This camera was made for the mobile photographer and the camera manufacturer Kodak was at the peak of production. Mr. George Eastman, the company's founder, who invented roll film, which could withstand the outdoor activities and therefor replaced photographic plates. In 1900, the Box Brownie camera was first released Kodak's motto was' "You push the button, we do the rest," The film used in this camera was Kodak Verichrome 620 introduced in 1936 and only went out of production 2009. This camera was a vintage 1970s one. Between 1963 and 1970 the company sold 50 million of this type of camera. The production of smaller and more user friendly digital cameras, mainly from Japan finally nailed the coffin lid on the Kodak Company. Ironically, one of Kodak's engineers called Steve Sasson, devised a camera that could save images using electronic circuits. The images were transferred onto a tape cassette and were viewable by attaching the camera to a TV screen, however Kodak tried to maintain its photographic film products beyond its "use by date". In1975 Kodak becomes the first company to make a digital camera, however the Japanese manufacturers could make smaller and more compact cameras ending Kodak's monopoly and eventual demise.This particular "box brownie" was used by Margaret Shefford, nee Turner, who with her husband retired, in the 1980s, to Mount Beauty. The camera was purchased in the 197's and used on their cruise to England. The significance of this item is that at the time of its introduction to Mount Beauty the camera was a "state of the art", for general public, camera introduced by an ever increasing influx of retirees. This identifies the Kiewa Valley not only as an attraction for sightseers and overseas tourists but also retirees. The social implications of this trend will continue to provide a broader requirement for medical and other facilities geared up to the requirements of an aging population. As a lot of cities in Australia have increasing levels of violence (mainly drug related) rural "retreats" are becoming more sought after by sections of "the gentle populous"This is a black metal rectangular camera, rounded on the ends and has silver colored fittings(stainless steel) and a small leather handle on hinges the left side (facing the lens). The folding lens and shutter component fold out from the main compartment. Two metal arms swing out and hold the lens and collapsible lens body to the required length. When not in use this collapsible (folding) lens extension is fastened to the main body structure providing security and preventing damage to the folding material. The camera has a collapsible eye piece or view finder at the top end. The right hand bottom end has a cylindrical film wider (polished steel). Inside there are two cylindrical cavities, one holding the roll of unexposed film and the other (winder) end a cylinder onto which the unexposed film is wound through for each picture frame. There is a locking mechanism to hold the folding lens structure to the main box structure. See KVHS 0419B for its carrying caseNo external makings but when the lens is folded out it exposes manufacturing information on metal base around the lens " Kodette II B I shutter"(B= Bulb and I= Instant), underneath this, in larger print, is "'FOLDING 'BROWNIE' SIX - 20" below the lens and in smaller print, "made in Great Britain" and underneath this "by KODAK ltd"kodak kodette ii, folding brownie camera, photography, hobby personal item, tourist gadgets.

History of photographyEastman Kodak No. 2A folding autographic brownie camera. The camera body has rounded ends and is finished in a black textured leatherette covering. A hinged door fitted to the front of the camera can be opened or closed to expand or store the lens housing as required. The lens housing is mounted to a blackened metal plate, connected to a collapsible black paper and fabric bellows which can be extended along a sliding focusing mechanism. There is a swivelling prismatic glass viewfinder allowing photographs to be taken in landscape or portrait format. Fitted to the top of the camera is a spool winder and a leather carry strap. The carry strap has stamped on it: No. 2A Folding Autographic Brownie'. A metal sliding double catch opens and locks the film compartment. The camera is designed to take No. A116 rollfilm. It is missing its leather carry casephotography, glenelg shire cultural collection, portland, camera, brownie, image making

This Kodak camera was a popular model early in the 20th century. This one belonged to Elisabeth Tait (nee Pearson). Elisabeth Pearson was born in 1911 to James and Amy Pearson. Her father had established, in 1910, the clothing firm of Pelaco in association with James Law. The business mostly produced men’s shirts. Elisabeth Pearson married a Warrnambool lawyer and was known for her community work, especially in connection with the Warrnambool Ladies’ Benevolent Society. She joined this society in March 1969 and became president in November, 1961. She retained this position until the society was disbanded in 1993. This camera is retained as a memento of Elisabeth Tait, a well-known Warrnambool person in the 20th century. .1 This is a brown leather camera case with a metal catch and a leather shoulder strap. The case has stitching along the sides. The initials of the owner are stamped in gold lettering on the front of the cover. The leather is somewhat rubbed. 2. This is a Kodak camera with a black covering and a telescopic mechanism inside. It has gold lettering on the back. ‘E.M.P.’ (twice) ‘Use film no. A 116’ ‘No 2A Folding Autographic Brownie’ ‘Kodak’ ‘Tait 246 Lava Street Warrnambool’ 20th century photography, elisabeth tait, warrnambool

Camera was originally owned by the owners grandfather and used by him at home and overseas. Later given to his son (donors farther)Brownie Autographic Folding No.2 Camera. Uses 120 roll film. Has a steel inscribing pin for writing on film through window on back of camera to record details. Has a ball bearing shutter - patented in USA, Jan 18, 1910 - Jan 7, 1913. Bellows folds back into camera and can be adjusted to 8,25, or 100 feet from object. Viewfinder can be varied from portrait to landscape view. It has a leather handle - film loaded by opening clip on lower front. Leather carrying case with name of original owner -G.H.Parsons, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.photography, cameras

Owned by W.H.Arrowsmith, father of Ted Arrowsmith, and purchased by W.H Arrowsmith in the late 1940s and used by him until the late 1960s. He lived in 11 Maple Street Box Hill, 35 Cambridge Street Box Hill and Minna Street Blackburn.KODAK BROWNIE 620 Camera ANASTON black folding. Folds back into narrow case with handle. Box and instruction book included.ANASTON F/6.3 mount 370 Kodak London 100mm|DAKON shutter Brownie.photography, cameras

The Kodak No2A folding autographic Brownie was introduced by the Eastman Kodak Co in 1915 and several variants were produced between 1915 and 1925. There is a door in the back,and a stylus for writing on the back of the film for labelling the negatives. A Christmas present from her parents to Mary Burke (Taffe) in 1928. Basic bellows or folding camera unusual for its time because the lens is behind the shutter. There is a screw thread in front of the shutter for additional 'portrait' lenses. Base of the box has 691162 inscribed in pencil (possibly a stock number) followed by £3/9/6 and Xmas Eve 1928 in blue ink indicating its price and date of presentation. This is followed in pencil by a later signature M.Taffe.camera, mary burke, donald, ballarat,