About this edition
This text edition transcribes the eight source pages of the Brownie Fiesta Camera instructions, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester 4, N. Y., Part No. 161474, printer code 10-62-SH-EXX. Original American spelling and historical product claims are retained. Illustrations are omitted; control labels and all operating text are retained. The flash-distance table mentioned in the instructions is on the flashholder itself and is not reproduced in this source booklet.
Credit: Eastman Kodak Company. Source copy: The Brownie Camera Page.
Brownie Fiesta Camera
Your camera makes black-and-white snapshots, color snapshots, or color slides, depending on which of three Kodak No. 127 films is loaded in the camera.
- Kodak Verichrome Pan Film – produces twelve 3½ x 3½-inch standard enlarged black-and-white snapshots.
- Kodacolor Film – produces twelve 3½ x 3½-inch standard enlarged color snapshots.
- Kodak Ektachrome Film for Daylight (for color slides in daylight or with blue flash lamps) – produces twelve 2 x 2-inch slides (outside dimensions) with picture area of 1½ x 1½ inches.
Before any important pictures, shoot a roll of film and take a few flash shots for practice and a check on your equipment. See your photo dealer for supplies, processing, or prints.
Clip neckstrap to eyelets on each side of camera as illustrated on neckstrap package.
Load – Never in bright light
Illustration labels: LOCK; WIND KNOB.
- Slide the cover LOCK (on bottom of camera) as far as it will go toward OPEN. Draw the back cover down slightly toward the bottom and remove it.
The empty take-up spool should be over the WIND KNOB (see sketch in camera). If the end-pin of the spool does not engage the wind knob key, turn the knob.
- Break the film sealing band (remove where indicated) on the roll of No. 127 film; then place it in the film holder by putting the end-pin of the spool flange inside the hook of the top spring, and pressing up against the spring with the spool until the lower end-pin can slip into the hole at the bottom of the film holder.
- Draw the paper, colored side out, over the square opening in the film holder, and thread the paper evenly into the slot of the empty spool. Turn the wind knob two full turns and, at the same time, apply slight pressure on the paper to be certain it is wound on the spool straight and tight.
- Replace the back cover (red window toward top) and slide the cover LOCK on the bottom of the camera as far as it will go toward LOCK.
- Look into the red window on the back of the camera. Turn the wind knob clockwise until the warning arrow appears; then slowly wind until the “1” is centered for the first picture. The film name precedes each of the 12 numbers.
Unload – Never in bright light
- After the 12th picture, turn the wind knob until the end of the paper has passed the red window and is completely wound on the take-up spool.
- Slide the cover lock (on bottom of camera) as far as it will go toward OPEN, and lift off the back cover. Press the film spool by its lower flange toward the top spring. Swing out the lower end of the spool and remove the film.
- Fold under the end of the paper. Seal it with the paper sticker.
- Move the empty spool to the wind knob side of the camera so that it is ready for reloading.
Outdoor pictures
- Have the sun behind you. The subject must be in bright, direct sunlight with Kodacolor Film or Ektachrome Film for Daylight – bright or cloudy-bright sunlight with Verichrome Pan Film.
- Keep at least 5 feet from your subject for sharp pictures.
- View the picture with your eye close to the square rear opening of the viewfinder, as shown in the illustration on the next page.
- Hold the camera steady and take the picture by slowly pressing the SHUTTER RELEASE all the way down.
- Wind the film to the next number.
Illustration label: SHUTTER RELEASE.
Flash pictures
Your camera is synchronized for flash, and two slot-type receptacles near the top of the back of the camera are provided for attaching a Brownie Fiesta Flasholder (obtainable from Kodak dealers).
For color slides, indoors, use Ektachrome Film for Daylight and blue flash lamps (AG-1B). With Kodak Verichrome Pan or Kodacolor Film, indoors, use clear flash lamps (AG-1).
Illustration labels: SOCKET; EJECTOR.
Batteries
If the flasholder is already attached to the camera, remove it by pressing on the front (near base, each side of reflector) to slide it toward the rear. Slide out the fiber battery cover by inserting a thumbnail or coin in the slot. Make sure that battery and flasholder contacts are clean; then insert two fresh 1½-volt photoflash penlite batteries (Size AA) with both bases toward the opposite side from the EJECTOR, as shown by the arrow in the flasholder, and in the illustration above. Replace the battery cover by sliding it in between its grooved tracks, slot-end first, with the two bosses toward the reflector.
Attaching
With the reflector facing in the same direction as the camera lens, position the flasholder on top of the camera by starting at the rear of the top and sliding the flasholder forward with its grooved bottom rails gripping the raised portion of the top, and two brass prongs inserted in their receptacles. While pressing down, slide it forward as far as it will go.
- Insert an AG-1-type flash lamp in the SOCKET by sliding the grooved mid-section of the glass base all the way in between the socket contacts, as illustrated. Insert the flashguard as directed on the package.
- The distance from the camera to the subject is important for proper flash exposure. Therefore, keep within the distances listed in the table on the back of the flasholder.
- View the picture with your eye close to the finder opening and slowly press the shutter release to flash the lamp and take the picture.
- Press the lamp EJECTOR down and tilt the flasholder forward to remove the used lamp.
Caution: Do not touch lamps during or immediately after flashing – they are extremely hot. Since lamps may shatter when flashed, use of the Brownie Fiesta Flashguard (provided with flasholder) over the reflector is recommended. Never flash lamps in an explosive atmosphere.
Important tips
- Don’t obstruct lens (with fingers, case, or strap)
- Keep camera lens and viewfinder clean
- Keep at least 5 feet from the subject
- Remember to advance film after each picture
See your Kodak dealer for: Kodak No. 6A Close-Up Attachment; Kodak No. 6A Cloud Filter
Guarantee
Within a year after purchase, any repairs necessary to this Brownie Fiesta Camera due to a defect in materials or workmanship will be made or, at our option, the camera will be replaced without charge. No other warranty or guarantee, express or implied, shall be applicable to this equipment. Nor are we responsible for loss of film, for other expenses or inconveniences, or for any consequential damages occasioned by the equipment.
In case of a defect, the camera should be sent directly or through a Kodak dealer to Eastman Kodak Company or a repair firm authorized by us to make such repairs. It should be accompanied by a description of the trouble encountered and other available information regarding the camera, including the date and place of purchase.
EASTMAN KODAK CO.
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
Part No. 161474
10-62-SH-EXX
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA