Kodak Brownie Flash Six-20 Box Camera, ca. 1946–1960, Black Bakelite
CHF 25.00
The Brownie Flash Six-20 was introduced by Kodak in the late 1940s as a flash-ready evolution of the long-running Six-20 box camera line. Aimed squarely at the family snapshot market, it sold in enormous numbers across North America and Europe, and today represents one of the most recognisable symbols of mid-century amateur photography. Its moulded Bakelite body — with pronounced vertical ribbing on the front panel — gave it a modern, streamlined look that distinguished it from the fabric-covered cardboard boxes of earlier Brownie generations.
Optically, the camera relies on a simple single-element meniscus lens of approximately 100 mm focal length, fixed-focus and fixed at a nominal aperture of around f/11, combined with a simple rotary shutter offering a single instantaneous speed (ca. 1/30 s) and a bulb setting. Two flash synchronisation posts on the front accept bayonet-style flashbulb holders, which is the source of the "Flash" designation. The format is 6 × 9 cm on 620 roll film, yielding eight exposures per roll. Film advance is confirmed via the red ruby window visible on the rear panel.
This particular example is presented from the rear and front. The rear view shows the moulded black Bakelite body in well-used but structurally sound condition, with the distinctive red ruby frame-counter window clearly intact and the film-advance knob (in cream/ivory-coloured plastic) present. Some surface scuffing and minor handling marks are visible on the body panels. The front view — slightly soft in focus — confirms the "BROWNIE FLASH SIX-20" legend around the lens bezel, the two sync posts, the top-mounted optical direct-vision viewfinder, and the film-advance wheel. The lens element appears clear with no immediately obvious fungus or heavy haze visible at this resolution.
As a collectible, the Flash Six-20 occupies the accessible end of the Brownie spectrum — widely available, yet genuinely evocative of the era. Examples in complete working order with original flash holders and boxes command modest premiums; this body-only example is suited to display collections, photography-history enthusiasts, or prop use.
Material: Moulded black Bakelite body; nickel-plated metal hardware; red ruby glass film-counter window; cream/ivory plastic winding knob
Optically, the camera relies on a simple single-element meniscus lens of approximately 100 mm focal length, fixed-focus and fixed at a nominal aperture of around f/11, combined with a simple rotary shutter offering a single instantaneous speed (ca. 1/30 s) and a bulb setting. Two flash synchronisation posts on the front accept bayonet-style flashbulb holders, which is the source of the "Flash" designation. The format is 6 × 9 cm on 620 roll film, yielding eight exposures per roll. Film advance is confirmed via the red ruby window visible on the rear panel.
This particular example is presented from the rear and front. The rear view shows the moulded black Bakelite body in well-used but structurally sound condition, with the distinctive red ruby frame-counter window clearly intact and the film-advance knob (in cream/ivory-coloured plastic) present. Some surface scuffing and minor handling marks are visible on the body panels. The front view — slightly soft in focus — confirms the "BROWNIE FLASH SIX-20" legend around the lens bezel, the two sync posts, the top-mounted optical direct-vision viewfinder, and the film-advance wheel. The lens element appears clear with no immediately obvious fungus or heavy haze visible at this resolution.
As a collectible, the Flash Six-20 occupies the accessible end of the Brownie spectrum — widely available, yet genuinely evocative of the era. Examples in complete working order with original flash holders and boxes command modest premiums; this body-only example is suited to display collections, photography-history enthusiasts, or prop use.
Material: Moulded black Bakelite body; nickel-plated metal hardware; red ruby glass film-counter window; cream/ivory plastic winding knob
Condition notes
Overall condition is used/display grade. The Bakelite shell is structurally intact with no visible cracks or chips noted, but shows general surface wear, light scuffing, and handling marks consistent with decades of use or storage. The red ruby window is present and intact. The cream-coloured advance knob is present. The viewfinder and lens bezel appear complete. Minor paint or finish loss on edges is likely. No original box or accessories are present in the images. Mechanical function (shutter, film advance) cannot be confirmed from images alone.
kodak
brownie
flash six-20
box camera
bakelite
620 film
medium format
snapshot camera