Ferrania Ibis 44
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Ferrania |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1956 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Cast Aluminium |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| ImageSize | : | 1⅝ x 1⅝ in |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 65mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Range | : | 5.6ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Aperture | : | f/7.7 and f/12 |
| Shutter Type | : | leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B, I(1/50s, 1/100s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 129 x 80 x 72 mm |
| Weight | : | 385g |
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period
- Moulded aluminium front, top and bottom plates
- Curvilinear streamline shape
- Body design shows stepped features.
- Multi-line engraved pattern on top
- Tripple circles around the lens mount
- Tripple arcs on the lens mount
- Chrome shutter release
Description
The Ibis 44 was made in Italy by Ferrania around 1956. It is a viewfinder camera taking 4x4cm pictures on 127 film. The top, bottom and front are made from cast aluminium but the back is pressed steel. The front and back have leatherette panels. The top has an accessories slot for mounting a flash unit. The base has a tripod mount.
The shutter release is mounted on the body and is linked to the film advance wheel to prevent double exposures. The frame advance wheel is embedded in the top of the camera. There is a small oval cut-out on the back adjacent to the wheel which shows red when the frame needs to be advanced and white when the wheel has been turned enough. The shutter has speeds of 1/50s & 1/100s plus B, with flash sync via a PC socket. The 65mm f7.7 lens is labelled Acromatico Ferrania, and has two stops, f7.7 and f12. Focus is adjusted by rotating the ring immediately surrounding the front element. It can focus down to 5.6 feet.
This camera has a strong resemblance to the Bella series by Bilora but Ferrania held the patent. The Ferrania Ibis 34 is similar to the Ibis 44 but takes 3x4cm exposures on 127 film. It has two red windows to control film advance.
How to Use
This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.
The apertures available are is f/7.7 and f/12. The speeds available are 1/100s and 1/50s.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100/125 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern 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 to 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
Key: Green - Good exposure; Amber - acceptable exposure; Red - unacceptable exposure. Number of stops over or under shown.
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/50 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/12 +3 over | f/12 +2 over |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/12 +2 over | f/12 +1 over |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/12 +1 over | f/12 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/12 | f/7.7 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/7.7 | f/7.7 -1 under |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/7.7 -1 under | f/7.7 -2 under |