Film cameras
Kodak Brownie No. 2 Stereo User manual
User manual for Kodak Brownie No. 2 Stereo. 50 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
50 pagesEnglish9.1 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Kodak
- Model / document
- Kodak Brownie No. 2 Stereo
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 50
- File size
- 9.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 1 · Read text
--
www.butkus.us
Pict.rre Taking
WITH THE
No. 2 S t"r"o
Browni" Cu*"r"View original page 1Page 2 · Read text
Before Loading
REFORE taking any picrures with the No. 2 L) Stereo Brownie Camera read the following in-
structions caref ully, and make yourself perfectlv
familiar with the instrument, taking especial care to
learn the operation of the shutter. Work it for
both time and instantaneous exposures several times
before threading up the film.
The first thing for the amateur to bear in mind is
that the light which serves to impress the photographic
image upon the sensitive film in a fraction of a
second when it comes through the lens can destroy
the film as quickly as it makes the picture. Until it
has been developed and washed, the film must never
be exposed to white light (this includes gas light, lamp
light, etc.), or it will be .ruined. Throughout all the
operations of loading and unloading, therefore, be
extremely careful to keep the black paper wound
tightly around the film to prevent the admission of
light.View original page 2Page 4 · Read text
PART I
Loading the Camera
film for the No. z Stereo Brownie Camera,
furnished THPI is in light-proof cartridges and the
tnstrument can, therefore, be loaded in daylight.
lT :l;'.T::l,i,T'l;i;1il:';,T::"Tffi1
sunlight. It should also be borne ir
that after the seal is broken care m ;fl
ru at a table where the daylight is sorrrewhat The Film'-?tiir;td::*:::ji:
subdued, and open back of camera by pushing on
metal slide locks as shown in Fig. r. The back of
c:rmcra will loosen and may be allorvecl to <irop dorvn.
I
2. The camera having been opened, an empty
spool having a slit in it will be scen in the rvinding
ltView original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Venmo @mike-butkus-camera Ph. 2083 PayPal Name Lynn@butkus.org www.PayPal.me/lynnbutkusView original page 5
Page 6 · Read text
www.butkus.us
PART I
Loading the Camera
-l-HE film for the No. z Stereo Brownie Camera,
r is furnished in light-proof cartridges and the
instrument can, therefore, be loaded in daylight.
The operation should, however, be performed
in a subdued light, not in the glare of bright
sunlight. It should also be borne in mind
that after the seal is broken care must be
taken to keep the black paper taut on the
spool, otherwise it may slip and loosen suffi-
ciently to fog the film.
at a table where the daylight is sorr'eqlfia1 The Film
subdued, and open back of camera by pushing on
metal slide locks as shown in Fig. r. The back of
camera will loosen and may be allowed to drop dorvn.
II
Mike Butkus Digitally DN:email=mike@butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2023.02.22signedButkus,by17:05:13Mikeo=ButkusButkusc=US-05'00'camera manuals, ou=butkus.org,
Frc. r
2. The camera having bee.n opened, an empty
spool having a slit in it will be seen in the winding
oView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
end of the camera. This forms the reel onto which
the film is wound after exposure. The full spool is
lrrc. z
to be placcd in the recess at the opposite end of the
camera. To accomplish this turn the little cam levers
at each end of the recess thus drawing out the center
pins. See Fig. z.
3. Drop the film cartridge into this recess as
shown in Fig. 3, being careful to get the /o! of spoot at t/re
turtof ilte catnera. Each cartridge is marked on the end.
tII
Frc. 3
NOTE.-If the cartridge is inserted wrong end up,
the black paper instead of the Iilm will be brought next
the lens, resulting, ol course, in the absolute loss oI the
pictures.
6View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Frc. 4.
4. Turn the tlvo cam levers back until they are
fixed in position by the embossed stops. It will be
noted that this centers ihe axis pins in the spool which
is to revolve upon them.
5. Cut the gummed slip that holds the end of the
black paper; pass the paper over the two rollers and
thread into the slit in reel, as shown in Fig. 4.
Be careful in so doing that the paper draws
straight and true, and give the spool two or three
turns, (to the left from the key end). FiS..S.
Caution {l
If you turn off too much of the black paper, before f.ithe camera is closed, the film will be uncovered and
ruined.
6. The camera is now to be closed, reversing
the operations shown in Fig. r.
Throughout the foregoing operations, from the
time the gum slip is cut ol the fresh roll of film until
^aView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
Frc. 5
the back of camera is closecl, keep the black paper
wound tightly on the roll. If it is allowed to loosen,
light will be admitted and the film fogged.
7, The roll of film in the camera is covered with
black paper and this must be reeled off before a
picture can be taken. Turn the key slowly to the
left and watch in the little red celluloid window at the
back of the camera. When fifteen to eighteen turns
have been given, the number r will appear before
the windorv. Fig. 6.
I
t
Frc. 6
The film is now in position for taking the first
picture.
