☰ Menu
Art Deco Cameras

Bilora Blitz Box

Specification


Bilora Blitz Box
Bilora Blitz Box
Manufacturer: Bilora
Produced: 1948 - 1954
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Metal
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:2¼ x 3¼ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focal Length:110mm
Focus Type:Fixed
Focus Range:10ft to inf
Aperture Type :Multihole
Aperture :f/11 and f/16
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:B,I*(1/25 sec)
Size (w x h x d):83 x 115 x 125mm
Weight:520g
* Measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

star star star
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention

Description

The Bilora Blitz Box camera was manufactured by the Kurbi & Niggeloh Company of Radevormwald/RHLD, Germany. This camera is capable of capturing 6 X 9 cm exposures on no. 120 roll film. It is made of metal with imitation leather coverings which are embossed with a fine chevron pattern. It's name, 'Blitz', indicates that it features a synchronized flash. It has a fixed focus lens with two aperture settings. On later models adjustable focusing was provided. It has a simple time and instantaneous shutter. There are two brilliant finders, one for portrait and one for landscape. It has a PC type flash connector. A cable release socket can be found on the front of the shutter release button. Film advance is by red window which has a sliding metal cover. It has two tripod sockets. The camera is opened by pressing on two small chrome buttons on either side.

Please note that the folding frame viewfinder seen on the side of this camera was added by the previous owner and is not a standard feature.

How to Use

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.

As the shutter speed is only 1/25s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.

If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.

The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day (May - August) in the UK.

Remember that the exposure guide in the manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/25s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/16+3 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/16+2 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/16+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
OvercastBarely visiblef/16Good
Heavy OvercastNonef/11Good
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/11-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable