The Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-16 is a vintage film camera introduced by Kodak in the 1940s. This camera falls under the category of film cameras and is specifically designed to use Kodak’s 616 film format. It is a compact and portable camera that captures images on a roll of film, providing a nostalgic and artistic quality to the photographs.
**Features and Specifications**
The Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-16 comes with several notable features that make it a preferred choice for photography enthusiasts:
1. **Lens**: This camera is equipped with a fixed-focus Kodak Anastigmat lens, offering sharp and clear images. The lens has a focal length of 102mm, which provides a moderate telephoto effect.
2. **Shutter**: The camera features a simple leaf shutter with speeds ranging from 1/25 to 1/200 seconds, allowing for various exposure options. The shutter release is conveniently located on the top of the camera for easy access.
3. **Viewfinder**: The Vigilant Junior Six-16 includes a collapsible optical viewfinder, helping photographers accurately frame their shots. While not the most advanced viewfinder, it offers a practical and functional experience for capturing images.
4. **Film Format**: This camera uses Kodak’s 616 film format, which is larger than the more commonly used 35mm format. The 616 film captures images with dimensions of approximately 6.5cm × 11cm, resulting in larger, more detailed photographs.
**Release Date and Pricing**
The Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-16 was first introduced in the late 1940s and remained in production until the early 1950s. During its release, it was available at a price of around $25, which was considered reasonable for a reliable and feature-packed camera of its time.
**Experience and Final Thoughts**
Using the Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-16 takes us back to a bygone era of photography, where one had to carefully consider each shot before capturing it on film. The manual control settings and the larger film format offer a unique shooting experience, encouraging photographers to slow down and focus on composition.
Although the camera may lack the advanced features and automation of modern digital cameras, its simplicity and vintage charm make it a favorite among film photography enthusiasts. The resulting images have a distinctive vintage look that cannot be replicated digitally.
In conclusion, the Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-16 film camera is a classic piece of photographic equipment that embodies the essence of traditional film photography. Its sturdy build, simple operation, and larger film format make it a valuable addition to any film photographer’s collection. So, if you’re looking to explore the world of film photography and experience the joy of capturing moments on film, the Kodak Vigilant Junior Six-16 is definitely worth considering.
