Vintage 1950s Kodak Brownie Camera Lamp

This lamp is made from a Kodak Brownie Flash camera, carefully adapted into a functional lighting piece while retaining the character and integrity of the original object. The black Bakelite camera body remains largely unchanged, with the lens, viewfinder, and original markings still visible, giving the piece a clear sense of its photographic origins.

A flexible chrome gooseneck has been fitted to the top of the camera, allowing the light to be positioned precisely. This is paired with a retro-style chrome lampholder designed for an Edison filament bulb, chosen to complement the period of the camera and provide a warm, unobtrusive light. The lamp is operated via an inline switch in the power cable, keeping the overall design straightforward and practical.

The Kodak Brownie Flash cameras were produced in the post-war period, and this example is marked Made in France, indicating manufacture in the early to mid-1950s (approximately 1950–1958). During this time, Brownie cameras were widely used for everyday photography and valued for their simplicity and reliability.

The result is a considered and restrained conversion that balances function with heritage, allowing a well-designed mid-century object to continue serving a purpose in a contemporary setting without losing its historical identity.