deciding which one.

American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog

I didn't have internet access on my phone in the basement of the antique shop, so I had to make a guess as to which camera would be the best choice. I knew vintage Eastman Kodaks, while very common, are always decent, and there were many to choose from. I looked for overall condition, then condition of the bellows (the foldy-outy accordian part, often cracked or torn in old cameras), and if it had a functioning shutter.

American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog

I decided on this little baby, the No. 2 Folding Cartridge Hawk-Eye, Model B. This camera was on the market from 1926 to 1934, and you can still buy 120 film for it.

American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog

One of my geek-out favorites is taking functional props to historical events - sure, it's cool to carry an original camera around at The Gatsby, but it's far cooler to actually take pictures with it! /geek-squee!

American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog

Hawk-eye needs a bit of a cleaning, and a little more oiling of the bellows tracks, but then I'll be ready to pop some 120 black and white film in and take some snaps (all 8 of them, on the roll, lol) at the upcoming Lake Tahoe Gatsby picnic, in August. :-)
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