Kodak Brownie Movie Camera II Value Guide

The Kodak Brownie Movie Camera II is a quintessential piece of mid-century Americana that brought 8mm cinematography to the suburban masses. Its durable steel construction and simple wind-up mechanism made it the go-to choice for families capturing home movies during the late 1950s.

What Is Kodak Brownie Movie Camera II Worth?

The typical price range for Kodak Brownie Movie Camera II is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical functionality of the wind-up motor and the smoothness of the shutter trigger.
• Cosmetic condition of the grey crinkle-finish, specifically looking for chips, rust, or 'zinc rot'.
• Clarity of the 13mm glass optics, ensuring the lens is free from internal fungus or heavy scratching.
• Inclusion of original accessories such as the factory box, leather carrying case, or take-up spools.

How to Identify Kodak Brownie Movie Camera II?

• Look for the distinctive grey crinkle-finish metal body paired with the fixed-focus 13mm f/2.7 lens.
• Verify the 'Brownie Movie Camera II' nameplate located on the front of the unit near the lens.
• Check for the fold-out winding crank on the side and the 'Double 8' film spool compartment inside the housing.
• Confirm the presence of the exposure guide dial which features settings for different lighting conditions.

History of Kodak Brownie Movie Camera II

Introduced in the mid-1950s, this model was part of Kodak's successful campaign to make movie-making accessible to the average American family. It utilized the 'Double 8' film format, where the user would run the film through once, flip the spools, and run it through again, which was then split during processing. Its simple wind-up motor and basic aperture settings made it a staple of mid-century suburban life.