Historical information

The popular box camera of Eastman Kodak of U.S.A. was a camera with a simple lens. It provided snapshots at a low cost and was the most popular mass marketed camera for Australians at the time. It remains in Hymettus, the home of its original owner, Patrick (Paddy) Taffe.

Significance

This camera is of interest for two reasons:
1. It is an example of the Box Brownie camera which was a very popular camera owned by many Australians in the early 20th century.
2. It belonged to Patrick Taffe of Hymettus in the early 20th century and with other cameras in the house across the generations, illustrates the changes in popular photography across the century into the 21st century.

Physical description

Black leather covered rectangular box of heavy board. Main lens and 2 viewfinder lenses on the front. Black leather handle, one view finder and metal opening latch on the top. One view finder and a winder key on the right hand side. Red film counter viewing window on the back, with markings. Leather at rear lifting and metal attachments rusting.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped into leather 'Use Film 116A with a small metal plaque reading, "Made in USA by the Eastman Kodak Company Rochester NY. USA 14403."