Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera with Flash Value Guide

The Kodak Brownie Hawkeye with Flash is a cornerstone of mid-century American photography, produced from 1949 to 1961. Its iconic Bakelite body and simple meniscus lens made photography accessible to the masses, revolutionizing how families captured everyday life.

What Is Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera with Flash Worth?

The typical price range for Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera with Flash is $50 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the Bakelite body, specifically looking for the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy surface scratching.
• Functionality of the shutter mechanism and the cleanliness of the internal glass meniscus lens.
• Presence of the original box, instruction manual, and the Kodalite Flasholder unit which can push value toward the $75 range.
• Cleanliness of the battery compartment within the flash unit, as old leaked batteries can cause significant corrosion.

How to Identify Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera with Flash?

• Check for the 'Brownie Hawkeye' nameplate on the front and the 'Flash Model' designation if the side sync ports are present.
• Verify the body material is genuine black Bakelite, which has a distinct weight and glossy finish compared to modern plastics.
• Inspect the top-mounted brilliant viewfinder for clarity and ensure the metal film winding knob turns smoothly.
• Look for the original Kodalite Flasholder attachment which connects to the two-pin sync port on the camera's side.

History of Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera with Flash

The Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera was introduced in 1949 and produced until 1961. It was a hugely successful camera, selling millions of units due to its affordability and straightforward operation. The Brownie series, in general, revolutionized photography by making it accessible to the masses. The Hawkeye model, with its distinctive bakelite body and simple meniscus lens, captured countless family memories and everyday scenes throughout the mid-20th century. The flash model extended its usability to indoor and low-light conditions, further cementing its place in photographic history.