Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Kodak No. 2 and 2A Rainbow Hawk-Eye

The Rainbow Hawk-eye was based on the Cartridge Hawk-Eye camera, but in a variety of colors, including blue, green, brown, maroon, red and black. Oddly enough, the black seems to be the least common, yet has the least value. In addition to color, they can be found with different grain patterns to the outer covering. I have seen a normal grain pattern, one that resembles brush strokes, and one that has pronounced circles that remind me of bubbles.

The Rainbow Hawk-Eye was available in the two sizes that are common to many of the hawk-Eye line, No. 2 and 2A. The No.2 used 120 film, creating images that are 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 inched. The 2A made 2-1/2 x 4-1/4 inch images on 116 film. As 120 film is still readily available, it can be fun to take one out and shoot it. To open the camera, you unlatch the two latches, then turn the wind knob while pulling, and it will pull partway out. The back of the camera will then slip off.

Both sizes of the Rainbow Hawk-Eye were available in two models, Model B and Model C. The Model B had two viewfinders, the Model C was a simplified version with only one. from my experience, the Model C is the more common of the two. The Rainbow Hawk-Eye was also produced in Canada.

Many of the cameras pictured here have their original boxes. It should be noted that the boxes were made of less durable materials, and as the cameras themselves were not expensive, tended to be discarded, making them very uncommon today.

The No.2A Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model B in green, with box.

The No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in blue, with box. This is the "paintbrush" grain pattern.

Another No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in blue, with box. This is the "normal" grain pattern.

The No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in maroon, with box.

The No.2A Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model B in maroon, with box

The No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in brown, with box.

The No.2A Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model B in red, with box. This example carries the "Tim's Official Camera" decal.

The No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in red, with box.

The No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in red, with box. The color is a bit darker on this example.

Another No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in red, with a different color of box.

The Canadian No.2 Kodak Rainbow Hawk-Eye Model C in red, with box.