Summary
Kodak Brownie Starlet camera, manufactured by Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd in Melbourne, Australia, circa 1958-1966.
This is one of the Kodak Brownie 'Star' series of camera and was the second camera model to be assembled, packaged and distributed by Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd. The Star series of cameras were assembled from more than 95% Australian parts. They were also the first low-priced cameras "designed to take color slides, as well as color and black-and-white snapshots". (Kodakery, No. 82, September 1977, p3.)
Kodak 'Brownie Starlet' was introduced globally in 1957. This model was also made in the U.S.A., France and U.K. In Australia the Brownie Starlet appears to have still been sold in the mid-1960s.
It uses size 127 roll film, and takes 4 x 4 cm images. The camera has an eye level, direct vision viewfinder and a Dakon meniscus lens, two apertures and fixed focus. The film winding key and shutter button are also on the side of the camera. On the opposite side of the camera is the flash holder connection.
Physical Description
Box camera with a moulded smooth plastic body. It has a fabric carry strap. The viewfinder and the red shutter release are on the lens plate.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Father Mark West - St John of God Hospital Churinga Inc, by Mar 1991
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Manufacturer
Kodak (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1958-1966
It is unclear if this camera was made in Abbotsford or Coburg. Manufacture of cameras moved to Coburg in 1961. See also the details on dates in Kodakery, No. 82, September 1977, p3 which suggests the Starlet was first made in 1958. It is unclear when the Starlet stopped being made, although it has been stated to be 1960. HT 17392, Camera - Kodak Australasia, Brownie Starlet Outfit was made in 1960. However, television commercials for the Starlet were made in 1962 and the dual currency shown on HT 20789, Price Ticket - Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd, Brownie Starlet Camera Outfit, suggests that the Starlet may have still been sold in 1966 when decimal currency was introduced in Australia. -
Inscriptions
Lens plate: 'Brownie / DAKON LENS / STARLET CAMERA / FLASH DAYLIGHT / 13 14'.
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
105 mm (Width), 90 mm (Depth), 65 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Cameras, Photographic Equipment, Photography, Lenses, Viewfinders, Plastics, Fabrics, Industrial Design, Optical Technology, Optics, Photographic Flash Attachments, Manufacturing, Factories