8
I\-View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us
PART II
Making the Exposures
REFORE making an exposure with the No. 2 rr Stereo Brownie Camera, either time or instan-
taneous be sure of four things :
Ftnsr-That the shutters are acljusted properly.
(For time, instantaneous or buib e.\posures as desired.)
Sucoxl-'fhat the diaphragm stop is set at the proper
opening.
Trrrrtl-That the camera is focused.
Fourilrr-That an unexposccl section of the film is
turned into position.
{t
Left
aView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
E
.v
il
SECTION 1
, Operating the Shutter
The No. z Srereo Brownie is equipped with twin
shutters. The several adjustments, however, are
operated by the levers and pointers on the rig/tt /tand
shutter alone. The following directions should be
carefully followed and the shutters operated several
times before rn..i::* rl: "o
' Snap Shots "
For all Ordinary Instantaneous Exposures
Frnsr-Set the lever A at the point ,, I." (In the
illustration it is set at " 8.") This adjusts the
shutter for instantaneous exposures. dl;
SrcoNo-Set the lever B at No. t. Lever B controls
the Iris diaphragm and No. r is the proper open- i#
ing for ordinary instantaneous exposures.
Trrrno-Press down the release C., or compress the
bulb on tube D. This makes the exposure.
Time Exposures
Frns'r-Set the lever A at the poinr T (time). This
adjusts the shutter for time exposures.
SrcoNn-Set the lever B at No. 2,3 or 4. See instruc-
tions for use of stops, page r9.
Tsrnu-'fouch the release C., or compress bulb D.
This opens the shutter. Time exposure by the
watch. Again press the release. This closes the
sh utter.
Bulb Exposure
When it is desirable to make a very short time
exposure this is best accomplished by making a
" bulb exposure."
10
\-View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Ftnsr-Set the lever A at the point " B " (bulb).
This adjusts the shutter for bulb exposures.
SBcoNn-Set the lever B controlling the stops, at
No. z, 3 or 4, as desired.
Ttttno-Press lever to open the shutter, and release it
to close the shutter, or operate with rubber bulb.
This makes the exposure. The shutter will re-
main open as long as the lever is under pressure'
Do not oil any part of the shutter.
In case of acciderrt return shutter to vour dealer
or to us for repairs.
SECTION 2
Instantaneous Exposures-r' Snap Shots "
To take instantaneous pictures the object must be
in the broad open sunlight, but the camera should
not. The sun should be behind the back or over the
shoulder of the operator.
Focus on the Subject
r. Press the
concealed button
as shown in Fig.
r, and push down
the bed of camera to the limit of i
motion.
2. Grasp the
bottom of front
board to pull out
the front.
Frc. r Opening the Front 3. At the front
11
/View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
of camera bed and on the side opposite finder, you
will see a scale with slots marked 8, 20, and
roo feet. Fig. z. This
is for focusing t h e
camera. Before ex-
tending bellows set
the catch A in the
slot corresponding to
the distance away of
the principal object
to be photographed. Frc. z
The catch is set by downward pressure and then
moving it to right or left. It is not necessary to esti_
mate the distance with any more than approximate
accuracy ; for instance, if the focus is set at 20 feet
(the usual distance for ordinary street work) the
sharpest part of the picture will be the objects at
that distance f rom the camera, but everything
from 12 to 50 feet will be in good focus. For
1|.--
-u{
-" _ -a,'
*s-,'' .,]i::;rll:
Frc. 3. E.xtending the front.
1')
\View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
www.butkus.us
general street work the focus may be kept at 20
feet, but where the principal object is nearer or farther
away, the focus should be moved accordingly. For
distant views set the focus at roo feet.
Extending the Front
Now extend front of camera to limit of motion
(Fig. :). This sets the focus for the distance you have
placed the catch on the scale. A click will be heard
when the front locks.
Making the Exposure
Frc. 4-Pressing Snap-Shot Lever
Aim the camera at the object to be photographed
and locate the image in the finder.
www.butkus.us
Frc. 5-Making Snap-Shot with Bulb
13
/View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
The finder shows the scope of view and gives a
fac-simile of what the picture willbe. Hold the camera
steady-hold it level as shown in Fig. 4, and push
the lever or press bulb, Fig. 5. (This makes the ex-
posure.)
Frc. 6
Hold it Level
The camera must be held level.
If the operator attempts to photograph a tall
building while standing near it, by pointing the cam-
era upward (thinking thereby to center it) the result
will be similar to Fig. 6.
This was pointed too high. This building should
11
IView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
www.butkus.us
have been taken from the middle story window of the
building opposite.
The operator should hold the camera level, after
withdrawing to a proper distance, as indicated by the
image shown in the finder on the top of the camera.
If the object be down low, like a small child or a
dog, the camera should be held down level with the
center of the object.
TunN A NE,w SrcrroN oI,' FILM rN'ro posl:rloN:
Turn the key in top of camera slowly to the left, until
the next number appears before the red window.
Three or four turns will be sufficient to accomplish
this. See Fig. 7.
Frr;. 7-Turning New Film Into Position
Repeat the foregoing operations for each picture.
