I love the simplicity and rugged construction of box cameras! Been on a box camera kick lately. I have several, including a 116 Brownie, a couple 120 Brownies, and a Six-20 with that Art Deco front plate. Now that I've watched this video, I know how to get in and reattach the mirrors that came loose. Thanks for posting!
The first camera I ever used was a Brownie Target Six-16 that belonged to my family. All the early pictures of our family life were taken on this camera between 1946 and 1964. Mostly by my dad and mom but when I was old enough to be trusted, I was able to use it too. Vacations up and down the East coast and many in the Great Smoky Mountains as well as Easter portraits, etc. The negative was so large that the prints were contact and very sharp considering the quality of the lens. I was able to find a few of the prints from that era but the camera was lost. I think I will find a 120 film version of the Brownie and try to use it just to see what quality I can get today.
The black on the mirrors isn't on the glass.It's on the silver on the back of the mirror,so it won't clean off.If it's too bad you can cut new mirrors to fit or if it's only at the edges just live with it.The glue usually recommended for camera repair is Pliobond.I've also had good results with a glue from Dollar Tree called Fix All Cement.If you try a new type of glue always try it on a piece that doesn't matter first.Some glues will remove the silvering.
My experience has been, if you have the 116 or 616 take up spool, use it. I had the exact same problems you did with the adapter on the take up spool. I'm guessing you process your own film, so you don't need to worry about losing it the spool. Drop the 120 film into the camera using the adapters. Spool it up in the old 616 reel. When you are finished, put the cameras in a black bag and transfer the film to your development tank.
When I made this video I was not developing my own film but I do now so thanks for that info because now I can try it out and possibly have a better experience
The Redscale film is fantastic for portrait work and makes for an interesting black and white scan. I shoot a fair bit of the Lomography 120 version. Benefits from a stop of over exposure I find, but I just love the creative looks I can get out of it.
Love this video gave me pretty much all I needed to know. And an old guy I know gave me this camera as a gift he said his mom bought it back in the 40s and it was the original box and had the original manual in it
No problem. I tend to wind just a tad more to be safe because I found the frames were pretty close together. It’s something you really don’t know until you develop a roll and see.
First time loading film....not easy. Hardest part was getting the turn knob inside “key” to catch the green adapter hole on spool so when you turn knob counter clockwise, it “ catches “ and advances film. Using ILFORD film it showed dots gradually getting larger to warn of 1st exposure nearing #1, #2 etc. Instructions say take the pictures at “3, 5.5, 8, 10.5, 13 and 15.5 ??? This is for the Frame Numbering (Red film Window) Instructions says I’ll get 6 Panoramic 4 and 1/4 by 2 and 1/2/size photos.
Yes it can be a pain getting the key to stay with the adapter. Sometimes it slips. So for the frames you’d wind the first time to frame 3. Then to 5.5 and so on. It’s been a while since I did it but if I remember right it took trial and error to space correctly. I think the first time they were too close together.
Make sure when buying adapters for the ends of the 120 film reels that you buy strong ones- like literally ones with “strong” in their description- the reason being that you (like me) will get halfway through shooting your roll of film, having a great time, pleased with the subjects you chose to shoot- and the film will stop reeling with the winding reel. What’s happening is the resistance is building on the reels and suddenly the cheap, soft, wax-like plastic on those adapters gives way and won’t reel any further. Now you’re in a position where if you have a darkroom, I guess you can salvage your roll of film, but if not, you’ve gotta pull open the camera (ruining your film) and start over. The cameras are inexpensive and available, cleaning and fixing them isn’t too hard, but there’s a bunch of grifters out there (because of course) who want to try and cash in on your interest in trying out an antique camera, while selling you garbage. Be careful buying those adapters- it’ll save you film and money.
