This unusual camera was Kodak's first to be made entirely of Bakelite. It was only produced in England, and only for one year – 1930. It was never cataloged or sold outright to the public – it was used exclusively for promotional schemes (e.g., as a reward for buying subscriptions, chocolate, cigarettes etc.). The case is made of marbled brown Bakelite, giving it a very striking look and complementing the many Art Deco design elements. The entire front panel is spring-loaded and pops out to reveal the bellows. It uses standard 120 film, and is a basic point-and-shoot camera with three apertures and two shutter settings (instant and 'bulb' for time exposures).

The lens and shutter assembly are fitted behind a shallow cone molding. There is a chip at about the 12 o'clock position. This is an inherent design flaw that is typical of these cameras. The space between the bezel and the shutter is insufficent, preventing it from firing properly without that point in the bezel being broken away. The last series of the Hawkette had a shallower cone to allow the necessary space. Consequently the chipped bezel is the norm, not accidental damage.

Unlike similar folding cameras, the back of the No. 2 Hawkette doesn't lift off from the front section – it opens along a hinged side.