No less than 78 models
of Hawk-Eye cameras were made by Eastman Kodak. The N°2 Rainbow
Hawk-Eye Model C was manufactured from
1930 to 1933.
Before being made by Eastman Kodak, the Hawk-Eye cameras were produced
by the Boston Camera Company. In 1890, this company sold the Hawk-Eye
patent to the Blair Camera Company which pursue the production until
this company was bought by Eastman Kodak in 1907.
This camera used 120 film format. The body is in cardboard. Internal
parts are in wood, metal and cardboard. This camera is equiped with a
meniscus lens. No aperture and a single rotary shutter. These camera
were made for premium sales. Some of these cameras were used for
promotion displaying a label on the right face.
The Model C exists in 5 colors : Vermilion, Green, Brown, Blue and
Marron. |
When you go hunting for old cameras, it is always the
whims of fate. Sometime you go back with nothing, some other you are
more lucky. That was my case this famous day... I was gallivanting about
old cameras in Somerville, New Jersey. In an antics store I discovered
this
green Rainbow Hawk-Eye. For $10 it was a very good deal that I did not
miss...
A block ahead, another antics store. This time I found the vermilion and
the brown ones. Both are in a pristine condition and solded $12 each.
This day, I returned to my hotel with a big smile on my face. |