Nice job on the camera. Your pictures came out very well, the girls fishing were my favorites. I'm glad you mentioned your YT channel on your blog so I could check it out and subscribe. Good time to hunker down with photography videos. Take care.
thank you. so happy how you take care of your box camera. I've also a few of them, I have clean them too. I've shoot also a test roll with two of my box camera's, I'll post them too
I had the same problem as you, slipping of the Camerhack adapter. I found out that the cause was that the flat bit of the winding knob (the key ? Sorry English is not my native language) didn't go deep enough into the adapter. At my Zeiss Ikon box camera the shaft where the key is on protrudes after the flat part. I had to drill a hole with the depth of the protruding shaft and with the diameter of the shaft in the adapter. At my camera it solved the problem, maybe youre camera has the same construction ?
Hi mark, you need to twist and pull out gently the side rewind knob. Then pull up on the pin on top of the camera while pulling the face of the camera off. Hope that helps.
Out of curiosity if you have the original spool for the camera (the bottom one where the winding key is) do you still have to use the bottom adapters or can you just wind up the 120 film around that?
Thank you for your help also quick question because I just got my hands on the junior 616 as well as the beau brownie no. 2 what film do you suggest I use for them. I know they both take 120 but is there a specific brand or kind of film I should use?
Long shot, but I’m having trouble taking the faceplate off my six-16. The bottom lever under the shutter is connected to the faceplate and I can’t find a way to disconnect them so I can do a thorough cleaning. Any ideas?
That’s strange that it’s connected to the faceplate. The plate should just be the cover over the actual works of the camera in my experience. In other models I’ve opened, the aperture lever sometimes is connected and I have to pull that out first in order to disconnect. But without seeing you’re camera myself it’s hard for me to tell what is happening
I had the same problem. I had to bend the lever and make it flush with the faceplate. Then slide to the right and get it out. When putting back in, aligned the lever with the small slot and slide in to the left. To finish carefully bend the lever back to its original position. Hope that helps.
@@DashielHarsterthanks! I figured I’d need to bend it, but was worried about breaking it when bending back. I kind of set this aside for a while but I’m going to pick this back and will bend things gently.
I tried taking photos with this exact same camera and 120 lomography film, but the photos overlap even though I wind it to the next number every time I take a photo. Did you have this issue at all when taking photos?
Aly's Vintage Camera Alley, I’m going to try it one more time, because since then my FAK adapters have come in the mail, before I wasn’t using them. I’m also going to try skipping a number every time I take a photo
Kamaryn Alexander sometime I advance to where the number is at the top of the red window instead of in the middle. The only thing I can think of is that sometimes the backing was advancing but the film wasn’t. I’m not sure if that’s possible. Especially since its not the right size film
It’s been a while since I shot with this camera but if I remember correctly I start at number 3 and then I think it’s every 2.5 after that. I mention it in the video but I can’t remember exactly off the top of my head
they also have an instructional video on how they recommend to use it ua-cam.com/video/-oswhWBs2DU/v-deo.html in advance sorry about how he speeds up and slows down the video. damn youtube removed my link to their store it can be found in the video description in the link here.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley not a problem. and same here I love their work it's thanks to them we can try out formats that have for the most part been gone for 30 years. stay safe and happy shooting :)
Hey Aly! I need help so I bought this camera for my sister in law but the top strap thingy it ripped and I don't know what to do? Can you pretty please help me!
