A Second Roll and a Few Adjustments…Voila!
Folks in the comments here on my blog and on my post on Bluesky suggested that the photos I posted in my earlier entry about the Kodak Hawk-Eye box camera were out of focus not due to any fault of the camera but due to user error. This did not surprise me as most bad photos I make are because I’m trying to figure things out and am making mistakes in the process. That’s how I learn. Well, such was the case this time, too.
Commenters advised me to rest the camera on a steady surface and stay at least 10-15 feet back from my subjects. I loaded up the camera, took it and a wooden bar stool outside with me, and fired off a few frames, eager to see if this advice would pay off.
Sure enough, it did! The resulting photos were nice and crisp! There’s nothing wrong with this 100-year-old camera that a little trial and error won’t fix.
Excellent work with the BHF!
The BHF can actually adapt to a variety of scenarios with a bit of ingenuity. Choosing a faster film allows capturing images in lower light. Close-ups can be achieved with a No.13 close-up accessory lens. Reversing the camera's lens also allows closer work, as well as producing some interesting edge blurring. Flash is also a possibility, though my only accomplishment with that was to burn my fingers trying to remove the used bulb.
I've experienced the same with my old boxes. When I keep the subject at least 10 feet out, all will be well.