Kodak Eastman: Brownie Reflex Synchro

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The Brownie Reflex Synchro Model is a box type roll film camera. It was introduced in May 1940 in the United States and in 1946 in the United Kingdom. The camera had a long run in the US and was discontinued after 12 years in May 1952. It had 14 year run in the UK and was discontinued in the UK Kodak factory in May 1960. It can only be said that the numbers of Brownie Reflex Synchro Model made was in the millions. The camera uses 127 roll film that results in a picture size of 1 5/8” x 1 5/8”. It has a rotary shutter, a meniscus lens, and a large brilliant viewfinder with a flip down cover. This twin lens reflex camera originally sold for $6.00. A non-synchronized model was produced from 1940 to 1941 but was quickly replace by the flash capable synchronized model. The body of the camera is made of Bakelite, a commonly used (at the time) hard plastic like material. The film advance and ¼” 20 thread tripod mount are located on the bottom of the camera. A locking lever is located on the back of the camera for releasing the film compartment for removing or reloading the film. Once the lever is unlocked, the whole assembly drops out of the bottom. The shutter has two settings of bulb and instant and fires at about 1/50 of a second.