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley it's crumbling I did take it off bcs I was asking people around esty if they could help me. Someone did answer and they said they could but they ended up getting hurt so I'm not sure if they'll be able to help now 😕
@@heidyroman9533 hmm that’s tough. I am not sure how to salvage it. I had the same problem with one of mine and I ended up having to throw it away. I’m not sure if liquid tape would help. Once it crumbles and dries up I just don’t know how to fix it. I’m sorry :/ if someone comes up with something please let me know
@@ckj324 this Redscale film you’d have to purchase on Lomographys website. Not sure if they have it anymore. But you can buy 120 film many different places like B&H photo. You’d need the adapter to use it in this 616 camera though.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley what type of 120mm film works best. Black and white or color. I don’t care for the “ red” film. Also I noticed you used a leather cleaner and moisturizer on the camera box. Is that ok? It’s good for this type of material. Thanks
@@ckj324 that’s really a personal preference. I usually like to shoot with black and white film in these box cameras. I use Neatsfoot Oil on the outer faux leather. Just a tiny drop. Never had a problem with it but you can test it out on a tiny corner under the camera just in case
For more info check out my blog at alysvintagecameraalley.wordpress.com/2020/03/25/the-kodak-brownie-target-six-16-with-the-fak-616/
Your instructions were perfect. 25 years I had been attempting to open this camera (Browie Junior 616) and I am happy...
@@wcschnitzer7187 yay! That makes me happy
I love the simplicity and rugged construction of box cameras! Been on a box camera kick lately. I have several, including a 116 Brownie, a couple 120 Brownies, and a Six-20 with that Art Deco front plate. Now that I've watched this video, I know how to get in and reattach the mirrors that came loose. Thanks for posting!
I’m glad to hear that! Have fun. Box cameras are the best. Some of my favorite shots I have taken have been with these cameras.
The first camera I ever used was a Brownie Target Six-16 that belonged to my family. All the early pictures of our family life were taken on this camera between 1946 and 1964. Mostly by my dad and mom but when I was old enough to be trusted, I was able to use it too. Vacations up and down the East coast and many in the Great Smoky Mountains as well as Easter portraits, etc. The negative was so large that the prints were contact and very sharp considering the quality of the lens. I was able to find a few of the prints from that era but the camera was lost. I think I will find a 120 film version of the Brownie and try to use it just to see what quality I can get today.
Awesome. Have fun!
I have this camera, this is good info and motivation to use my downtime to clean mine!
Alan Lawson I’m very glad to hear that
The black on the mirrors isn't on the glass.It's on the silver on the back of the mirror,so it won't clean off.If it's too bad you can cut new mirrors to fit or if it's only at the edges just live with it.The glue usually recommended for camera repair is Pliobond.I've also had good results with a glue from Dollar Tree called Fix All Cement.If you try a new type of glue always try it on a piece that doesn't matter first.Some glues will remove the silvering.
thank you
My experience has been, if you have the 116 or 616 take up spool, use it. I had the exact same problems you did with the adapter on the take up spool.
I'm guessing you process your own film, so you don't need to worry about losing it the spool.
Drop the 120 film into the camera using the adapters. Spool it up in the old 616 reel. When you are finished, put the cameras in a black bag and transfer the film to your development tank.
When I made this video I was not developing my own film but I do now so thanks for that info because now I can try it out and possibly have a better experience
The Redscale film is fantastic for portrait work and makes for an interesting black and white scan. I shoot a fair bit of the Lomography 120 version. Benefits from a stop of over exposure I find, but I just love the creative looks I can get out of it.
Love this video gave me pretty much all I needed to know. And an old guy I know gave me this camera as a gift he said his mom bought it back in the 40s and it was the original box and had the original manual in it
That’s awesome thank you for letting me know! I’m so glad I helped
Hey thanks for the video, and just a FYI those tiny bolts are 3/32" if you want to get the right size nut driver.
Thank you
Thanks Aly. I checked the instructions and you are correct. Winding the film is quite a task.
No problem. I tend to wind just a tad more to be safe because I found the frames were pretty close together. It’s something you really don’t know until you develop a roll and see.
I always learn something new from your videos, I thought those were rivets!
Hope you all stay safe. ^..^
im very glad to hear that. Thank you, you too!
Thank you for sharing this! It is extremely helpful.
