Summary
Kodak Brownie 'Starlet' Camera with Kodak Supermite flasholder attached, made by Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd in Melbourne circa 1958-1966.
This 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". Millions of these cameras were sold around the world during the 1960s due to their ease of use, price-point, capability for flash photography and multiple film formats. (Kodakery, No. 82, September 1977, p3.)
This camera came with a plastic carry case made by Denzil Don in Melbourne.
Physical Description
Plastic camera with fixed flash unit and black string looped on back. Inside a black plastic carry case.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr David Corke, by 28 Nov 1991
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Manufacturer
Kodak (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Abbotsford, 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
On front of camera: Brownie / DAKON / LENS / STARLET CAMERA / FLASH / 13 / DAYLIGHT / 14 On back of flash: Kodak / SUPERMITE / FLASHOLDER / Kodak (Australasia) / Pty. Ltd.
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
160 mm (Width), 63 mm (Depth), 110 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Cameras, Manufacturing, Photography, Photographic Flash Attachments, Factories, Photographic Products