/View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
SECTION 3
Time Exposures-Interiors
r. Put the came.ra in position on a tripod or
some other firm support. Fig. 8.
Set camera in such a position that the finder will
embrace the view desired. The diagram shows the
www.butkus.us
Frc. 8. Making a Time Exposure
proper position for the camera. It should not be
pointed directly at a windorv as the glare of light will
blur the picture. If all the windorvs cannot be avoided,
pull down the shades of such as come within the
range of the camera.
Make the exposure with the shutter as described.
t6
IView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us
r Frc. g_Time Exposure with Bulb
Time Needed for Interior Exposures
This table is for the largest stop. When the No.
2 stop is used double the time ; when the No. 3 stop is used give four times the time of table; when the
No. 4 is used give 8 times the time of table.
l.
Diagram Showing posi-.ion of Camera
White walls and more than one window.
bright sun outside, e seconds:
hazy sun, 5 seconds :
cloudy bright, ro seconds:
cloudy dull, zo seconds.
17View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
www.butkus.us
With the Kodak Portrait Attachments in position,
one in front of each lens, and the focus set at 8 feet,
the subject should be placed 3 feet from the lens.
With the focus set at zo feet the subject should be
placed 3)/ f.eet away. With the focus set at roo feet
the subject will be in focus placed at 4 to 5 feet dis-
tance.
The attachment is simply an extra lens slipped on
over the regular lens and in no way affects the opera-
tion of the camera except to change the focus. Two
portrait attachments, one for each lens, will of course
be necessary with the No. 2 Stereo Brownie. Price,
5o cents each. Be sure and specify what camera the
attachment is to be used with when ordering.
: Time Exposures in the Open Air
When the stop No. 4 is before the lens the light
admitted is so much reduced that time exposures outt of doors may be made the same as interiors, but the
exposure must be much shorter.
WIIH SuNsHrNn The shutter can hardly beT - opened and closed quickly enough to avoid over
exPosure.
Wrrn Lrcnr Cr-ouos-From r to 2 seconds will
be sufficient.
WrrH Hnevv Clouos-From 4 to ro seconds will
be required.
The above is calculated for hours from three
hours after sunrise until three hours before sunset
and for objects in the open air. For other hours or
for objects in the shadow, under porches or under
trees, no accurate directions can be given; exper-
ience only can teach the proper exposure to give.
10
^1 -fiView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Time exposures cannot be made while the camera
is held in the hand. Always place it upon some firm
support, such as a chair or table.
Stops
The stops should be used as follows:
No. r. For all ordinary instantaneous exposures.
No. z. For instantaneous exposures when the
sunlight is unusually strong and there are no heavy
shadows ; such as in vier,vs on the sea shore, in ex-
tremely high, dry climates, or on the rvater, or in
tropical or semi-tropical climates; also for interior
time exposures.
Nos. 3 and 4. For time exposures out doors in
cloudy weather. Not for instantaneous exposures.
The time required for time exposures on cioudy days
with smallest stop will range from f second to ro
seconds, according to the light. The smaller the
stop the sharper the picture.
If you use the smallest stop for instantaneous
exposures absolute failure will resu lt.
Flash Light Pictures
By the introduction of Eastman's Flash Sheets,
picture iaking at night has been wonderfuily simplified.
A package of flash sheets, a piece of cardboard, a
pin and a match complete the list of essential extras.
With flash sheets, no lamp is necessary; there is a
minimum of smoke and they are f.ar safer than any of
the self-burning flash powders, besides giving a softer
light that is less trying to the eyes.
Many interiors can be taken with the flash sheets
that are impracticable by daylight, either by reason of
a lack of illumination or because there are windows inView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
www.butkus.us
the direct line of view which cannot be darkened
sufficiently to prevent the blurring of the picture.
Evening parties, groups around a dinner or card
table or single portraits may be readily made by the
use of our flash sheets, thus enabling the amateur to
obtain souvenirs of many occasions which, but for the
flashlight, rvould be quite beyond the range of the art.
Preparation for the Flash
The camera should be prepared for time expos-
ure, (except that the largest stoP must be used) and
placed on some level support where it will take in the
view desired.
Pin a flash sheet by one corner to a piece of card-
board which has previously been fixed in a perpendic-
ular position. If the cardboard is white it rvill act as
a reflector and increase the strength of the picture.
The flash sheet should always be placed two feet
behind and two to three feet to one side of the camera.
If placed in front or on a line with front of camera,
the flash would strike the lenses and blur the picture.
It should be placed at one side as well as behind, so
as to throw a shadow and give a little relief in the
lighting. The light should be at the same height or
a little higher than the camera. The support upon
which the flash is to be made should not project far
enough in front of it to cast a shadow in front of the
camera. An extra piece of cardboard a foot square
placed under the flash sheets will prevent any sparks
from the flash doing damage.
Taking the Picture
Having the camera and the flash sheet both in
position and all being in readiness, open the camera
shutter, stand at arm's length and touch a match to
2LView original page 22From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.