First time loading film....not easy. Hardest part was getting the turn knob inside “key” to catch the green adapter hole on spool so when you turn knob counter clockwise, it “ catches “ and advances film. Using ILFORD film it showed dots gradually getting larger to warn of 1st exposure nearing #1, #2 etc. Instructions say take the pictures at “3, 5.5, 8, 10.5, 13 and 15.5 ??? This is for the Frame Numbering (Red film Window) Instructions says I’ll get 6 Panoramic 4 and 1/4 by 2 and 1/2/size photos.
Yes it can be a pain getting the key to stay with the adapter. Sometimes it slips. So for the frames you’d wind the first time to frame 3. Then to 5.5 and so on. It’s been a while since I did it but if I remember right it took trial and error to space correctly. I think the first time they were too close together.
Make sure when buying adapters for the ends of the 120 film reels that you buy strong ones- like literally ones with “strong” in their description- the reason being that you (like me) will get halfway through shooting your roll of film, having a great time, pleased with the subjects you chose to shoot- and the film will stop reeling with the winding reel. What’s happening is the resistance is building on the reels and suddenly the cheap, soft, wax-like plastic on those adapters gives way and won’t reel any further. Now you’re in a position where if you have a darkroom, I guess you can salvage your roll of film, but if not, you’ve gotta pull open the camera (ruining your film) and start over.
The cameras are inexpensive and available, cleaning and fixing them isn’t too hard, but there’s a bunch of grifters out there (because of course) who want to try and cash in on your interest in trying out an antique camera, while selling you garbage. Be careful buying those adapters- it’ll save you film and money.
Nice job on the camera. Your pictures came out very well, the girls fishing were my favorites. I'm glad you mentioned your YT channel on your blog so I could check it out and subscribe. Good time to hunker down with photography videos. Take care.
Awesome! Thank you!
thank you. so happy how you take care of your box camera.
I've also a few of them, I have clean them too. I've shoot also a test roll with two of my box camera's, I'll post them too
Awesome. I’d like to see your results.
I’ve just followed you on Instagram :)
I had the same problem as you, slipping of the Camerhack adapter. I found out that the cause was that the flat bit of the winding knob (the key ? Sorry English is not my native language) didn't go deep enough into the adapter. At my Zeiss Ikon box camera the shaft where the key is on protrudes after the flat part. I had to drill a hole with the depth of the protruding shaft and with the diameter of the shaft in the adapter. At my camera it solved the problem, maybe youre camera has the same construction ?
Erwin de Groot oh I bet you’re right. I’ll have to look at mine and see if that’s the problem
Thanks for the video I had no idea how to open mine up.
Glad I could help!
Redscale film is a lot of fun and the FPP is a great resource for us film lovers
Golden video. Great info.
I am remaking my mirrors with Tollens reaction. The silver has come off completely.
Found this to be very helpful. Thank you
Thank you. I am glad to hear that.
Could you show me how to open the camera? It's a bit fast on this video. Thanks Mark
Hi mark, you need to twist and pull out gently the side rewind knob. Then pull up on the pin on top of the camera while pulling the face of the camera off. Hope that helps.
Out of curiosity if you have the original spool for the camera (the bottom one where the winding key is) do you still have to use the bottom adapters or can you just wind up the 120 film around that?
Yes you can use the original spool for take up. Just make sure you tell the lab to give it back when you get it developed
Thank you for your help also quick question because I just got my hands on the junior 616 as well as the beau brownie no. 2 what film do you suggest I use for them. I know they both take 120 but is there a specific brand or kind of film I should use?
I would use a slower speed film like Ilford Pan F 50 or even Ilford FP4 because the shutter is only like 1/40th of a second
Long shot, but I’m having trouble taking the faceplate off my six-16. The bottom lever under the shutter is connected to the faceplate and I can’t find a way to disconnect them so I can do a thorough cleaning. Any ideas?
That’s strange that it’s connected to the faceplate. The plate should just be the cover over the actual works of the camera in my experience. In other models I’ve opened, the aperture lever sometimes is connected and I have to pull that out first in order to disconnect. But without seeing you’re camera myself it’s hard for me to tell what is happening
I had the same problem. I had to bend the lever and make it flush with the faceplate. Then slide to the right and get it out. When putting back in, aligned the lever with the small slot and slide in to the left. To finish carefully bend the lever back to its original position. Hope that helps.
@@DashielHarsterthanks! I figured I’d need to bend it, but was worried about breaking it when bending back. I kind of set this aside for a while but I’m going to pick this back and will bend things gently.
I tried taking photos with this exact same camera and 120 lomography film, but the photos overlap even though I wind it to the next number every time I take a photo. Did you have this issue at all when taking photos?
We’re you using the FAK adapter? I’ve had this happen in other old cameras I’ve tested. I’m not really sure why
Aly's Vintage Camera Alley, I’m going to try it one more time, because since then my FAK adapters have come in the mail, before I wasn’t using them. I’m also going to try skipping a number every time I take a photo
Kamaryn Alexander sometime I advance to where the number is at the top of the red window instead of in the middle. The only thing I can think of is that sometimes the backing was advancing but the film wasn’t. I’m not sure if that’s possible. Especially since its not the right size film
What film numbers do you use for each shot?
It’s been a while since I shot with this camera but if I remember correctly I start at number 3 and then I think it’s every 2.5 after that. I mention it in the video but I can’t remember exactly off the top of my head
not trying to be rude or disrespectful in anyway just asking out of curiosity why does no one use the modern bulk film they offer for 616
I haven’t heard of it. Do you have a link? I’d love to get some.
they also have an instructional video on how they recommend to use it ua-cam.com/video/-oswhWBs2DU/v-deo.html in advance sorry about how he speeds up and slows down the video. damn youtube removed my link to their store it can be found in the video description in the link here.
@@gravedigr12 awesome. I love FPP. Thanks for the info.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley not a problem. and same here I love their work it's thanks to them we can try out formats that have for the most part been gone for 30 years. stay safe and happy shooting :)
Do they still make this film ?
No they don’t make the 616 or 116 but I used an adapter so that I could use the 120 film which is still being made.
Hey Aly! I need help so I bought this camera for my sister in law but the top strap thingy it ripped and I don't know what to do? Can you pretty please help me!
Hi Heidy. Is the strap hard and crumbling? I’ve had one leather handle dry up and start to crumble. I glued it but wasn’t able to use it.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley it's crumbling I did take it off bcs I was asking people around esty if they could help me. Someone did answer and they said they could but they ended up getting hurt so I'm not sure if they'll be able to help now 😕
@@heidyroman9533 hmm that’s tough. I am not sure how to salvage it. I had the same problem with one of mine and I ended up having to throw it away. I’m not sure if liquid tape would help. Once it crumbles and dries up I just don’t know how to fix it. I’m sorry :/ if someone comes up with something please let me know
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley it's okay thank you for trying to help me! Have a good day 😊
Where did you get your film for the camera?
Kamaryn Alexander the lomography Redscale 120 film was from lomography.com
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley Thanks for that info. Looks like it’s hard to find the 120 film? Black and White vs color film with the Target 616?
@@ckj324 this Redscale film you’d have to purchase on Lomographys website. Not sure if they have it anymore. But you can buy 120 film many different places like B&H photo. You’d need the adapter to use it in this 616 camera though.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley what type of 120mm film works best. Black and white or color. I don’t care for the “ red” film. Also I noticed you used a leather cleaner and moisturizer on the camera box. Is that ok? It’s good for this type of material. Thanks
@@ckj324 that’s really a personal preference. I usually like to shoot with black and white film in these box cameras.
I use Neatsfoot Oil on the outer faux leather. Just a tiny drop. Never had a problem with it but you can test it out on a tiny corner under the camera just in case
I have but don't know to use. It's F20
You mean the 620 film? You can get from the file photography project store
Hi, where can we find you on Facebook?
Hi, you can find all of my social accounts linked in the description of my videos :)
I HAVE ONE!